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

The post Shania Twain’s Custom Jean Jacket appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Fashion and Relevancy

I believe that taking care of yourself especially during times of crisis is self healing.

Chic clothing for well being.

My clothing can be described as Artisan designed playful sophisticated clothing  so that ageless women can look and feel comfortably chic.  At home or otherwise.  Here is our basic white shirt with a fun mask as seen in Malvie Magazine, June 2020.

‘Henry’ blouse available here

The post Fashion and Relevancy during the pandemic appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Advanced Style’s Ari Seth Cohen outside of his book signing, flanked by myself and Judith from Style Crone, wearing her custom Brooks LTD headpiece

Ari’s blog showcases some incredibly fabulous New York City women, as well as some closer to (our) home – including my dear friend (and Brooks LTD model) Judith Boyd of blog Style Crone.  In addition to his blog, Ari also has written several books.  His latest, “Advanced Love,” is a collection of couples’ portraits “who prove that love is bound by neither the constraints of age or time.”  Judith had the honor of co-hosting Ari for his Denver book signing at local boutique Wild Flowers, along with shop proprietor Jonah Bradley.  Of course the occasion called for pulling out all the stops in creative dressing.  I was thrilled to find that Judith chose to wear her Brooks LTD oversized bow headpiece as a topper to her vintage purple dress.  This was a style that I custom designed with her in mind as my muse – hence it’s official name, “The Judith.”  I find that the more Judith and I work together, and the more our friendship evolves, her unique style consistently inspires me to discover new ways of expressing my craft.

Myself and two friends (both in Brooks LTD!) enjoying ourselves at Ari Seth Cohen’s book signing

Ari and Judith’s discussion that night left me with a newfound appreciation for the art of dressing.  It was a joyful reminder that fashion can have deeper meaning than just being the clothes on your back.  And oh how radiant Judith looked next to Ari in her vintage taffeta dress and Brooks LTD headpiece!  It’s opportunities like these that bring an extra dose of excitement to what I do.

Advanced Style’s Ari Seth Cohen signing his latest book, Advanced Love

Latin Fashion WeekStyle Crone’s Judith Boyd backstage at Latin Fashion Week Colorado modeling her custom Brooks LTD headpiece, The Judith, along with a Brooks LTD artfully decorated jacket and sweater knit dress.

The post Style Crone Hosts Advanced Style’s Ari Seth Cohen in Denver Wearing Custom Brooks LTD 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.

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.