Storyteller in Style: Designer Jeffrey Banks and Fern Mallis Electrify 92NY With Memoir, Memories, and a Scarf That Spans Icons
- Taylor Lynn
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
Legendary Designer Jeffrey Banks Shares Unfiltered Tales and Joins Fern Mallis for a Night Celebrating Fashion
Two-time Coty Award-winning designer Jeffrey Banks brought his signature blend of wit, insight, and sartorial panache to the 92nd Street Y (92NY) in New York on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, for a live conversation with fashion powerhouse Fern Mallis celebrating the launch of his memoir, "Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider". The evening was a compelling tapestry of Banks’ storied career, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the ever-evolving world of fashion, making it an unforgettable event for industry insiders, students, and fashion lovers alike.
An Evening With Two Icons
The anticipation around Banks’ appearance was palpable as guests filled the historic 92NY auditorium, eager to hear from a designer whose journey spans decades and touches every facet of American fashion. Introduced by Fern Mallis, herself famed as "the godmother of New York Fashion" and the visionary behind Fashion Week, the stage was set for an intimate dialogue between two true luminaries. Mallis’s legendary warm interview style quickly drew out Banks’s talent for storytelling and candor, while allowing space for laughter and reflection.
Jeffrey Banks: From Intern to Industry Legend
Banks recounted his meteoric rise from a 17-year-old intern at Ralph Lauren to collaborating with design titans like Calvin Klein, and launching his own celebrated menswear brand—moves that would earn him international recognition and perennial placement on the “International Best Dressed” list. He described the creative and business challenges of establishing a brand, combining modern techno-fibers with luxurious natural materials, and pioneering exuberant color palettes that injected new life into men’s fashion: “Men enjoy its liberating spirit,” he observed, reflecting on the importance of innovation rooted in classic principles.
Banks also detailed his advocacy for diversity within the fashion industry, his mentorship of emerging talent, and his dedication to philanthropic causes through service with organizations like Publicolor and the Hetrick Martin Institute. Anecdotes from his memoir and the discussion spanned not only friendships with icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Barbra Streisand but also behind-the-scenes glimpses into photo shoots with Bruce Weber and Richard Avedon—moments that shape both public perception and personal histories.
Fern Mallis and the Art of Fashion Conversation
Mallis, as always, proved herself a masterful interviewer and facilitator. Renowned for her role as creator of New York Fashion Week and host of the Fashion Icons series, she seamlessly guided the audience through stories, sharp observations, and poignant moments. Her own history intertwines deeply with the industry: from CFDA director to IMG Fashion executive, Mallis’s influence is woven through every episode of Fashion Icons, and her dedication to accessories and philanthropy underpins the spirit of the evening.
Images: Cultured Focus/@fernallis
The Silk Scarf: Fashion, Art, and Legacy
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of an original, limited-edition silk scarf, created in collaboration with celebrated artists and featuring the faces of fashion luminaries previously interviewed by Mallis for her Fashion Icons series at 92NY. Designed as a wearable work of art, each scarf individually numbered, the piece will soon include Jeffrey Banks and is offered for purchase, with proceeds supporting educational and creative programming at the 92NY.
Reflections and Resonance
Attendees left with deep appreciation for Banks’s legacy and Mallis’s dedication to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the oral history of American fashion. For Banks, "Storyteller" is more than memoir—it’s a lively, illustrated document of an industry in transformation, a tribute to diversity, and an invitation for future designers to blend authenticity with creative courage.
The 92NY gathering was more than a celebration—it was a vivid reminder of fashion’s power to spark conversation, preserve legacy, and inspire the future. Jeffrey Banks, with a memoir rich in wisdom and charm, and Fern Mallis, ever the astute moderator and catalyst, proved that the stories and artistry behind the clothes are just as important as what’s seen on the runway. As the audience departed, they carried with them not only new insights and fond memories, but also a deeper appreciation for the intersection of fashion, storytelling, and community.