Cheryl B. Engelhardt’s album, “The Passenger” (written and recorded on a train), was nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for the 2023 Grammy Nomination

Her Amtrak journey took her through the Colorado Rockies which she immediately fell in love with.  Turns out one of her best friends and collaborator (Kevin) grew up in my hometown of Lakewood, Colorado there was yet another connection for her storytelling.

Cheryl had been collecting the signatures of her friends,family and fans.  It was Cheryl’s intention to take her fans with her to the Grammys awards presentation. What a wonderful idea to bring your loved ones along as passengers on such a joyous journey!

The Process

After many discussions with Cheryl we decided to have the signatures transferred onto silk taffeta, the same fabrication as the skirt.  I  took those signatures shaped and formed them and appliqued each one by one to her custom Brooks LTD bustier-crop top. Each edge of the 100+ appliques were hand frayed and stitched on a soft undergarment of knit  fabric allowing comfort and ease of movement the entire night.

First, I did sketches of options for the top. Once she selected the style she liked(I gave her 3 choices) my work began.

 I draped the choice in muslin so she could see the vision(it did change somewhat).

The tedious work.

“Admittedly, I thoroughly enjoyed the process of stitching the appliques one at a time. Many Zen moments for sure.”

“Couture Details makes my heart sing.”

On the Red Carpet

Being able to work remotely with like-minded professionals reminded me that the world really is our oyster, as we have so many more avenues of connection. Using Zoom for meetings made the process seamless. We collaborated with an Atelier in Darian, Connecticut near Cheryl’s hometown, called SOKAYRI Atelier.

As time went on the chic, sophiscated look morphed into what  She Knows says “Composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt stunned everyone at the 2023 Grammys in this mermaid-esque, custom blue SOKAYRI ATELIER skirt and a floral white top from Brooks LTD.”

The complete ensemble

The ball gown skirt was the perfect complement for the ensemble, both pieces can be worn again .  I returned all of the scraps of the signatures and the team at Sokayri Atelier put together the perfect chocker to compete the look.  As fashion designers we like to utilize all parts of the fabric, so it doesn’t end up in the landfill, we call it zero waste.

Cheryl finished her chic 2023 Grammy ensemble with a pair of sneakers to add a touch of playfulness.  Here’s to looking and being fabulous!

I can’t wait to see how she styles her crop top with jeans or other choices for her lifestyle. This is what I like to think of as investment dressing – where it’s #funtobedressedup I am a big fan of use and reuse.

We are in Vogue Magazine!

Cheryl was so perfectly put together by her team of creatives Vogue Magazine(along with many others) thought it worthy of a photo op. As a result, I couldn’t be more pleased. A dream come true for many of us who worked together on this project.

Everything is available across the continent just by reaching out to make your dream a reality.

Follow Cheryl’s music here. I trust this is only the beginning of a long future in the New Age, Ambient Music arena. Thank you for having me as a ‘passenger’ on your journey. I look forward to your next nomination.

Credits:

Model/Composer: @cbemusic

Top: @brooksltd

Skirt and Choker: @sokayri_custom_couture

Hair and makeup: @daniellebaumbeauty

Jewelry: compliments of @hudsonvalleygoldsmith

 Shoes: @juicycouture

Publicity: @diyprinc

Champagne (in blood stream but not pictures): @whitecliffvineyard

Online publications:

Vogue

She Knows

Eonline

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As I reflect I see how Covid changed my direction. My designs are reflective of the times. To slow down and enjoy the process has been  memorizing.  From those of you who have visited the online shop or in person you have responded positively to the final pieces.  Thank you for the encouragement.

I am honored to have been interviewed by Voyager Magazine about my current design career. The article explains more of this new direction.

Read the full article here

Collection of cherished textiles

Moreover, many of us we have collected textiles from our travels or from past generations and do not have a clue what to do with those pieces.  It is our intention to help so as to avoid having special textiles end up in the land fill. Much of the trash that ends up in landfills can also be recycled or reused in other ways, I choose textiles to help improve our planet.

Rules that no longer serve

Rules no longer serve me.   I execute designs with fresh eyes and new techniques. The results are something I never thought I could create.   It has me engaged in an entirely different way.  I have since created a collection based upon these beliefs.  It is called The Attic Gem Collection.   Vintage textiles that have been gifted to me as I turn them into wearables by mixing them with modern fabrics.  If needed I will stitch together these pieces to create another unique cloth to then create with.

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Fashion West is a newly developed and well curated fashion show featuring designers from the West.  Often one thinks of Fashion in the West as purely western style.  Think cowboy boots, hats, bandanas and other such traditional things.  Additionally western can mean many things to many people. The range of talent in this show will be very modern and nothing like one expects. Above all, I am honored to be a part of the whole and I am excited to show you my vision of Fashion in the West.

It’s more than western style, or western dress, it’s an attitude.

Additionaly, In preparation for the show I was recently  interviewed by Charlie Price for the upcoming Fashion West Fashion Show in Denver Colorado.  There are alot of insights as to the tranformation I have recently gone through being in isolation for the 2020 year of Covid.  If in the Denver area, the show is August 16  doors open at 5PM at the Exdo Center.

Cow Punk? Absolutely.
Cow Chic? Indeed.
Cow Town? Not on your life.

From the interview in Fashion West:

You have such a range of work in your showroom, how would you describe your design style?

My aesthetic radiates a sophistication that is attained by using interesting textiles, handmade qualities, patterned with a semi tailored effect.  My design style is consciously curating perfectly made garments that have a sense of whimsy, artful details with a flair for femininity.

Why are you – and – what is the thing you love most about being a citizen of The West? 

I am forever grateful of my environment and it is constantly influencing my design and color choices.  The noise of the fashion industry is tempered by my choice to live, play and work in The West.  Being a creative has its advantages not necessarily where you live – as the world has become smaller. Things are more attainable with the Internet being so easy to adapt to.  Of course the fashion mecca’s of the world also has its advantages. I choose slow fashion where I can be the Creative Director and maker of how and why my brand remains sustainable.

Your creations are often quite fluid – is that something you specifically intend and what are your favorite fabrics to create with?  

Fluid fabrics enable the wearer to move seamlessly and joyfully. Women adore feeling feminine and being able to move in their clothes.  I love to drape designs and let each textile speak to me. I am using my instinct and intuition rather than traditional methods learned. Fluidity has always been as aspect of what I achieve…now even more so since I have recently let go of many rules. As I create I am becoming one with each piece that is a new exploration of design with confidence and quality. Every piece has a story and people are very interested in listening to those stories and working directly with the creator. My voice is being heard!

You are a trailblazing business woman in Denver – and have been working as an independent designer for decades in Denver – a city some say disregards fashion – What made you launch here – how has it been and has the business and your clientele changed in recent years?  

As a native after attending design school at Fashion Institute of Technology (1972) I made a conscious decision to take lifestyle over career.  I always felt that executing and creating my craft could exist wherever I chose to be, all I needed were the right tools and equipment.  Being in Denver has had its challenges and I have had to adapt to paring down some of my outrageous design aspects in order to maintain a sustainable business.

Being in business for over 45 years has made me adapt, pivot and recreate my business model and my clientele. More so this year (2020-21), than ever before.  I am proud to say that some of my clientele is multigenerational. My designs have proven to trickle down from generation to generation as I am continuing to meet daughters of women I have worked with as far back as the beginning.  With the influx of people moving to our Mile High City people have brought with them their sophistication but with a sense of comfort and ease.  Environments have a tendency to change desires in how one presents themselves to the world when they dress.  I say “Welcome to Colorado, embrace our sense of style, ease and comfort while living your best life”.

What fashion trend do you loathe and what fashion trend do you love?

As I look back at many archives I see a reflection of a continuous flow of a tailored effect mixed with a flair for creativity and whimsy. It just comes out that way; the mixture keeps it wearable for many women, conservative or edgy. I love that mixture, unexpected and definitely something I strive for in my designs so that they are a recognizable brand. I loathe garments that are not made with care and attention to details, seams that pucker, insides that aren’t finished and hanging threads (unless it’s intentional). Quality fabrics and workmanship are just as important as the design.

View the entire magazine HERE.

Interview by Charlie Price

Edited by Tiaja Pierre

©2021 Fashion West | Design by David Rossa Design

If in the Denver area, the show is August 16 at the Exdo Center.  Tickets available here.

View my designs

I am keeping my newest designs under rap until the show,  however, you will be able to see them after August 16th.

 For those of you in the Rocky Mountain Region I will have an open studio August 20-21 11-4 each day.  Save the date!

In the meantime check out my new page on my site HERE.

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Brooks LTD is featured in Denver Life Magazine.

The magazine calls it  “Brooks LTD rules Denver Fashion”. How cool is that?

Read the article here:BROOKS LTD’S – May 2020 issue copyJPEG

Artisan designed playful sophisticated clothing with creative twists so that ageless women can look and feel comfortably chic.  This is my new tagline!

Yes, these women are ageless beauties.

Photo:  Ricardo Meija

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Red Taffeta Shirtwaist Gown with defined waistline and full skirt.

I met the Editor of the magazine, Elizabeth Hamilton, several years ago. We connected with one another, as we both have a love of fashion. Elizabeth has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years and she has been modeling for Donna Baldwin Agency, the largest full service talent agency in Colorado, since 1994. You can read more about her on the magazine’s website here.

Between my former retail shop in Cherry Creek North, being a Colorado native, and having a love for animals, I was described as a perfect fit for being featured in Cherry Creek Now Magazine.

The pieces for the photoshoot were all inspired by my belief that women should be able to dress fashionably in the countryside and cityscape. I primarily used fabrics in the designs that can be intermixed and re-combined to create unique looks. Some of my favorite fabrics used in these pieces include crisp taffeta, lycra ponte, laser cut pleather, French lace, and Italian cellophane bonded fabric.

I believe the utilitarian shirtwaist style dress will be a staple in one’s wardrobe, so why not make it in a luxurious fabric? The simple sheath and the trendy jumpsuit are pieces to add to your current wardrobe.  Add a baseball cut “truth” jacket over any of these pieces and you can be at a gala or a country outing. 

To see the entire Black & Red collection online, visit my Lookbooks page. You can also head on over to see the full spread in the online magazine. 

As always, these shoots take a village. I could not have had a better team to execute this fabulous high fashion spread. Many thanks to:

Stylist: Mary Spicer 

Photographer: Hardy Klahold 

Models: Christine Olyer

Janina Lawrence

Mallory High

Hair: Mark Gallegos 

Makeup: Bethany Joy Geraghty 

Venue:  TAHA Suri Alpaca Ranch 

The post Brooks LTD is Featured in Cherry Creek Now Magazine appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Creative thinking.

Sometimes I get so involved in the product I forget how versatile my items can be.

Read a recent blog by Jodi’s Touch of Style  

Thanks for the shout out.

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I am honored to be featured in Stylecrone’s latest blog about my lifestyle design velvet tunics.

Judith shows how versatile these velvets can be.

They can go from yoga to date night.

I love it when a client understands my philosophy of lifestyle designs.

Judith and I have a special relationship that dates back to the early days of Cherry Creek North where we both owned our small independent boutiques.  It’s wonderful how our paths keep crossing.  Fashion is a passion we both share.

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The Details of  Sophisticated Gowns Special Occasions

Gowns for special occasions are very sophisticated. I foresee large ball gown type dresses with full skirts.  Each gown has an incorporated inner lining to create the fullness. Pockets are in each large skirt adding ease, comfort and a sense of security knowing that there is a place for your hands and holding lipstick.

I am in love with brocades right now.  This particular brocade is embossed, has a textural feel and very colorful.  Color is always part of my collection.  Note the various muted colors of rusts, greens and browns.  This fabric is from Marcy Tilton Fabrics HERE.  There are always new selections, check them out.

The bodice of this gown is of French Lace, it has a spider type quality, is fresh and contemporary for today’s market place.  It’s an unique french lace Here.  The bodice lining  allows for the dress to slide on easily.    It is essential that my clients are comfortable in their garments. The textural quality of the lace combined with the large motif of the brocade is a wonderful mixture and definitely speaks Brooks Ltd.

The headpiece is available from Bella Calla Here .

It’s an interesting take on a contemporary headpiece.  We requested a fall toned look which brings up the colors from the brocade fabric incorporated in the skirt.

The opals are from Mark’s Diamonds HERE.

Everything is always well thought out.   This is a special photo shoot meeting new people and working side by side for the final results.

Draping the final design for Sophisticated Gowns Special Occasions

In my atelier, I put the finishing touches on sophiscated gowns for special occasions.  See more of my designs HERE.

Custom Couture for Sophisticated Gowns Special Occasions.

Custom couture for any special occasion. I love working with one of a kind fabrics specific for one of a kind milestone events.  Red Carpet ready.

Thank you Novelty Bride Magazine for the article HERE , Judith for modeling, Jacek for the photos, Mary for styling, Lilli for the great headpiece and Mark’s Diamonds for the jewelry. It takes a village, here is my go to ‘team’ to make these shoots fill of fun and creativity.  Thank you ladies.

Relaxing in Sophisticated Gowns Special Occasions

Here Judith is on set at Space Gallery HERE where the photoshoot took place.  The art work complimented the the gowns.  Thank you to Novelty Bride Magazine HERE for your continued support of helping me execute my dream life.

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Brooks LTD has been featured on Stylecrone’s latest blog HERE.

I have created a mesh and silk tunic and Judith’s take on it was to add pants to create a more casual look.

The hem of the tunic floats away with the wind.  I love anything that is feminine and unique.

Thanks for the shout out.

Stylecrone always puts together a nice finishing touch with her collection of accessories.

The post Melts my heart wearing a mesh and silk tunic styled by Stylecrone appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Fashion designer Brooks, 2014 Survivor Awardee, flanked by models Carol Holmes Fabian and Arlene Mohler Johnson, who are wearing her creations.

I was honored to dress 12 women for breast cancer awareness. All models are breast cancer survivors.

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