Brooks LTD is featured in Denver Life Magazine.

The magazine calls it  “Brooks LTD rules Denver Fashion”. How cool is that?

Read the article here:BROOKS LTD’S – May 2020 issue copyJPEG

Artisan designed playful sophisticated clothing with creative twists so that ageless women can look and feel comfortably chic.  This is my new tagline!

Yes, these women are ageless beauties.

Photo:  Ricardo Meija

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My work from home studio is a bedroom converted into a work space.  Nothing fancy, just my tools to complete smaller projects.  Some of you have asked for behind the scenes photos so I decided to honor your requests.  As you can see from the photos I have alot of sun peering in and I surround myself with favorite art pieces hanging on the wall. This corner of the room has my seerge machine ready to sew masks that I am currently working on.  I sew these masks everyday, only 6-12 at a time.  My back can’t handle much more of that.  When I need a rest all I have to do is look up and see my friends art work on the wall.  On the right is a quilt by Lea McComas and on the left  is a 3 dimensional piece by Michele Brower.

Finished masks for the day   

My work from home  studio has great light.  Sometimes I have to shut the shades because of it!  I have alot of cubby holes that keep my supplies at bay.

Here is the current dress design that I’m working on.  Unfortunately I only had 2 yards to work with so I had to improvise and figure out a way to make it as long as possible.  There are no seams in the body of the dress, just the side seams so I was able to use the selvage to incorporate only one pocket, and an extended hem.  This will be a one-of-a-kind piece that I will add to my collection for early fall.  I’ve also found a new app that removes the background so you can really see just the dress.  I’m always experimenting!

Here is the extended hem piece.  I am taking a draping class so I’ve experimented with draping instead of patternmaking for this particular design. My work from home area only allows for a small table.  My table is on rollers, so I can move it around when needed.  It’s very useful that way.

The dress above is in it’s raw form, below is the completed piece.  Notice how I utilize the raw selvage, something I always try to do even though it takes extra time.  It’s worth the details for me.  I’ve also found a new app that removes the background so you can really see just the dress.  I’m always experimenting!

As I wander through the challenges of our daily processes I am hopeful that a post like this is something you are interested in.  I never really know unless I hear from you.  Please comment below so I know that you are listening.  We all need to listen and learn during this work from home time frame.  It may go on alot longer than we imagined.

Stay home, stay safe and thank you for following me.

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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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Each season, I am exposed to the newest technology of fabrics. In order to keep fashion fresh and interesting, the textiles need to be innovative. The latest technologies are 3D, pile and tactile fabrics.

3D fabrics are definitely one of my favorites, and whenever I can’t find them, I create them. This makes my fashion designs more distinct and one of a kind. One print may be the underlayer of the overlay print, which creates a 3D effect when the fabric moves. It can be hard to notice unless you see it in real life.

Laser-cut fabrics are also becoming mainstay in the industry, for everything from bridal gowns to outerwear. I was thrilled to run across an interesting pattern that was laser cut on tulle fabric. Stay tuned for the final result! I have a roll of it now in my studio.

Shredding fabrics and using a quilting technique can create an interesting design. When applied to a garment, it becomes intriguing to the fashion-conscious woman.

I also get inspired by the environment and what is happening culturally. When I was walking the streets of New York on my annual trip this summer, this window display resonated with me. The word “truth” has really become a mainstay in our political climate today. I know deep inside that I was creating graffiti on my clothes last November using the word TRUTH. Although we all try to be the first to do something, it’s impossible! 

These are just a small sampling of the fabric I choose to work with. They are always changing, so I can’t get too attached to one fabric because of this. This holiday season in 2018, be on the lookout for more texture, dimension, and a contrast in drape and fluidity in fashion designs. Thank you for following my story, and be sure to check out my Instagram feed for my latest updates and inspirations!

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Here are some helpful questions to ask during your initial consultation with a custom dress designer:

What might our timeline look like?

Be sure to communicate with your dress designer about when your event is before ordering a dress. This will help you both to better prepare for how much time you have, when fittings should take place, and approximately when you’ll be able to pick up the dress before the big event.  We usually allow 6-8 weeks for a custom gown and less time for smaller projects.

My clients are always happy when I can incorporate pockets.

What are my price options?

Custom designed dresses can vary in price in a few key ways. If you already have a specific budget range in mind, talk about your ideal and maximum budgets for this product. This helps in determining the design elements and the fabric choices.

We require a deposit of half down at the time of the order, one quarter before we cut into the fashion fabric and the balance upon delivery.

Which fabrics might work best with our vision?

Designing a custom dress should be a collaborative experience. After you explore ideas that may work for your wedding or special event, ask your designer’s opinion on which fabrics might be best for bringing your ideas to life.  Certain fabrics will respond to specific design lines.  Let your designer be the guide for what is best for your ensemble as a designer has the expertise you are looking for.

How many fittings will I need and are fittings included in the cost?

Typically, you may only need a couple of fittings, but for more extravagant ideas there may be more required.  At Brooks LTD we pride ourselves in having samples for a client to try on before the fitting process begins. Below is an example of a muslin prototype that has the fit and design lines that the final garment will have.

Talk with your designer about the numbers of fittings. At Brooks LTD, additional fittings are included in the overall investment of the dress design, once a price is quoted we do not change our price unless the client adds something to the original request.

What types of undergarments should I wear?

Every dress design will be unique, so ask your designer for thoughts on appropriate undergarments to wear in a way that will be flattering and won’t negatively impact the way the dress looks on you.  It is very important that you as the client bring or wear the exact underpinnings to each fitting as that determines the fit, so it’s a waste of time to have a fitting without appropriate undergarments. And don’t forget: shoes are also part of the fitting!

Delivery of the final product.

At the final fitting you will try on the finished product which will be pressed and ready to go.  We prefer to take a few photos for our records, we ask each client to pose on delivery day. Each gown is packaged so that it will travel well, whether it is locally or headed for a drive to your venue.

Contact a Custom Dress Designer in Denver, CO

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, a creative gala or party dress, or other artful ensemble creations, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.  

Thank you to Frances Photography for these great photos!

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Not only is a custom-designed dress made to fit your body, but you’ll love being able to wear something tailored to your fashion vision and style — especially if you have something extraordinary in mind that is more specific to your individual personality.

But when it comes to working with a custom dress designer, there are a few important things to look for before your commitment. Here’s what you should look for in a dress designer to find one that’s right for you.

Experience & Expertise

When you meet with a potential designer, ask how long they’ve been in this line of work. Those with more experience will often have a better perspective on the dress shapes, colors, and fabrics that can help you create an entirely unique ensemble. Hiring a designer is also requires trusting in their expertise and guidance, so you’ll want someone who can bring a professional opinion to the table.

And although there are many clothing designers out there, find someone who has a background in creating high quality ensembles (such as gowns, dresses, skirts, jackets and blouses) so they can better suggest the right fabrics and style for such an important event.

They will also know the right questions to ask you in return, making the design process smoother and more transparent, so you clearly understand each step the entire way.

Portfolio

This tip may sound obvious, but it can be one of the most important to helping you find the right designer. Look through samples of work they’ve done in the past. See which dresses they’ve designed that you may or may not want to borrow inspiration from.

Honesty

You should feel comfortable with the person you’re working with, and this requires a good amount of honesty and transparency. It’s better to hire a dress designer who is up-front about what may or may not be possible (say, with certain fabrics that may not match the style you’re going for), than someone who says “Yes” to everything and doesn’t achieve your vision in the end as they promised.

Creativity & Artistry

You aren’t looking to have someone create a custom dress if you’re hoping to wear something unoriginal, so look for a designer who thinks outside the box!

Ask for their insights, ideas and opinions. Creating your dress should be a collaborative effort in order to bring an out of the ordinary design to life. Work with an artistic dress designer who uses creative design elements, and you can feel confident as you walk into your event with an ensemble that is truly “yours”!

Contact a Custom Dress Designer in Denver, CO

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, a creative gala or party dress, or other artful ensemble creations, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.  

The post What to Look for in a Dress Designer appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Here are some of my thoughts on 2018’s hottest fashion trends, as well as a few examples from my own clothing designs.

Bright, bold, solid colors

Solid colors with a lot of saturation are always a safe choice to add to your wardrobe. They enable you to dress up or down with accessories. I always suggest choosing a color that compliments your hair and complexion. Turquoise is one of my favorite colors for this trend.

For evening wear, I went a little extreme with this coral strapless gown embellished with turquoise and yellow. I call it “here comes the sun.”

Transparent/Sheer Fabrics

This turquoise ensemble shows off the sheerness of the fabric. The skirt design has a short lining so one can appreciate the sheerness of the fabric. Subtly sexy, covered up with the illusion of your figure underneath.

Lots of Tulle

Tulle is a beautiful, feminine way to express yourself. This black tulle dress is adorned with colorful appliqués. I always like to cover up the figure, but with a sheer illusion so that you can see beyond the fabric.

Fringe

Fringe is making a comeback this year and being used in various designs, from dresses and jackets to boots and purses.

Although I follow trends, fringe is not on my radar this season. My clients would need to see this more in the market place before they would experiment with it. Maybe I’ll catch up next season, I was too involved in sheer and transparency this year.

Sequins and Sparkle

I love sequins right now especially paired with lace! They make a beautiful combination especially for formal events, such as galas and weddings.

I’m currently on the hunt for paillettes which are bigger than sequins. I trust I’ll find some next month on my fabric journey back east.

Fair warning to the brides out there: be careful if you choose sequins for your bridesmaid dresses, since they come in many qualities of fabrics. Sequins can also take away attention from the bride and can reflect the light in unusual ways when photographed. Here is an ensemble of a MOB dress I designed, mixed with silk charmeuse.

Contact Brooks LTD for a Custom-Designed Dress

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, or a show-stopping gala or party 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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