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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In fact Betty will wear both pieces again, which is a testmament to the timeliness of my pieces.

Betty is a bad ass and we had a great time collaborating.

Timeless jacket style will be worn again and again with wardrobe choices already in her closet.

Working with Betty to create this look gave me so much joy.

Meet Betty

Betty is an avid traveler, very athletic, likes to swim with the dolphins, follow Bruce Springsteen wherever he may land and is curious about many things.  She has many hobbies and is an artist in her own right.  When her son announced his engagement, she was thrilled.   Since she is athletic, she wanted to emphasize her good form, posture and cover her arms as she gets cold.   One of the requirements was a certain color of blue.  Moreover, when you are restricted, it becomes a daunting task not to mention dresses are hard to fit and a bit confining for those who like to move with grace and ease.

After much research Betty reached out to me, came to the atelier and tried on several prototypes.   She asked if a full tulle skirt would be appropriate for a Mother of the Groom for a luxurious Chicago wedding venue.    Of course, I said yes and we were off and running.  She chose a short, cropped jacket(part of my prototypes) with a back flared detail in a specific color of blue silk shantung.  For the skirt (another prototype) we worked together to determine the layers of colors of tulle to create depth and interest when she walked down the aisle.  It was like layering paints on a canvas to come up with just the right mixture.

New Look, custom artful wearable

I like to think of this ensemble as a spin-off of Dior’s 1950’s design called the New Look 

.

My design is different as I am a firm believer in comfort first.  Betty’s jacket was tailored to her figure, and skimmed her body in just the right places so when she moved the jacket moved with her.  If she lifted her arms to hug her friends, the jacket moved with her.  When she danced the skirt was a delight to maneuver in.  It was playful and whimsical.

Problem Solving

I am in the business of helping humans with solving problems in how they want to dress.  Betty had some ideas, I listened and with that we came up with the most comfortable appropriate ensemble where Betty got compliments all evening from both peers and her son’s friends.

At her son’s wedding reception, Betty was touched by an unexpected compliment in the ladies’ room. A friend of her son’s stopped her, and commented:  “Betty, your outfit is stunning,” the young woman gushed. “When I get married, I want my mother to look as cool and comfortable as you.” Betty felt a warm glow of pride by this kind gesture.

It’s always nice to feel that age is not a factor when dressing for important events and still achieve comfort and style along with elegance wearing classic designs.

Reuse

I trust Betty will separate the pieces as an additional way to include them in her wardrobe.  Her exuberant display when we had our fittings is apparent in the photograph below.

We believe that to reuse is an important feature to cherish pieces while keeping them out of the landfill.  Its a win win situtation.

Working with Betty and others who appreciate attention to details with an artistic flaire where collaborating and having a creative experience is what we have become known for.

Reach out here if you are interested in working with us.  

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Step into a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Our brand is a symphony of design, technique and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece I create is a unique masterpiece tailored to your individual style.

Designs from Brooks LTD in Denver, Colorado set you apart from the crowd.

For this reason, I created several showstopping looks for a Bastille Day fashion show in Denver, Colorado.   Vintage textiles combining with modern fabrics to create these breezy, one-of-a-kinds frocks.  Here you see where creativity knows no bounds.  Seriously, think table napkins!  Elegant, pristine and very rare from collectors of fine linens.

Photo:  Bahar Samani

Currently I am using tabletop textiles: exquisite napkins and tablecloths from vintage collectors. The quality of these materials is unmatched in today’s marketplace of fast fashion.

Sometimes I create the accessories that go with the designs, completing the looks.

Fast Fashion

You may wonder, “What is fast fashion?”.   It’s a business model that mass-produces cheap, poor-quality items meant to replicate recent high-end trends and designs. It’s considered ‘fast’ fashion because the production is fast and the life spans of the items are fast.  Consumers quickly discard the low cost made items for whatever the next season offers.

Fast fashion also has devastating consequences on the environment and the people who make the items.

Because of this, workers’ rights are eroded during the production process and the discarded clothing ends up in landfills.

Slow Fashion

In contrast we proudly embrace the concept of slow fashion. Slow fashion honors craftsmanship and quality materials. Our pieces are meant to be treasured and enjoyed, then passing down from generation to generation.  I like to call them wearable art work.

Experience personalized consultations

Finally, experience the luxury of a personalized consultation and our bespoke pieces that speak to your soul. Embrace the unexpected and infuse playfulness into your wardrobe with our timeless creations that promise to bring joy into your life. Celebrate the art of dressing authentically in a wearable art dress.

Discover the perfect artisian piece to elevate your style. Shop now

Reach out to schedule a one on one zoom call here.

Photo:  Bahar Samani

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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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Couture fashion has many aspects.  Firstly, the meaning of couture is: “the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client’s specific requirements and measurements.” (Dictionary quote)

The piece Gabriela Hearst designed for Dr. Jill Biden’s evening ensemble on Inauguration Evening was couture fashion at it’s finest.  I recently ran into a post that perfectly described the ensemble and the meaning behind it.  Yes, there is always a story line about why a designer designs what they design.  There is a method to the madness.

Storyline

The recent Inauguration was a testment to the democracy of our country.  I will focus on one aspect, the clothes, although I realize there is much more that that.  The evening ensemble that Dr. Jill Biden wore has deeper meaning than just an article of clothing.

This message was copied from the instagram account of Gabriela Hearst which gives you the up close and personal reasons for the creation.  Moreover, storylines are how designers get the inspiration for what they create.

“The message of Unity is the main inspiration for the creation of the Ensemble. Unity makes strength and it is needed for the road ahead. The blooming symbol to represent this message are the federal flowers from every state and territory of the United States of America. The flowers are embroidered into the cashmere coat on the hem line in an pattern that rises organically on the side’s seams. On the dress, the embroidery is placed on the silk organza neckline and arms. The body of the dress is constructed in silk wool cady.

The Delaware flower is positioned at the heart level of The First Lady, from there, all the other flowers branch out.
The pieces were made entirely in New York City. The Embroidery and Coat were crafted in the garment district and the dress was assembled at the inhouse studio. Each flower took approximately two-four hours to embroider. Careful placements and color selections were carefully studied for weeks. Inside of the coat, representing the lifelong calling and service of Dr. Biden as an educator is a hand embroidery on the lining with a quote from Founding Father Benjamin Franklin
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
The materials used were existing available fabrics to minimize the impact on the environment #gabrielahearst Read and view the full post on instagram as there are many photos of the process. Be sure to scroll through the photos, it’s an education in itself!

American Designers

Congratulations to all of the American Designers (of which there are many) that had the honor of dressing the dignitaries.  American fashion as well as sustainable newly discovered brands and fabrics that minimize the impact on the environment will be forefront in the ongoing community of American designers.  Exciting times, the fashion industry has suffered a great loss because of the pandemic and hopefully with this new found awareness will have a positive impact on the future of American design.

In my work I achieve some of the same ways of thinking by sketching, researching and attention to details.  If you have a special event coming up in the future(yes even next fall matters-plan ahead), get on our list here to keep up with how we create unique clothes for magical events. When you sign up you’ll receive a free download about how to choose clothes for your already full closet!

That’s me in my ‘Power’ Jacket adjusting a silk organza jacket that can go to the opera, a wedding or a backyard celebration. One piece, many uses.

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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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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.

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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.

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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!

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