Evolving from its 1990’s origins, Brooks LTD creates memories to modern designs, transforming a treasured gown between mother and daughter.

This story beautifully illustrates the power of reimagining a piece of clothing for a new chapter in it’s cherished life. It demonstrates how quality garments can transcend their original purpose, adapting and evolving just as we do. Each piece carries memories while opening doors to fresh possibilities, bridging past and present in deeply personal ways.

This Brooks LTD custom dress bridges generations, read on for the shortened version…..

In 1990, the bride Carrie made a dramatic entrance on horseback wearing this stunning, custom-made gown by Brooks Luby.

Unconventional themes

While traditional venues were typical at the time, Carrie’s entrance was anything but conventional. This story likely resonates with those who appreciate unconventional wedding themes, venues, and attire.

Carrie circa 1990

Meet Zoe

Fast forward to 2023, and Carrie’s daughter, Zoe, got engaged. As athletic as they come, Zoe and her now-husband are avid travelers who seek out high mountain ranges for their adventures. Their lifestyle is exotic and always on the move, reflecting Zoe’s passion for health, fitness, and constant motion.

What you wear says alot about how you live and Zoe wanted this reflected in her gown with ease of movement in elegant fabric choices.

Fascinated by her mother’s wedding story, Zoe became enamored with the idea of wearing the same art wearable dress for her own wedding. Together with her mother, they opened the heirloom storage box that had preserved the gown for over three decades. To their delight, they discovered the original Brooks LTD label still intact, which led them back to me, the original wearable art designer.

Heirloom dress revealed

During our consultation, Zoe tried on her mother’s dress. It fit her like a glove, but she wanted to update it to suit her active personality and modern tastes. We lowered the neckline, removed the sleeves, took out the petticoat for a sleeker silhouette, and added a pocket for her vows – all changes that reflected Zoe’s style while maintaining the dress’s essence.

Zoe in her Mother’s gown after 30 years of storage, note the neckline, the fit and the sleeves, all about to change.

Transformation

New neckline, armhole and pocket details.

The Wedding Day

The result is captured perfectly in a photo that truly showcases Zoe’s personality. The image reveals the impeccable fit of the updated dress and her husband’s adoring look. Their smiles radiate joy and happiness, a testament to living a life together as a couple, the success of our collaboration and the dress’s transformation.

Wearable Art Clothing Designer

As the designer, I am forever grateful to have met Zoe after 30 years of knowing her mother. It gives me immense pleasure to help women attain the dress of their dreams. Working on my original dress was a treat, allowing me to appreciate its excellent construction from the inside out. The hand-stitched elements, luxurious fabric choices, and attention to detail – both in 1990 and now – make me proud to know that the dress has been passed down and worn with great pleasure.

For anyone inspired by this story or looking to breathe new life into a treasured garment, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can transform any meaningful piece – whether it’s a beloved jacket, a family heirloom, or a vintage find – into something that honors its history while celebrating your present self. I specialize in creative transformations that break conventional rules, helping you showcase your authentic self through reimagined clothing that tells your unique story.

Zoe’s infectious smile

Connecting in a personal way

Zoe and I at the final fitting

Memories to Modern: Transforming Treasured Clothing

Quality garments can transcend any purpose, adapting and evolving just as we do. Maybe you’re entering a new phase of life and want your wardrobe to reflect who you’ve become. Whether you’ve embraced your natural gray hair, shifted to a more relaxed lifestyle, or simply want to express yourself differently, your clothing should be a true reflection of who you are.

For anyone looking to breathe new life into a treasured garment, I can help transform any meaningful piece into something that honors it’s history while celebrating your present self.

Together, we can create unique transformations that showcase your authentic self through reimagined clothing that tells your story.  I encourage you to reach out,

This concept includes any cherished garment, I’ve been known to recreate pieces into wearables that break the rules and let you showcase your true newly discovered self where authenticity takes center stage.

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The DAM(Denver Art Museum)  just received a $25 Million Dollar annomyous donation for the textile and design department.   As The Denver Post headline says, “This gift could turn the Denver Art Museum into a fashion powerhouse.”  Read the article in The Denver Post  about the annomyous donation here.

  As a longtime member of the Denver Art Museum, and a respected fashion designer for over 45 years here in Denver I couldn’t be more excited.

Fashion in Denver Colorado

The curator Florence Müller has accomplished so much for our city and I trust with this large donation The Denver Art Museum will have an effect on the global fashion community.

Florence Müller’s first large exhibit at the DAM in 2012 of Yves Saint Laurent  was one of many more exhibits to follow.  She fell in love with our city and accepted a job to forge ahead as DAM’s in-house fashion expert.  Not only a fashion expert, but an avid lover of the out doors and a hiker, she has embraced Colorado lifestyle, as well as fashion and art.  Consequently I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the fashion and textile department of The DAM.

I think this article from March 2020 (just as the pandemic had started) in Cherry Creek Fashion Magazine sums up her story, read it here.

Photo:  EstherLeeLeach for Cherry Creek Fashion Magazine.  Florence Mueller interview March 2020

Our city is lucky to have her part of the whole of the community.

 I was honored to also have an interview in that same magazine edition in March 2020.  Read it here.

Photo: EstherLeeLeach Cherry Creek Fashion Magazine

Shop this Dress

See this dress and more on my online shopping site here.

Moreover, if touring in our city, be sure to make The Denver Art Museum one of your stops.

In conclusion, a must see will be the newest addition to the DAM  which opens in October 2021.

The post Fashion News in Denver Colorado appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Confused, Caring, Time for Change

Downtown Denver boarded up on a Friday afternoon.

“Black Lives Matter”

These few words of expression on this photo has ‘Black Lives Matter’ painted on the street leading to White House speaks to the ongoing support.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Women of Color

In my everyday dealings I am very connected to women of color that I call my friends and colleagues.  I am proud and honored to feature many women of color in many of  my designs.

Expressions in my shadow

More than a few words of expression on how I’m feeling seen through my shadow.

“To contemplate is to look at shadows”…..Victor Hugo

Learning to be wiser, better prepared, to listen, to help, to contemplate.

These short words can express my feelings and will help me understand better.

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I am engaged with a facebook group one that is giving back during this pandemic 2020 crisis and  is connected with healthcare facilities and hospitals where the need is currently great.  Through this group my masks have been and will be distributed to those in need at this time.  The fashion and the sewist community has responded incredibly well in helping out.  For those of you interested in Colorado companies that have expanded to other forms of making PPE(personal protection equipment) check this out.

As I experiment I am committed to produce some of these masks quickly for their use.  Because I am a one woman operation I am limited to any kind of production.   In an effort to help, I would like to share what I’ve come up with for the end product, if you are able to sew masks, here is what I’ve researched.  The best pattern and instruction  I’ve used is from this Video which I then added my own version of what I think is helpful.  I use an electric sissor for this project as I am cutting more than one out at a time.  Since I have very little cotton fabrics on hand I am cutting into a king sized sheet that is cotton and polyester.  It’s best to use cotton as suggested in the video I just shared.

Sheets cut up for mask making

Finished mask

The mask is itself is relatively easy to construct.  I’ve chosen not to incorporate the nose wire or the pocket for extra filters. I am also using my knit stach (100% Cotton) from tee shirts that I have in my closet to create a softer feeling against your skin.

Tee shirt cut up

The quick part for me is adding the adjustable strings for individual fit.  Instead of stitching each string at the corners, which is time consuming, I suggest stitching a casing at the ends of each side (from ear to chin-think of it like a waistline drawstring casing).  Stitch the string which I am cutting to 54″, there is only one string to be inserted in both side casings and then tied at the crown of the head.  I knot the end of the strings to keep it from falling out and tack the string at the center of the casing so it does not get lost when washed.  When worn, it can be adjusted tight against the chin so there is no opening to allow debris to filter in.

I will continue to incorporate making these masks on a daily basis, in addition to my current work– but any extra help from the community is greatly needed.  If you have questions reach out here and I can connect you to the authorities I know that are distributing DIY masks.

Here I am wearing my mask on the somber side.

Here are some other links that may help you decide which way to make your own mask. Make your own mask.  The New York Times how to make face mask.  NPR came out with a very informative article read it here.

Important tips:  When you wear your mask, be conscious of how you take it off, be sure not to touch the fabric part of the mask. When you come inside from wearing it, be sure to ALWAYS wash it in warm water with detergent after each wear.  One never knows where the virus molecules will land.

  WEAR MASKS WHEN GOING OUT  You protect me, I protect you

Happy sewing.

Stay safe and stay home.

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Model Dorotka wears a custom Brooks LTD bias cut silk charmeuse wedding dress. Imagery by photographers Kai Davis, Joel Serrano and John Oh, with Dorotka handling concept, styling and HMU.

We’re lucky to live in a state that many couples travel long distances to for their destination weddings.  Every year Colorado plays host to thousands of mountain weddings, from Vail to Aspen, to Telluride to Estes Park.  As a Colorado-based couture fashion designer, it’s quite often that I find myself designing custom wedding dresses to fit just such a setting.  A truly custom design, however, requires taking both the setting, as well as the individual style, personality and body type of the bride herself into consideration in the design of the gown.  With the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, I tend to find that dresses which reflect a similar natural elegance and ease are most apropos.

Dorotka plays the perfect Rocky Mountain bride at the Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado.  Photos by Kai Davis, Joel Serrano and John Oh.

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph one of my custom bridal creations with not one, but three talented photographers –  Kai Davis, Joel Serrano, and John Oh – and model Dorotka T., who did her own concepting, styling and hair and makeup, all at the Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado.  This charming B & B – with its cozy interior and easy access to the foothills – was the perfect place to showcase the grace of my bias cut silk charmeuse gown.

High atop the mountain in custom Brooks LTD.  Photos by Kai Davis, Joel Serrano and John Oh.

Showing off the train of her silk Brooks LTD wedding dress, as captured by Kai Davis, Joel Serrano and John Oh.

A custom dress by Brooks LTD fits like a glove.  Photos by Kai Davis, Joel Serrano and John Oh.

Dorotka was every part the radiant mountain bride, with the bias cut of the dress gracefully draping around her curves into the train.  The open, cowl back revealed just the right amount of skin, while the hand-appliqued silk at the bust added a tasteful bit of volume as well as coverage.  It’s a pared-down dress, yet does not compromise on its exquisite details, luxury and craftsmanship.  The perfect thing for the Colorado bride!

A cowl back and elegant train sweep the staircase at the Dove Inn.  Photos by Kai Davis, Joel Serrano and John Oh.

Custom Wedding Dresses by Brooks LTD

Wedding season is on the horizon, which means it’s time to start thinking about the dress!  I specialize in custom designing unique, one-of-a-kind wedding gowns that are tailor made to fit you and your personality.  If you’re getting married and are looking for something bespoke, please visit the Contact page of my website to schedule a consultation.

The post A Custom Wedding Dress Fit For a Mountain Wedding appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

A Brooks LTD original shirtwaist dress in royal blue silk taffeta, as seen on StyleCrone. Photo by JJ Constantine.

According to FIT (hey, that’s my alma matter!) and the Wall Street Journal, the origins of the shirtwaist dress actually began with the “shirtwaist top” (aka what we now know as the “blouse,” originally fashioned from men’s shirts), which emerged in the 1890s as a uniform for the “New Woman, who demanded the same educational and professional opportunities as men. Rather than wearing fussy dresses bedecked with yards of the over-the-top trim beloved by Victorians, she preferred progressive, menswear-inspired clothes.” (via The WSJ, June 15, 2018)  Coinciding with the advent of mass manufacturing, and thus ready-to-wear fashion, the shirtwaist top, along with skirts and other separates, were easy to produce, as they did not require precise, custom fits – making them a hit with working and middle-class women (via LovetoKnow).

Shirtwaist dresses found in a 1944 catalog. Image via UploadStars

By the 1930s, the shirtwaist-top-and-skirt combo merged to become the shirtwaist dress, with designers such as Claire McCardell and Christian Dior making their own versions.  Technically speaking, a shirtwaist dress is defined as a dress which features a shirt top, combined with a skirt bottom.  Most often, and especially in the 1930s – 1950s, the top part buttoned up, though oftentimes the buttons extended all the way down the skirt for a look that was both decorative and functional (via The Vintage Dancer).  Typical shirtwaist dresses feature a notched, pointed collar, though experimentation with collar styles, waists, skirts and sleeves began early on.  Dior’s post-WWII “New Look” in particular promoted a highly feminized take, with a cinched waist and full skirt lined in crinoline, whereas designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Halston later in the 1970s preferred more relaxed styling. (via Wikipedia)

A Dior “New Look” shirtwaist dress in lace. Image via Pinterest

These days there are many riffs on the design… my own included.  I love the balance between the feminine and masculine that this classic design offers.  And – always a fan of the unexpected – I especially love making a shirtwaist dress in a formal fabric such as a silk taffeta, which gives this traditional ‘day dress’ a glamorous evening look as well as elegant structure.  My version also tends to forgo the buttons, instead opting for a clean, open V front.  Modifying with a kimono sleeve or extra ruffle detailing also lends some intrigue.

A favorite look from my recent Brooks LTD couture collection – a red taffeta shirtwaist dress with kimono sleeves. Photo by Hardy Klahold Photography

Aside from its storied history, what makes this style a fan favorite time and again?  I believe it’s the fact that it’s such a flattering style on any body type.  It’s comfortable and freeing, yet can be cinched in the middle for an hourglass effect.  It’s functional and simple, yet the possible iterations are endless really.  It’s a thoroughly democratic style, and there’s something just fundamentally American about that.

My modified take on a shirtwaist dress, in flowing silk satin. As seen at Latin Fashion Week Colorado. Photo by Ricardo Mejia.

Custom Designs by Brooks LTD

Looking for your own take on the classic shirtwaist dress, or another style?  I live for designing unique couture gowns and other creative, bespoke ensembles.  If your next holiday party, wedding or other special occasion calls for standing out in a one-of-a-kind dress, please think of Brooks LTD.  Visit the Contact page of my website and we can schedule a time to sit down and discuss your needs.

The post Brooks LTD Fashion 101: The Shirtwaist Dress appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

The Brooks LTD lineup for the Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards runway show, including myself and Commissioner Tony Smith.  Photo by Kyle David Jones.

It was truly an honor to be included in this special event, which was hosted by the Denver Commission on Aging for an audience of over 300 elected officials, city commissioners and other movers and shakers.  The Commission first approached me, seeking an event program that was a little more ‘out of the box,’ yet needing a community partner that made sense for the theme of the event: “Together for the Ages.”  Knowing that my brand, Brooks LTD, has been a part of Denver fashion for over four decades, they reached out, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

StyleCrone aka Judith Boyd is a model of “ageless beauty” on the runway.  Photo by Kyle David Jones.

Denver Commissioner Barbara Evans Small in a custom made gold lame caftan.  Photo by Kyle David Jones.

Model Mallory High in a magenta taffeta occasion dress

Split it up… an evening skirt look in magenta taffeta and red silk top, modeled by Grace Chang.  Photo by Kyle David Jones.

Chic and architectural, this ponte dress is as comfortable as it is stylish. As seen on model Sandi Siegel, shot by Kyle David Jones.

Not only was the Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards an opportunity to showcase some of my latest couture gowns and bespoke ensembles, but it was also the perfect opportunity to bring awareness to ageism in fashion – a topic that is close to my heart.  I always make it a point to show my designs on women of all ages, races and sizes, and this event was no exception.  My diverse group of 10 professional models and 5 (very brave) commissioner-models strutted the runway, showing that mature women deserve the same respect and reverence as their younger counterparts.  Videographer DigitalPreserve did an amazing job of capturing the ambiance, which you can watch below.

The Brooks LTD designs that were presented at this once-in-a-lifetime event included the gilded looks from my recent Golden Dreams collection, as well as some newer couture gowns in bold magenta, red, and purple hues, and a selection of my fall ready-to-wear collection.  Each model was custom fitted in her ensemble, and the commissioners in particular had their own custom designs completely tailor-made for them.  The highlight of the evening, however, had to be my moment with Mayor Michael Hancock, as well as a special surprise that the Commission on Aging had in store for me.  More on that next week… stay tuned!

A photo op with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock at his Diversity and Inclusion Awards.  Image by Kyle David Jones.

Looking for a custom ensemble for your next special occasion?

I live for designing unique couture gowns and other creative, bespoke ensembles.  If your next holiday party, wedding or other special occasion calls for standing out in a one-of-a-kind dress, please think of Brooks LTD.  Visit the Contact page of my website and we can schedule a time to sit down and discuss your needs.

The post Brooks LTD Celebrates 45 Years of Couture in Denver at Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

On Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th I’ll be opening up my atelier for a fall trunk show, in conjunction with talented jewelry artist Andrea Li.  Expect to find my latest fall ready-to-wear collection of draped, asymmetrical tops, along with some classic designs and of course the opportunity to check out the Golden Dreams couture collection that just debuted on the runway.  Andrea will also have her latest collection of sculptural necklaces and earrings, titled Jewel Box, for sale.  Bites and bubbles provided.

Save the date and RSVP by emailing designroom@brooksltd.net or on Facebook here.  We’ll hope to see you there!

The post Save the Date: Fall Trunk Show appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

The models and I strike a pose backstage at Latin Fashion Week.  Photo by Ricardo Mejia.

On August 24^th, I was honored to be asked to present my designs in LFWC’s Colorado Designers Night.  As an independent fashion designer who works with clients and models of all ages, shapes, sizes and ethnicities, it felt great to participate and lend my support.  If you’re familiar with my work or follow me on social media (if not, then follow me on Instagram!), then you may already know that I’ve recently made it my mission to bring awareness to the issue of ageism in our society, and in fashion in particular.  So you can imagine my delight when I was approached by the LFWC organizers, and encouraged to bring my diverse group of “mature” models to the runway.  I think it’s safe to say that these 8 stunning ladies lit up the catwalk.

StyleCrone’s Judith Boyd backstage in The Judith headpiece, a style I created that was inspired by her.  You can purchase The Judith here.  Photo by Ricardo Mejia.

The looks I chose for LFWC featured a collection of couture ensembles in a bold palette of purples, reds, and golds, which I’ve dubbed my “Golden Dreams” collection.  My designs are typically known to be colorful and festive, but I wanted to be sure to add a nod to Latina culture for this particular occasion.

#BTS at LFW. Photo by Ricardo Mejia.

Thinking of the costumes of traditional Latin dancers and Carnival festival-goers, I added the bright splash of gold to my otherwise darker fall palette, along with embellishments such as ruffles, feathers and sequins.  I was happy to see that the audience and models alike seemed to resonate with the looks, making it a good night for all involved.

Models Dekota and Esperanza having fun pre-show

One of my favorite looks from the Golden Dreams collection. Check out the magic that Stephanie Fugazzi created with model Dekota’s hair!

Finale walk, as captured by photographer Abad Montoya

For more photos of my Latin Fashion Week “Golden Dreams” debut, check out the lookbook here.

Thank you to Ricardo Mejia for the photographs, as well as Stephanie Fugazzi for the incredible hair, and to Tori Trujillo for the beautiful makeup.

The post Golden Dreams at Latin Fashion Week Colorado appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

But truthfully, creating a dress can be easily summed up in five simple steps! From consultation through final delivery day, I enjoy working with my clients and helping them see how fun the process can be.

Yes!! It can be this easy!

Consultation

I meet with a potential client and chat about her venue or event, her idea of what she may want, her colors and any other concerns she has for her custom dress. After the initial consultation I return to my drawing board and sketch out several designs with her body type in mind along with her parameters.

Sketches

Then, we meet a second time and study the design choices. At this time she may want to try on some of my gowns in my collection to see the fit and the drape of the item. We go over each sketch and possibly combine one detail of a sketch with another to create the final sketch.

First Fitting

After the sketch is chosen I go to the cutting table and prepare a custom pattern and muslin prototype based on the sketches and measurements of my client.

Making a prototype allows me to make corrections before I cut into the fashion fabric she wants. The client tries on the prototype and from that fitting I am prepared to cut into the fashion fabric.

Second Fitting

At this fitting my client and I review the actual dress made in the fashion fabric. I adjust any necessary alterations on the dress, realign any design lines and pin the hem. At this fitting it will be determined if one more fitting is necessary. Typically it isn’t necessary but I always leave time just in case.

Delivery Day

After the adjustments are corrected, the gown is finished and pressed and ready to be tried on for a final time. I always hope to get a photo at this time for my records. I also hope that after the day of the event I will get a professional photo to add to my collection of custom designs!

Looking for a Custom Dress?

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, or a show-stopping gala or party dress, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.

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