Inside 'Storyteller': A Look at Jeffrey Banks' Remarkable 50 Years in Fashion
The designer is finally emerging from behind the scenes and taking center stage with the release of a new memoir.
After spending years co-authoring seven books about the fashion industry, menswear designer Jeffrey Banks has finally decided it was time to share his story in the fashion world.
His new memoir, Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider, offers an insightful look into over 50 years of experience, highlighting his evolution from a Ralph Lauren intern to an award-winning designer, celebrated arbiter of classic style and champion for equity and inclusion in fashion. He not only chronicles his personal achievements but also dives into the dazzling composition of his sartorial life - encapsulating how he earned the nickname “ The Fashion Maker.”
Scheduled for release on Dec. 16, Storyteller invites readers into the heart of classic American style with engaging anecdotes and reflections while showcasing the creative spirit that propelled him to the forefront of menswear. His story serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and the importance of diversity in shaping the fashion landscape, moving readers to appreciate the nuances of a career that has blazed an indelible mark on the industry.
Born on November 3, 1955, in Washington, DC, Banks discovered his passion for fashion at a young age. At just 17, he landed an internship at Ralph Lauren, marking the beginning of his journey into American design. The book chronicles his swift ascent in the fashion business, from his graduation at New York’s Parsons School of Design to the launch of his own menswear line in 1976 at just 21 years old. His collection was an extraordinary celebration of style, featuring eye-catching elements like bright colors and unique fabrics, including tartan plaid jackets, sharp pinstriped suits and luxurious furs.
At a time when fashion had very few Black designers making waves, Banks broke through barriers and distinguished himself by having his collections available at major department stores like Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, as he secured contracts worth millions, proving that creativity and boldness in fashion can pave the way for success, regardless of background.
In the book, he candidly navigates the creative and business challenges he faced along the way, all while establishing a brand that artfully blends traditional American sportswear with a hint of luxury. He shares brilliant anecdotes about designing for an array of celebrities and recounts the invaluable mentorship he received from veterans Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
Banks met Lauren when he was a teenager at a menswear store called Britches of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. In the book, he talks about how Lauren lent him one of his suits to wear to prom, and later, Banks worked for the designer while studying at Pratt Institute. He mentioned that they connected over their shared love for classic Hollywood stars.
“Ralph always treated me like an equal, I mean, from Day One,” Banks said. “He always said … I’m his other son.”
While studying at the Parsons School of Design, Banks was personally recruited by Klein. At his first fashion show, he mentioned that he seated Klein and Lauren next to each other.
While working on Klein’s menswear line, Banks received an opportunity to start his own brand. He then explored different areas, including men’s outerwear with Lakeland, furs with Alixandre, a line for boys called Jeffrey Banks Boys, and women’s clothing.
In 1980, he was chosen to revamp Merona Sport, a family sportswear brand. He transformed it into a highly profitable business, which greatly advanced his career. He noted that the brand’s revenue soared from $7 million to $70 million in just six months.
His collaborations have even been captured by legendary photographers such as Bruce Weber and Richard Avedon, bringing his designs to life in stunning visuals.
In a heartwarming display of friendship, Banks’ colleagues from the fashion world have united to back him on his book tour. Just last week, the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) of America organized a talk between Banks and Isaac Mizrahi to celebrate the release of Banks’ book.
Mizrahi, who collaborated with Banks on his women’s clothing line, praised him as a trendsetter in the business world.
“I was so inspired when I was working with him, and he was one of the first people to do a lot of things at once,” Mizrahi said in a recent interview. “I looked at that, and I thought that was real success.”
Banks is a natural storyteller; and his memoir beautifully captures the quintessence of his life, serving as a heartfelt love letter to the family, cherished friends and stylish companions who have stood by him through thick and thin. With a touch of nostalgia and warmth, he constructs tales that don’t just celebrate his journey but also the powerful personalities that have influenced him along the way. One of the driving forces behind writing this book was his desire for his mother, who is about to celebrate her 105th birthday, to have the chance to read his stories and relive those precious memories.
“She instilled in me and in my sister, as did my father, the idea that if we wanted something bad enough and we were willing to work hard enough for it, we could achieve and get anything that we wanted,” he said. “And the fact that we were Black, that shouldn’t make a difference.”
In Storyteller, Banks also reflects on his cherished friendships with celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Barbra Streisand, but his recollections transcend a mere parade of famous names. Instead, he infuses his stories with humor and heartfelt emotion, revealing the personal side of the fashion world. He also emphasizes his advocacy for promoting diversity in fashion and supporting emerging designers, providing a thoughtful perspective on the industry’s evolution from the 1970s to the present day.
At age 72, the two-time Coty Award and CFDA Award winner continues to have a remarkable journey. His work is currently celebrated in Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, showcasing the rich assemblage of Black influence in fashion. And In January, he is going back to his roots with the relaunch of his menswear line, stepping away from traditional formal suits to embrace a more relaxed vibe with eco-friendly sportswear. This fresh direction includes a range of comfortable yet stylish pieces, such as knitwear and underwear, that cater to the modern man’s lifestyle while prioritizing sustainability. By focusing on environmentally conscious materials and production methods, Banks is responding to the growing demand for responsible fashion but at the same time, encouraging a more laid-back, everyday approach to dressing.
As much as I love suits and tailored clothing,” he told The Associated Press, “I don’t think that’s the business for now, and the business of young people.”
The fashion community is gearing up to welcome him back.
“He’s still as relevant as ever,” Fern Mallis, former head of the CFDA said. “And I think there’s definitely a place for him in the market, he’s got a wonderful following of fashionista friends. … We’ll be wearing it, posting it and writing about it.”
Storyteller is a beautifully written and illustrated memoir that is not just a treat for fashion enthusiasts; it’s a testament to resilience, creativity and the power of how Black narration has consistently shaped culture throughout history.
Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider by Jeffrey Banks will be released and available for purchase at all major bookstores on December 16th. You can also pre-order it at the following Black-owned bookstores.