Crafted goods are having a moment. Or perhaps it’s simply that people are finally responding to what we’ve always known—that there’s something deeply meaningful about items made by human hands, especially in these chaotic times.

I’ve been working with my hands, creating one-of-a-kind garments since I first fell in love with sewing. Through every season, every trend, every shift in the fashion landscape, handcrafted pieces have always stood as beacons of enduring quality. These garments have long been recognized for their superior craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail—qualities that seem almost revolutionary in today’s marketplace.

In a world drowning in waste and fast fashion, it soothes my soul to see that we artisans are finally getting the recognition we deserve. There’s a growing hunger for authenticity, for pieces that tell a story, for items that will last not just through this season but through decades of wear and love.  Click here to see my attic gem collection.

Crafting

Crafting is the art of making something tangible through the unique vision of the artist. It’s the antithesis of mass production—each stitch carries intention, each choice of fabric reflects personal aesthetic, each finished piece emerges as a small act of rebellion against a culture of disposability.

When I create a garment, I’m not just assembling fabric and thread. I’m weaving together tradition and innovation, patience and passion, skill and soul. In an age of algorithms and automation, the slight imperfections that mark human hands—the subtle variations in seam width, the gentle curves where a machine might create sharp angles—these become precious signatures of authenticity.

Perhaps this crafted renaissance isn’t just a trend, but a return to what we’ve always known: that beautiful things take time, that quality outlasts quantity, and that there’s something irreplaceable about owning something made with love and intention.

Connections, stories and lasting beauty

In this moment of recognition, we artisans don’t just create clothing—we create connections, stories, and lasting beauty in a world that desperately needs all three.  From our ancestors to our current lifestyle it’s important to recognize where we come from and how we got to where we are.   From sketches to the final product working with me is an experience you will never forget, in fact it might become your new way of dressing!

Interested in working with me?  Reach out here

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“The Art of Simplicity is indeed an art. It appears effortless but requires tremendous expertise to execute well. In design, true simplicity is a refined skill. It comes only through deep understanding and disciplined practice.

Stripped to essential elements, good design maintains purpose and beauty. It achieves timeless quality. I confirmed this thinking during a Kintsugi exercise at a retreat. This Japanese art repairs broken pottery with gold. It embraces imperfection as part of an object’s beauty.

My philosophy creates simple designs with just the right flair to last a lifetime. It’s about knowing what to keep and what to remove. Each element must serve a purpose while celebrating imperfection’s beauty.

Read more about my philosophy: it’s never too late to make imperfection beautiful. 

Thank you to The Lotus Network Experience to have me as one of the Lotus Ladies.

Photo: Jennifer Lord Photography

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Here’s an idea on how to avoid rising tariffs in your wardrobe.  In a world of shifting supply chains and rising tariffs, it’s time to look closer to home for unique solutions. While businesses dependent on offshore sourcing are scrambling to adapt, we’re embracing a different approach—one that transforms forgotten textiles into bespoke treasures.

Your Hidden Gems Deserve New Life-Resist Tariffs

Do you have beautiful textiles tucked away in drawers? Perhaps a hand-woven shawl from your travels or a cherished fabric passed down through generations? These special pieces shouldn’t remain hidden—they deserve to be transformed into something you’ll use and love every day.

Why Choose Our Custom Textile Transformation Service and Tariff Hikes:

• Sustainable – Give new purpose to existing materials instead of contributing to more production
• Personal – Each piece carries its own history and meaning
• Unique – No mass-produced items, only one-of-a-kind creations
• Tariff-Free – Bypass supply chain challenges by using what’s already here

Click here to see a good example of what we do

Another example of our repurposing textiles:

Not your mother’s jeans, but my husband’s (handmade by me)

How to avoid tariff restrictions:

We collaborate with you to understand your vision and needs, then apply our design expertise to transform your textiles into functional, beautiful items perfectly suited to your current lifestyle.  Reach out here.

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The Art and Ethics of Clothing Repair

This photo shows my husband’s hoodie of Character in Worn threads. Teaching myself how to embroider a heart, titled “Be Still My Heart,” with my dog looking on curiously.

Memories last a lifetime; clothing needs repair. Each stitch tells a story of preservation—not just of the fabric, but of the moments woven into it.

In an era of fast fashion and disposable clothing, a countermovement is gaining momentum that celebrates the authentic beauty of worn garments. The New York Times recently highlighted this trend, noting that “the stains and the rips add character and help them stand out from the bland flatness of new clothes.”

The Distressed Clothing Paradox

This growing appreciation for worn clothing is creating an interesting paradox in the fashion world. While some embrace the sustainability of extending a garment’s life through repair, others have commercialized the aesthetic. Boutiques in New York are now renting distressed clothing for hundreds of dollars per weekend—commodifying an appearance that traditionally came from authentic use and wear.

The irony isn’t lost on those who’ve been practicing clothing repair out of necessity or environmental consciousness. What was once considered a sign of poverty or neglect is transformed into a high-end fashion statement, with manufactured distress commanding premium prices.

This was once a torn hole in the sleeve, I stitched it together and then added decoration to highlight it.

 The Psychology of Worn Clothing

Our relationship with worn clothing is complex. Research in consumer psychology shows that visible wear can trigger multiple reactions:

– Nostalgia and attachment to garments that have accompanied us through significant life experiences

– Anxiety about social perception and the cultural messaging around “newness”

– Pride in sustainability choices and rejecting consumer culture

– Identity expression through the unique character of personally modified clothing

The resurgence of appreciation for worn and repaired clothing represents a shift in these psychological patterns—moving from shame about wear to celebration of a garment’s journey.

This is what began as an exploration but then continued into a much deeper dive into decoration, see the photo below

*What shifts might we see in the fashion industry if repair and reuse became the norm rather than the exception?*

Hand stitching to cover up tattered and torn fabric.

I will continue to add to this piece probably until it is totally covered in stitches which gives the textile strength.

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 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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Enjoy go-to unique pieces when you open your closet doors.

Collaborating

Collaborating wearable art is inspiring, eye-opening, and fun. Lately, fun has taken the top spot on my list. Let me introduce you to Madeleine from Madeleine O’Connell Art.  Madeleine is a creative and talented painter and illustrator.  A mutual friend thought we would make a great team. Collaborating for a May 2024 pop-up at my Denver atelier and continung with another seasonal pop-up.

Hand painted on eco-friendly textiles

We enliven eco-fabrics with art and fashion, creating wearable masterpieces that are sustainable wearable art.  The result is a collection of whimsical, one-of-a-kind pieces that not only stand out for their distinctive designs but also for their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Collections

Our collaborative efforts have yielded a captivating autumn/winter collection that embraces the essence of cooler seasons, blending comfort with style in a harmonious array of pieces. These Artisanal hand painted designs range from delicate brushstrokes to bold splashes of color. Wearable art qualities  that captures the imagination and elevates the entire collection.

The collections are thoughtfully designed oversized silhouettes that embrace and flatter a diverse range of body types, creating a truly inclusive line. Generous cuts and strategically placed drapes offer comfortable ease without sacrificing style, allowing wearers to adjust the fit to their liking. Relaxed shoulders and armholes provide freedom of movement, while adjustable waistlines allow for personalized shaping.

Our creative synergy as kindred spirits ignites a boundless exploration of imagination and style. As a result, this collaborative journey not only pushes the boundaries of our artistic vision but results in pieces that radiate an infectious joy. Each garment we create is infused with the excitement of our shared creative process.  The  designs spark that same sense of delight and wonder in those who wear them.

In addition, we don’t want to show up wearing cookie-cutter clothing.  We are ageless beauties showing up in our own purposeful style.

We have unique voices that need to be heard, and expressing ourselves through how we dress is a perfect way to make an impression.

Madeleine and I showing off our second collaborative designs.  She creates her art on fabrics and I design and make the garment.

Reach out if interested in the collection currently not on the web site, DM is best.

Brooks Luby/BrooksLTD

Madeleine O’Connell/MadeleineO’ConnellArt

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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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Let us help to transform your keepsake textiles into our Legacy Jacket.  Perhaps you have a beautiful tablecloth you love and never use. Or maybe there’s a textile you couldn’t resist buying tucked away in a drawer. You might even have an actual piece of clothing from a loved one holding wonderful memories but isn’t something you’d wear.  We have a way to transform these keepsake pieces into something truly unique and totally wearable.

We are excited to share with you our ‘Legacy Jacket’ made from transforming keepsake textiles.  The  design features reworking vintage pieces that are perfect for those who love retro and vintage fashion and keeping memories alive. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and made to order, making them truly wearable works of art. The Legacy Jacket is also sustainably made in Denver, Colorado and completely eco-friendly.

Each jacket is made even more special with our creative use of visible mending and patchwork techniques.  These techniques add beautiful details and unique accents. Our slow fashion approach ensures that every Legacy Jacket is crafted with care and attention to detail, so you are enjoying  it for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or just want to add some color and personality to your wardrobe, our upcycled heirloom Legacy Jacket is perfect for you.

Join us in our commitment to sustainable fashion and get your own wearable art today!

Contact us here  or at designroom@brooksltd.net.

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By working with your hands, the process of mending also calms the mind and allows you to think deeply about things that are personal to you. It’s about the journey and not the destination although, in this case, the destination can have a beautiful visual effect. I shared my personal mending techniques with clients and friends at my private atelier last month and found that there is great interest in the age-old practice of mending.

There are a few reasons why the art of mending matters has such appeal. By repairing a garment you gain a better understanding of it from a construction standpoint and connect yourself in a way to the original maker.

“When we spend time patching, stitching, darning, or otherwise fixing torn fabrics, we ultimately deepen our understanding of quality, composition, and craftsmanship.”  —Excerpt from Mending Matters

Repairing a favorite garment

There’s also the environmental aspect. Mending can be a counterpoint to the dark side of consumption in the fashion industry. Lily Fulop, author of Wear, Repair, Repurpose: A Maker’s Guide to Mending and Upcycling Clothes, writes that “mending is an act of resistance — a rejection of the sort of capitalism that puts profit before the planet.” She even coined the term ‘Craftivism’ noting that the act of mending clothes is a form of activism that sends a message about reducing waste and minimizing environmental damage.

Mending can also improve your mental well-being. Taking time to do something with your hands, like the simple act of stitching, can create feelings of awareness and joyfulness. Mending is proof of the possibility of renewal. It also helps to reduce ‘eco-anxiety’ because it’s a concrete way to take action against the unsustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Working with your hands

Teaching Mending Textiles in 2023

I will be teaching Mending Textiles Matters classes at The Art Student’s League in Denver. (If these links don’t work for you, scroll to the search box and select Fall Adult 2023, Brooks Luby, from the dropdown menu.) Dates are Oct 6, 2023 and Nov 17, 2023. Hope to see you there!

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Photo: Hardy Klahold

Custom Jean Jacket

When Ball Arena approached me to design a super custom piece for a super-secret client, I could hardly believe it. After all, the custom piece was for THE Shania Twain. As in, the country crossover star who transcended genres to dominate the pop music charts, too. As in, the Canadian singer-songwriter whose tunes were the soundtrack of the 90s and early 2000s. THAT Shania Twain.

Needless to say, I wanted to impress her much.

Creating a custom jean jacket especially for Shania Twain meant designing a personalized piece both inspired by her and featuring my signature Brooks LTD elements. I watched her interviews and pulled out specific words and phrases Shania used. It is my sincere hope these words resonate with her and that she enjoys the personalization as much as the jacket itself.

Design Details Matter

Using a Japanese technique called Sashiko stitching, I created hand-stitched details. Sashiko, a traditional way of mending and decorating textiles to further their life span to prevent them from going into the landfill, has captivated my spirit as it is relaxing and therapeutic to slow down and stitch where the thread takes me. Sashiko is also in my current collection, with rivers of thread stitched on easy to wear garments.

Shania’s custom jean jacket is made from recycled denim, including functional pockets on the frayed-edge stylized sleeves. Even the former belt loops were upcycled to hold sunglasses! The jacket includes a custom printed silk charmeuse lining and backside fringe created from tasteful sequins on cotton chainette thread for some Western flair. I wanted the front to be classic, chic and tailored, so that Shania could accessorize as needed. As you turn, she shows off a playful vibe from the color changing sequins.

Jacket Spotted on Instagram

I noticed she recently wore the jean jacket on an Instagram video with Billy Ray Cyrus announcing a reissue of one of her iconic albums. It’s thrilling to see Shania Twain as a walking piece of art in a Brooks LTD custom made jean jacket!

Proud of Pieces: Custom or Not

As a Colorado-based clothing designer, I love getting to design and create custom pieces for women across the globe. After 45+ years of making unique fashions, my designs are typically worn by women right here in the West. It is a joy whenever women happily wear Brooks LTD fashions — both custom pieces and from my ready-to-wear collections!

Brooks Luby wearing her own upcycled jacket showing off Shania Twain’s custom denim jacket

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