Welsh designer Jeff Banks is the co-founder of retail chain Warehouse, and former presenter; celebrated for his innovative and timeless designs on clothing, jewellery and home furnishings. As well as his powerful eye for detail, he also has an eye for production; creating and presenting 320 episodes of The Clothes Show, a BBC One program which broadcast for a astounding fourteen years. The show became hugely successful, often reaching over 10 million viewers, which led to a magazine of the same name and a successful live event in Birmingham.
1975 saw the opening of Banks’ first shop in London, rapidly followed by retail outlets in 22 department stores, which included Harvey Nichols and Harrods. The late 70s saw the formation of Warehouse whilst Banks continued to work as a freelance designer. Banks has some fantastic accolades under his belt; he was made British Coat Designer of the Year in 1980, as well as becoming British Designer of the Year in 79 and 81. The late 80s saw him design many stage clothes for musician Howard Jones.
In 1996 Banks created Incorporatewear, now one of the largest companies in the UK. His rocketing career has seen him collaborate with huge household names such as Sainsbury’s, the England Football Team, Guide Association as well as the Olympics. His design heroes are Giorgio Armani, Alice Temperley and Hardy Amies.