In the late ’70s, spirited young designer, Perry Ellis introduced a fresh, witty and relaxed new sensibility to American sportswear, initially for women and a few years later, for men. The clothes were easy, oversized, slouchy, but classic at heart and they caused a sensation. Ellis, who once told the New York Times that he "always made a determined effort to do something different," did just that, creating a series of signature looks such as his “dimple” sleeves and single-cabled sweaters that set his clothes apart from everyone else’s. Nearly three decades after his untimely death, the legacy of the designer Ellis is still very much felt : PERRY ELLIS: An American Original is the first complete monograph to celebrate his exceptional career.   The beautifully illustrated book showcases Ellis’s designs through a combination of photography and sketches, providing an insightful look at each season of his career, from 1976 to 1986, offering readers unique access to editorial and ad campaign photographs from the archives of brilliant photographer Erica Lennard, with whom Ellis worked  almost exclusively.  Included here are ephemera, a treasure trove of drawings, and never-before-published photos from the personal collections of the designer’s friends and family, adding insight to Ellis’s unique aesthetic while solidifying his place as one of the key contemporary designers of American fashion.

Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider weaves the incredible tapestry of Jeffrey Banks's life: a fashion designer who rose from Ralph Lauren intern to award-winning menswear creator and an acclaimed champion of diversity and classic American style.Jeffrey Banks has blazed a remarkable path through the fashion industry. Born in Washington, DC, Banks discovered his passion for clothes at a young age. When he was just 17 years old, he landed an internship at Ralph Lauren, where his precocious talent and eye for classical American design began to blossom. Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider chronicles the designer and historian's meteoric rise, graduating from New York’s Parsons School of Design to quickly launching his eponymous menswear line in 1977. He recounts the creative and business challenges of establishing his brand, known for blending traditional American sportswear with luxurious sophistication. Banks has authored several best-selling books and biographies about fashion. This is his first memoir. He is currently prominently featured in Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a groundbreaking show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York. Banks shares intimate stories about designing for celebrities and his close friendship with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, who became his mentors. His designs were photographed by Bruce Weber and Richard Avedon, and others. His friendships with Audrey Hepburn, Bobby Short, and Barbra Streisand are also highlighted in the book. But Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider is far more than a catalog of names, Banks relates hilarious and touching tales with unmatched verve. The book also explores Banks' advocacy for diversity in fashion and his tireless support for young designers. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, the two-time Coty Award and CFDA award winner reflects on fashion's evolution from the 1970s through today. The lavishly illustrated book is a must-have for any fashion lover.

In the late ’70s, spirited young designer, Perry Ellis introduced a fresh, witty and relaxed new sensibility to American sportswear, initially for women and a few years later, for men. The clothes were easy, oversized, slouchy, but classic at heart and they caused a sensation. Ellis, who once told the New York Times that he "always made a determined effort to do something different," did just that, creating a series of signature looks such as his “dimple” sleeves and single-cabled sweaters that set his clothes apart from everyone else’s. Nearly three decades after his untimely death, the legacy of the designer Ellis is still very much felt : PERRY ELLIS: An American Original is the first complete monograph to celebrate his exceptional career.   The beautifully illustrated book showcases Ellis’s designs through a combination of photography and sketches, providing an insightful look at each season of his career, from 1976 to 1986, offering readers unique access to editorial and ad campaign photographs from the archives of brilliant photographer Erica Lennard, with whom Ellis worked  almost exclusively.  Included here are ephemera, a treasure trove of drawings, and never-before-published photos from the personal collections of the designer’s friends and family, adding insight to Ellis’s unique aesthetic while solidifying his place as one of the key contemporary designers of American fashion.

Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider weaves the incredible tapestry of Jeffrey Banks's life: a fashion designer who rose from Ralph Lauren intern to award-winning menswear creator and an acclaimed champion of diversity and classic American style.Jeffrey Banks has blazed a remarkable path through the fashion industry. Born in Washington, DC, Banks discovered his passion for clothes at a young age. When he was just 17 years old, he landed an internship at Ralph Lauren, where his precocious talent and eye for classical American design began to blossom. Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider chronicles the designer and historian's meteoric rise, graduating from New York’s Parsons School of Design to quickly launching his eponymous menswear line in 1977. He recounts the creative and business challenges of establishing his brand, known for blending traditional American sportswear with luxurious sophistication. Banks has authored several best-selling books and biographies about fashion. This is his first memoir. He is currently prominently featured in Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a groundbreaking show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York. Banks shares intimate stories about designing for celebrities and his close friendship with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, who became his mentors. His designs were photographed by Bruce Weber and Richard Avedon, and others. His friendships with Audrey Hepburn, Bobby Short, and Barbra Streisand are also highlighted in the book. But Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider is far more than a catalog of names, Banks relates hilarious and touching tales with unmatched verve. The book also explores Banks' advocacy for diversity in fashion and his tireless support for young designers. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, the two-time Coty Award and CFDA award winner reflects on fashion's evolution from the 1970s through today. The lavishly illustrated book is a must-have for any fashion lover.