Designer Jeffrey Banks Shares His Story in New Memoir

After years of crafting stories for others through fashion, legendary menswear designer Jeffrey Banks is finally telling his own. At 72, Banks is embarking on a new chapter, releasing his memoir, “Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider,” and relaunching his eponymous label. It’s a celebration of a career spanning over five decades, marked by innovation, mentorship, and a deep love for style.

A Career Defined by Style and Substance

Banks first launched his label in 1976, offering polished tailoring and American sportswear with a distinctive flair for color and texture. In an era with few Black designers in major department stores, his work was a standout, gracing the racks of Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman and securing multimillion-dollar deals. His designs, like tartan plaid jackets and pinstriped suits, showcased a unique blend of classic style and modern sensibility.

Now, for his January relaunch, Banks is shifting focus to sustainable sportswear, including knits and underwear, recognizing the evolving landscape of fashion and the preferences of younger generations. He believes this move away from traditional suiting is the right business decision for today.

Mentorship, Family, and Fashion Icons

Banks’ memoir is more than just a career retrospective; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the people who shaped his journey. He was motivated to write the book, in part, so his mother, who turns 105 in January, could read his story. She instilled in him and his sister the belief that hard work and determination could overcome any obstacle, regardless of race.

His career was significantly influenced by fashion giants like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Banks recounts how Lauren mentored him from a young age, even lending him a suit for his prom. He also shares how Calvin Klein personally recruited him, and how he strategically seated Lauren and Klein together at his first fashion show. These relationships highlight the collaborative spirit and mutual respect within the industry.

A ‘Breakout Year’ and Industry Recognition

This year marks a significant resurgence for Banks. His work was recently featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit, a testament to his lasting impact. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) also celebrated his book launch with a conversation between Banks and fellow designer Isaac Mizrahi, who praised Banks as a trendsetter and a true success story.

Stan Herman, former President of the CFDA, described Banks as a natural storyteller with an impeccable memory, humorously noting he was ‘born with a Vogue in his crib.’ Banks’ book, while filled with entertaining anecdotes and photos of industry figures like Perry Ellis, Barbra Streisand, and Audrey Hepburn, maintains a gentlemanly discretion about his most intimate insider secrets.

The Relaunch and a Community’s Support

As Jeffrey Banks returns to his roots with the relaunch of his menswear label, the fashion community is embracing him with open arms. Fern Mallis, former head of the CFDA, affirms his continued relevance, stating, ‘There’s definitely a place for him in the market.’ His enduring connections and the respect he commands ensure that his new venture will be met with enthusiasm and support from friends and fashion enthusiasts alike.