The Humor Mill Sept 2015 | Page 72

If you happened to see this past season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and thought Wanda Sykes looked amazing, or if you happened to see Cee-Loo Green in NBC’s The Voice, then you just happened to see some of the amazing work done by Okera Banks. Okera Banks has established herself as the stylist and costume designer of choice by celebrities and corporate executives in the industry. Possessing a body of work that ranges from TV, film, music, sports to red carpet appearances and photo shoots, Banks has cleverly grown her brand to include her namesake clothing line Okera Banks, the OTG “on the go” Essentials Collection. The must have pieces for the modern day woman. A native of Washington, D.C., but raised in Charleston, SC, the vivacious and personable Banks earned a dual degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising and Marketing from Clark Atlanta University. Prior to completing her education, her fashion ambition led her to New York to intern with Mirabella, a leading fashion publication. As an assistant fashion editor, Banks absorbed American and European fashion elements, which fed and sustained her interest in up-and-coming trends, leading fashion designers, textures, and accessories. Upon completing her studies, Banks relocated to Los Angeles and quickly became part of the trend-setting fashion world. Banks’ transition to designer was natural and organic. Her current work as a designer is evidence of her versatility and Avant-garde spirit. You can currently see her designs on clients that include Cee Lo Green, Mel B, Angela Bassett, Christina Milian, Viola Davis and Nelly. Banks has been recognized for her unique style intervention, making numerous entertainers and high level corporate executives picture-perfect such as, Anthony Anderson, Mary J. Blige, Bill Bellamy, Larenz Tate, Kathaleen Madigan, Garcelle Beauvais, mophie, Herbalife I nternational, to name of few.