Jeff Banks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jeff Banks (born March 17, 1943 in Ebbw Vale, Wales) is a renowned British Designer of both Men's and Women's Clothing, Jewellery, and Home Furnishings.
[edit] Education
Attended St. Dunstan's College in Catford, South London, studied textile and interior design at London's Camberwell School of Art, St. Martin's College, and New York's Parson's School of Design. He holds degrees from the University of Lancashire, East London, Newcastle & Northumbria and Westminster, and is a Doctor of Arts.
[edit] Life and career
In 1964, he opened the boutique Clobber in London, which carried his own designs along with other designers' work. It proved to be such a success that in 1969, he launched his own fashion label.
In 1975 he opened the first standalone Jeff Banks shop in London, as well as retail outlets in twenty-two department stores, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
In the late 1970's, he co-launched the fashion chain Warehouse, as well as continuing to work as a freelance designer.
In 1979 and 1981 Jeff became British Designer of the Year, and in 1980 he was made British Coat Designer of the Year.
Banks' standing as a commercial force in retail fashion led to his presenting over 300 episodes of The Clothes Show, the BBC's long-running fashion show, alongside Selina Scott and Caryn Franklin. The show's success led in 1989 to the first Clothes Show Live event at the Birmingham NEC, as well as the launch of the Clothes Show Magazine.
In 2000, he signed a deal to design clothes for the UK chain Sainsbury's. The installation of Jeff Banks stores within Sainsbury's outlets proved successful, but a dispute led to the early temination of his contract. The resulting lawsuit was resolved with Sainsbury's agreeing to pay a reported settlement of £1 million, plus a box of truffles every week.
He has continued to work as a designer with designs for the Brownies and Guides, the England football team, and recently for London's 2012 Olympic bid, which were modelled at the launch by Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis.
He has been married twice. First to the 1960's pop star Sandie Shaw, and subsequently, to Sue Mann, a model and makeup artist.
