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Jeffrey Banks, great American fashion designer.

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Jeffrey is one of those guys that seems to have been born with impeccable style.  As a high-schooler working at the legendary shop Britches, he was tapped by Ralph to come work for him.  Ralph became very fond of Jeffrey– he even lent him his own personal tuxedo and pumps for his Senior Prom.  Polo was a small company back then, so he worked directly with Ralph as his design assistant, and they are still close today.    Jeffrey, passionate about design, made the decision to leave Polo and finish his studies at Pratt Institute and Parsons.  Jeffrey later designed for Calvin, and Merona Sportswear, among others. He launched his own menswear collection in 1977 to much acclaim, and is among the “who’s who” of fashion and a longtime member of the CFDA.

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Jeffrey Banks incredible shearling coat.

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One of my many obsessions in life is Shearling coats.  So when Jeffrey showed me  this clipping of a shearling trench he did years ago- well frankly, I lost it. Thanks Jeffrey.  Yes, thanks for creating a huge, gaping hole in me that can now only be filled with a shearling trench coat.  This is one of the most chic and sexy pieces I have ever laid eyes on.  It’s no surprise though, coming from Jeffrey- one of the most dapper guys going, and a two-time winner of the Coty American Fashion Critics award.  

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Jefrey Banks 23 yrs old, debuting his collection at Macy's.

Link to short biography on Jeffrey Banks