“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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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 

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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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I never really thought much about the Barbie craze until I saw the movie. The New York TImes describes the movie Barbie and is well titled On the Road and Out of the Box.

My vintage Barbie

Below you will see my real vintage Barbie dressed in a taffeta gown with a fur wrap. Yes, I had to dig her out of storage after I saw the movie.  I added the sunglasses to give her a more casual vibe.  From gowns to sunglasses I began to relate to how she affected my life and how Barbie shapes imagination.

Dreams do come true as Barbie shapes imagination

One thing Barbie has tried to show girls is that dreams do come true. And making those dreams a reality requires persistence, drive and the will to experiment.

Some of my childhood dreams was to create pieces for the red carpet and for high profile stars.  My most recent ‘red carpet’ moment -I was honored to create a bodice for the Grammy’s Red Carpet one year ago, read about that HERE

In addition,  I also had the honor to create a custom jacket for Shania Twain, it was intended for her to wear as a lifestyle piece and I did see her on Instagram wearing it.  What a thrill!

Now Shania is being recognized as a Barbie role model @shaniatwain  said,  “All I’ve wanted to do my whole life is tell stories of empowerment, independence and self-expression through my songwriting. Getting to do that and inspire women and girls along the way is the dream. It means a lot to expand my responsibility as a role model into the Barbie world, thank you @barbie and Mattel for creating this reflection of me.”

I feel the same about the pieces I create. The garments I’ve made for my clients are all pieces from my heart. My hope is that they will always give my clients a feeling of empowerment, self-expression and independence every time they wear them.

So thank you, Barbie, for inspiring us all to reimagine the many ways our lives can be well lived.

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I am engaged with a facebook group one that is giving back during this pandemic 2020 crisis and  is connected with healthcare facilities and hospitals where the need is currently great.  Through this group my masks have been and will be distributed to those in need at this time.  The fashion and the sewist community has responded incredibly well in helping out.  For those of you interested in Colorado companies that have expanded to other forms of making PPE(personal protection equipment) check this out.

As I experiment I am committed to produce some of these masks quickly for their use.  Because I am a one woman operation I am limited to any kind of production.   In an effort to help, I would like to share what I’ve come up with for the end product, if you are able to sew masks, here is what I’ve researched.  The best pattern and instruction  I’ve used is from this Video which I then added my own version of what I think is helpful.  I use an electric sissor for this project as I am cutting more than one out at a time.  Since I have very little cotton fabrics on hand I am cutting into a king sized sheet that is cotton and polyester.  It’s best to use cotton as suggested in the video I just shared.

Sheets cut up for mask making

Finished mask

The mask is itself is relatively easy to construct.  I’ve chosen not to incorporate the nose wire or the pocket for extra filters. I am also using my knit stach (100% Cotton) from tee shirts that I have in my closet to create a softer feeling against your skin.

Tee shirt cut up

The quick part for me is adding the adjustable strings for individual fit.  Instead of stitching each string at the corners, which is time consuming, I suggest stitching a casing at the ends of each side (from ear to chin-think of it like a waistline drawstring casing).  Stitch the string which I am cutting to 54″, there is only one string to be inserted in both side casings and then tied at the crown of the head.  I knot the end of the strings to keep it from falling out and tack the string at the center of the casing so it does not get lost when washed.  When worn, it can be adjusted tight against the chin so there is no opening to allow debris to filter in.

I will continue to incorporate making these masks on a daily basis, in addition to my current work– but any extra help from the community is greatly needed.  If you have questions reach out here and I can connect you to the authorities I know that are distributing DIY masks.

Here I am wearing my mask on the somber side.

Here are some other links that may help you decide which way to make your own mask. Make your own mask.  The New York Times how to make face mask.  NPR came out with a very informative article read it here.

Important tips:  When you wear your mask, be conscious of how you take it off, be sure not to touch the fabric part of the mask. When you come inside from wearing it, be sure to ALWAYS wash it in warm water with detergent after each wear.  One never knows where the virus molecules will land.

  WEAR MASKS WHEN GOING OUT  You protect me, I protect you

Happy sewing.

Stay safe and stay home.

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Putting final touches on my Brooks LTD Spring 2020 jumpsuit look

That’s why when the opportunity arose to collaborate with another noteworthy Denver designer – jeweler Andrea Li – on an editorial shoot with uber-talented photographer Nicole Marcelli, I jumped on it.  Both Andrea and I had the intention to “try on” a new look with our content this season, and so we brought stylist and creative director Vanessa Barcus on board to help come up with a shoot concept and aesthetic that would push both of our typical boundaries just a bit.  We also roped in one of my favorite bag designers, Mel Barcelona, to give some extra flair to the accessories.  Coupled with makeup artist Lillian Marsh and model DanShay Martinez, it worked out to be quite the dream team.  And in case you can’t tell from these behind-the-scenes shots, what fun we had!

Behind the scenes with photographer Nicole Marcelli and model DanShay Martinez, with K Contemporary gallery as the backdrop

Model DanShay strikes a pose in a Brooks LTD jumpsuit at K Contemporary

Though not always visible from the public’s perspective, editorial shoots oftentimes have a storyline running behind them.  This helps to create a cohesive look for the shoot.  For this particular photoshoot, we crafted a backstory about a young heiress who was in love with an artist.  This called for quirky, avant-garde (yet luxe) looks – the types of things a patroness of the arts might wear.  We reached out to K Contemporary gallery for the location, and luckily proprietor Doug Kacena was happy to oblige, letting us shoot with his incredible art as the backdrop.  Andrea’s sculptural jewelry made with tourmaline gemstones played an artful counterpoint to my bold SS20 designs.  Favorites from this Brooks LTD collection included oversized jackets paired with tapered pants for a bit of 80s/90s flair, draped jersey dresses, a wildly layered tulle skirt contrasted with a cashmere sweatshirt, and a cozy jumper.

DanShay wears a layered tulle skirt, contrasted with a casual, slouchy cashmere sweater, as seen through the lens of Nicole. Artwork by Ken Gunn Minn, represented by K Contemporary

DanShay in a structured neoprene vest and slouchy silk pants, poses in front of art by Melissa Furness, represented by K Contemporary

Scroll through to see the end results of this special collaboration!

Clothing by Brooks LTD with jewelry by Andrea Li. Photos by Nicole Marcelli

DanShay stands in front of art by Jonathan Saiz

DanShay wears OOAK Brooks LTD and Andrea Li, with handbag by Mel Barcelona

DanShay in a draped jersey dress in front of art by Nina Tichava.

DanShay huddles in front of art by Mario Zoots.

Custom Designs by Brooks LTD

Truly unique clothing and custom ensembles don’t need to be limited to special occasions.  I love designing one-of-a-kind jackets, jumpers, separates and more that can be worn and enjoyed on a regular basis.  With each piece made to order, every garment fits like a glove and suits your individual needs and taste.  A timeless, well-crafted piece of clothing can be a great investment for your wardrobe, offering tons of “mileage” for years to come.  Let’s chat about how we can transform your wardrobe in simple, easy ways with just a few custom designs – visit the Contact page of my website to get started.

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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.

The post Brooks LTD Celebrates 45 Years of Couture in Denver at Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Creative thinking.

Sometimes I get so involved in the product I forget how versatile my items can be.

Read a recent blog by Jodi’s Touch of Style  

Thanks for the shout out.

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