Vicksburg local to attend New York Fashion Week

Vicksburg local, Raymond Banks will be attending New York Fashion Week with his own line of fashion this Fall.

Banks, a graduate of Vicksburg Highschool, is a fashion designer who has been designing clothes since 2013. Banks is also a graduate of the Parsons School of Design. “It’s one of the top brand fashion schools,” he noted.

“Fashion has always been around throughout my life,” said Banks. “It’s always been a huge inspiration.”

Photo credit: Visuals.AF

When asked how he made his dream into a reality he responded, “Honestly I just went out there and made it happen. People always say they remember the exact moment when something worked out for them but this just happened. It just fell out of thin air.”

He was discovered and invited to New York Fashion week after working with a company at L.A. Fashion Week. “I guess they liked my work enough at L.A. that they invited me to New York,” he said lightheartedly.

Banks will be traveling with his collection for the show which will be on Sep. 11 at the 99 Scott Studio in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity to really showcase my talents and give people a feel for what Mississippi has to offer,” he said.

Photo credit: Visuals.AF

The Vicksburg native is hoping to follow in the footsteps of another Vicksburg great in the same field, Mr. Patrick Kelly.

“I’ve been inspired by a fashion designer from Vicksburg who has not received the recognition he deserves; Patrick Kelly. I actually designed the Patrick Kelly exhibit at Catfish Row in his honor,” said Banks. “I want people to see what I see in Mississippi. It’s a hidden gem for so many. My biggest plan is just to keep thriving. That’s my biggest thing.”

Photo credit: Visuals.AF

Whatever is in store next for Banks, his representation of Vicksburg at New York Fashion week is already a huge accomplishment.