We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raymond Banks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raymond below.

Raymond, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I grew up in a two parent middle class family, so I always had two opinions and views when it came to life. My parents were very welcoming of my creative ability, they never shunned my creative light nor did they try to obstruct it. The impact of having supportive parents has played a huge role in where I am today in my life and career. Throughout my primary and secondary education my parents would always be hands on with all class projects I created. I remember this one time in the eleventh grade I had an english project to recreate an english scroll, so I remember brainstorming on this and with my dads guidance I set fire to the scroll creating this tattered/torn look. That was just one of many projects I remember doing the absolute most to create something memorable. Another memory I have growing up, is one year during the Miss Mississippi pageant my mother allowed me to dress myself for this particular night of competition, so I had the brazen idea to wear an all white suit with matching white shoes. My parents were never the ones to say no to creativity and self expression.

Raymond, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m from Vicksburg, MS born and raised, a 2018 graduate of the greatest HBCU Alcorn State University. I have always been a lover of fashion and growing up it only strengthened when I could research and explore fashion for myself. Before enrolling at Alcorn State University I was a student another well known state university in which I will leave nameless, but while a student there I ran into my big career roadblock. I did not allow this to stop my career, but instead it gave me the motivation and kickstart I needed. Along with this I started creating things for myself. In particular I made a bow tie one Sunday before my church’s annual black history month program. That one bow tie opened many doors for me, and allowed me to present to the world “The Gent.”

In 2013 I started out as a men’s accessories maker particularly bow ties. At the time I was employed through Dillard’s clothing store, so I was selling my custom ties to customers, lol. It was totally breaking store policy, but this job gave me the avenue to expand my brand. I continued with this until November 2018 when I started the Hoodvenchy brand. Periodically, I will make a few bow ties here and there to make sure I still have that skill.

I would consider myself a streetwear designer, but not just the ordinary streetwear designer. My vision and goals is to be an affordable luxury streetwear designer. The Hoodvenchy brand incorporates streetwear and haute couture. When I’m designing my clients are going to the corner store around 3pm, but they also have an industry mixer to attend later that evening. I also design for the client who is attending The Met Gala, but is walking in an avant-garde runway show before. There is no set customer for Hoodvenchy I design and craft for everyone, the dope boys, clergy, sex workers, teachers and politicians.

There are some many accomplishments that I am proud of. I would say my proudest moment would be when my hometown named October 1st as Raymond Banks Day.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My main mission as a fashion designer is shedding light on those fashion creatives who people do not know had such a huge contribution to the fashion industry. As a citizen of Vicksburg, MS I will always make sure people know about the wonderful works of fashion designer Patrick Kelly, and everything he contributed to American and European fashion. American Playwright George C. Wolfe once stated, “God created black people; Black people created style” this statement reigns true in every aspect. From the time of slavery with slaves dressing up in their “Sunday’s best” to current, African Americans always made sure when we were stepping out to an event we were dressed to the nines or as some southern folks might say “sharp as a tack.” There are so many fashion leaders such as: Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, Stephen Burrows, Anne Lowe, Zelda Valdes, Beverly Johnson, Donyale Luna, Pat Cleveland, Bethann Hardison and so many more African American Designers and Models who path way for the fashion industry. Hoodvenchy is not only about forging a new legacy, but keeping the legacy alive for those who set the pace for me and other black fashion designers.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a creative we have a special way of doing things. Our routines and patterns are not what you would see out of an everyday person. Non-creatives may see it as being unorganized or misguided, but at the end of the day that’s just how creatives are. When we find something that works best for us we stick to it. Sleeping late in the day and working until the sunrise is something that most people do not understand, but as a creative that is what we do. The life of a creative cannot be explained or studied. Only way to figure it out is be a creative and live it, so the next time you feel the need to pass judgement on a creative don’t this who we are!

Contact Info:

• Website: Hoodvenchy.com
• Instagram: Hoodvenchy601

Image Credits
Larry Walker (Skywalker_Studios)
The Model Experience Photographer