Brooks Luby Accepting the Sue Miller Survivour Award 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October.  It is a gentle reminder to be procative with your individual wellness.  Over 31 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  The journey to wellness followed as I was lucky to integrate what I love to do (designing clothes) with my health and well being.

Survivors walk the runway for Breast Cancer Awareness

For those of you who don’t know my history, I was chosen to be the exclusive clothing designer for a Non Profit Organization, The Day of Caring over 8 years ago. For the next 5 years in succession I created garments for breast cancer patients (surviviors and those in treatment). Each woman had the benefit to have something designed for them by me to walk the runway at an evening event in Denver, Colorado. I met some amazing people and we all together showed our strength an perserverance during and after challenging times. It became a sisterhood of women going through hard times.

Images for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Survivors walking the runway in my designs throughout the years.  I like to think of my brand in the category of top designer brands, created in Colorado.  We fit a range of womens body types with comfort and ease as a main focus.

Meet Toby, wearing a jumpsuit with hand appliqued lace motifs on the bodice.  The wool melton coat was hand painted and purchased in Paris.  Note my love of interesting textures and fabrics.  This ensemble is good for most female body types as it skims the body in just the right places-not to tight, not to loose.  The second photo shows how to style the same jumpsuit with an embroidered kimono jacket to change up the look.  One size fits all.

Exhuburant emotions while walking the runway, meet  3 ladies each wearing a style suitable for their personality as well as their individual body type.  As you see we fit a range of female body types, sheath dresses to camouflage waistlines(red dress), loose fitting sleeves to cover your arms(black dress) or fitted bodices that accent your favorite parts and cover up your concerned areas (green dress).

2014

From social occasions to everyday lifestyle events.

The range of creative garments that we make can fit into your lifestyle as well as enjoy comfort and ease of movement.  Listen to a short overview of the process.

Thank you Sue Miller, the Founder of The Day of Caring

One of our first events together was with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where their dancers wore my garments in an intimate setting.  It was the beginning of wonderful collaborations with many to follow.

Founder of The Day of Caring, Sue Miller wearing a custom Brooks ensemble

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At the age of 40 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had to have a mastectomy.  I chose not to undergo reconstruction, instead opting to embrace my body’s new natural shape.  After 6 months of strong chemotherapy, the cancer receded and has not returned.  I am happy to say my life has continued on as a healthy, joyful journey since this time.

Breast cancer changed my outlook on life.  It’s made me more aware of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle – like exercising and eating well – as well as giving me a newfound appreciation for day-to-day things, and a desire to embrace life as I age.  It’s amazing how oftentimes (or all the time?) life’s obstacles can bring blessings in disguise.  Along the way I have met some incredible women that share the same feelings.  Luckily most of them are still with us.  Unfortunately I have also lost some loved ones to this disease.

My breast cancer survivor group gathering at the Lotus Network inaugural luncheon, 2017.  

I am honored to be part of a small group of women that have been instrumental in my healing journey.  We gather periodically to discuss our lives and experiences, with conversations about health and medicine at the forefront.  We are supportive of each other’s stories, and through our gatherings learn about the latest medical technology, new procedures, and different ways of approaching selfcare.

Triumphant as survivors on the runway! Sue Miller, Charlie Blosten (also a survivor) and I at the Sue Miller Day of Caring fashion show 2016. Sue wears a custom lace kimono I designed for her.  Photo by Hardy Klahold.

Sue Miller (1934-2017) was my mentor for many years, and was at the center of this group.  She pioneered transparency about breast cancer over 40 years ago by organizing a fashion show of women that were going through breast cancer, or who were on the other side of it.  Her nonprofit organization was called “The Sue Miller Day of Caring,” and continues as a part of the Cancer League of Colorado.  The luncheon and fashion show that Sue started took place in cities across the country, and included an educational experience, with vendors helping the audience discover new, healthy ways of dealing with this disease.  I was lucky to be chosen to dress women for these shows for 5 continuous years – an experience that had a profound effect on me, and which continues to bring happy memories.  I was also honored to receive the Sue Miller Survivor Award in 2014.

A shot from the 2015 Sue Miller Day of Caring runway featuring custom Brooks LTD on breast cancer survivors. Image by Hardy Klahold.

The 2015 Sue Miller Day of Caring runway lineup all wearing Brooks LTD.  Image by Hardy Klahold.

2016 Sue Miller Day of Caring survivor lineup, wearing Brooks LTD.  Image by Hardy Klahold.

2017 Sue Miller Day of Caring lineup.  Survivors wear custom couture Brooks LTD, as photographed by Hardy Klahold.

Behind the scenes of the 2018 Sue Miller Day of Caring runway. Captured by Hardy Klahold.

The 2018 Sue Miller Day of Caring lineup in my latest couture Brooks LTD creations. Photo by Hardy Klahold.

I’ll leave you with one very touching story that I feel compelled to share:  Recently I was chatting with the husband of a fellow breast cancer advocate (who unfortunately didn’t survive).  He told me that his wife was buried in her Brooks dress that I had designed for her to wear in one of the Sue Miller Day of Caring fashion shows, because she loved the experience and loved the dress.  I know this isn’t your normal conversation, but it touched me.  I am proud that I was able to bring positivity to her and to so many other women during what is otherwise such a difficult time.  Art, fashion, and creative expression can have a positive impact on our lives, and that is what drives me forward.

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This collection was black and red, with pops of pink to go with the theme, “Cityscape to Countryside.” Brooks LTD clothing is all about your attitude and style, no matter the shape of your body or your age. My design aesthetic is diverse and multigenerational, not just for one group of women. And this collection was made to bring this idea to life.

The art of custom making clothes takes patience, perseverance, dedication and skill. The original consultation is where ideas are discussed to determine the silhouette and the fit. A muslin is made based on these discussions.

Meet Keri, a beautiful woman who loves fashion as much as I do. I had a vision of creating the perfect sassy version of a stretch ensemble that was somewhat revealing, but tasteful at the same time. To carry out the theme of the entire collection I added a beautiful lace skirt that made the otherwise casual garment appropriate for the runway, or even a special event in your future.

My vision began with a muslin, a dress form and an idea.

After those adjustments I was ready to perfect the garment with the right zipper, elastic trimming and the adjustable neckline finish. This design has so many possibilities, as the lace skirt is removable and can be worn different seasons with the right leggings and sweater for winter or camisole for summer. The one piece romper would be a great summer party ensemble with or without the skirt.

Once the adjustments were done, we met at a coffee shop to evaluate the design. Of course I couldn’t help myself and asked her to take a fun practice walk in the hallway. We love bathroom meetings!

This is just one piece of the collection I made for all of the models to wear for the fashion show. Each design was made to fit these women according to their body type and style, and I loved seeing the whole collection come together for the big event! Here’s one of my favorite pictures of all of us:

All Runway Photos:  Hardy Klahold Photography

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