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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” Now, moms are encouraged to wear a look that makes them feel fashionable and confident (with the bride’s approval of course)” a quote from The Knot by by Sarah Hanlon.

I know Barbara well, she’s been a follower for years.  She loves blue. Pulling out all  stops with a special textile (pleather and tulle) with blue as the accent color.  Working around that theme I  put together different shades of blue in different textiles, all 100% silk.  With my current knowlege of the Art of Japense Draping I began the process which can be appropriate for Mother of the Groom or Mother of the Bride as well as for a speaking engagement, or any event that you may be participating in in the near future.

Documenting the finished product

I choose to make artisan clothing for Mother of the Bride & Groom which has delightful interesting details.  View the front, back and up close in these photos:

The wedding event

Fast forward to the actual event that took place in September 2020, with Covid restrictions in effect.

Barbara, the Mother of the Groom looks very happy in her artisan clothing piece.

Jo Julia Photography

Relationships

With each artful piece I create I’m lucky to say that important relationships are created.  I love working one on one with women helping them to create handmade clothing that speaks to their personal style.  Fashion has no age limits as I believe that age doesn’t matter. Whether it’s for a special occasion or your everyday lifestyle choice, it’s all about how you present yourself to the world.

I  help you with your fashion needs, including a mask that might be appropriate for the occasion. In my newly revised web site I take you through the steps on how easy it is to work with me.  Read about it here.

We are all about one stitch at a time, slow fashion at it’s finest.

 If you have a need for a special garment or know someone in the market, send them our way!

Lastly, we’ve got you covered, literally!  We help you reveal your favorite body parts and conceal ones you’d like to hide.

Here’s to your well being,

Brooks

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I woke up this morning with these thoughts from the Beatles song:

The Magical Mystery Tour is hoping to take you away
Hoping to take you away

Hoping to take you away…..

Read more about it here.   I’ve taken a familiar fabric, added a tye dye effect and 3 dimensional appliqués to create an interesting look.  I already know this shape is a good one as I’ve used and sold it in the past seasons.

ONE SIZE FITS MOST!

See this item and more on my shop page here.

Please follow along with me on this magical mystery tour I have a feeling it’s going to last for quite sometime.

Here’s to your well being and new beginnings that speak to you in these unusual times.

Cheers,

Brooks

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Today I wanted to feature Lea McComas, a long time quilter and a friend I met at the Denver Quilt art show many years ago. I absolutely love her work. She “paints” with thread and creates these wonderful wall hangings that are very dimensional and realistic.

Lea just won an award at the Lakewood Cultural Center where her work was featured. I always enjoy seeing her work up close and got that opportunity on opening night this past May.

I was flattered that she wore a Brooks LTD silk jacket, which gave me the idea to blog about her! Her jacket is 100% silk and is hand painted by Wildrose Hamilton, another collaborative effort! You can see how I am all about color!

Lea’s work has deep-rooted meaning along with being delightfully creative and compassionate. Everyday life events thread painted onto canvas’ with emotion, depth and form.

Last fall we collaborated on a fun project. Lea approached me because, like myself, she saves every little fabric detail. We chatted about appliqueing her pieces onto my designs. It was fun to play with her artistic fabric choices. My designs with her appliques. Here are just a few examples of our work together:

We always have fun when we meet up. Laughter is part of our sharing of life stories. I love it when long lasting relationships begin in unexpected places. Here we are both wearing similar looks from my limited-edition collection, everyday pieces for everyday people! That’s one of the things I strive for in my limited editions.

Be sure to check out Lea’s web site, you’ll be amazed at the depth of her work. It’s inspiring to me!

Looking for unique clothing to wear to a special event?

If you’re looking for a truly artful lifestyle creation, a creative gala or party dress, unique wedding dress,  or an elegant mother of the bride 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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