Using Fabric as an Inspiration for a One-of-a-Kind Garment

Brooks — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:03:54 +0000

Oftentimes clients will bring me their own fabric to use, which can be the inspiration point for creating a unique, custom design. This process has several different ways of being approached. The simpler way is to show the client what my current collection of design prototypes consist of. With my expertise, I can distinguish between what would work with the given fabric and my client’s body type to help narrow down the choices. From there we try on the prototypes and discuss options, of which there are many.

An Indian sari fabric brought in by Brooks LTD customer Lauren, to be made into a one-of-a-kind, custom dress

The custom design process essentially works something like this:

1. Choose your fabric, or bring your own

2. Select your garment shape

3. I take into account the lifestyle and needs of the client to come up with a final design idea

4. Create prototype in muslin

5. First fitting with prototype

6. Cut the prototype pattern in the chosen fabric

7. Second fitting with the actual garment

7. Finishing of garment

The muslin fitting at the Brooks LTD atelier

Meet Lauren, whose husband’s job took him to many international destinations where he purchased fabric with Lauren in mind. Lauren wanted to do something special with this fabric, which brought her to my atelier seeking a one-of-a-kind piece. Working together, we created something specific for her lifestyle, which also suited the Indian fabric she had brought. We photographed the process, which I think nicely illustrates what I can create with a client’s own special fabric. Here are some tips when picking out fabric:

Inspecting your entire roll of fabric is extremely important when creating a custom garment.

Look over the entire length of fabric you choose… sometimes fabric can have flaws down the roll. Lauren’s fabric had some circular marks down the center of the garment, likely from a changing of the thread. However, we were able to work around them based on the design we chose.

Finding the “right” side of the fabric for a custom ensemble is a critical step in the process.

Determine what is the “right side” and the “wrong side” of the fabric, and plan its use in your garment accordingly. When choosing the fabric, note the thread count, as well as whether there is a nap to the fabric (the nap is the texture of the fabric, which shows which way the fibers align), and the width. The width of the fabric can come in anywhere between 36” wide to 54” wide. The wider the fabric, the less you need. I always suggest 5 yards of 36” wide fabric for a jacket or a top, or more if you want to have an entire ensemble created. I find it’s better to have too much fabric than too little, especially if your purchase was made far from home and would be hard to replace.

A happy client in her custom Brooks LTD dress, made using her own Indian sari fabric

Back details of the custom Brooks LTD sari fabric dress

For those discerning clients who desire a completely custom, couture garment, a few extra steps are required. This process starts with sketches that will eventually translate into a complete couture experience. Stay tuned for more on this in future blogs.

One-of-a-Kind Designs by Brooks LTD

As a formally-trained fashion designer with expertise in couture, I design one-of-a-kind, custom garments, as well as limited edition ready-to-wear. Every piece is made to last the wearer a lifetime, balancing a sense of timelessness with current trends. A thoughtful, 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.

The post Using Fabric as an Inspiration for a One-of-a-Kind Garment appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Spring 2020 Color Trends: Putting Joy Back in Fashion

Brooks — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 19:48:09 +0000

While I pride myself on designing couture, one-of-a-kind and limited edition RTW garments that are timeless and classic – intended to last the client for a lifetime – I still like to stay on top of what’s happening in the marketplace. Even a garment that is custom designed with a particular client’s taste and needs in mind can benefit from a perspective that is well-versed in the day’s trends, making it more current in terms of cut, detailing, or even fabric technology. The job of the designer is to take or leave what makes sense for that particular client and that particular garment. Trends that have staying power are ones that truly serve a need, or ones that authentically resonate with the zeitgeist of the time. These I like to filter from the fads, which come and go.

Alicia models the Brooks LTD Maize Jumpsuit

If one thing can be said for Spring 2020, it’s exuberance. Perhaps it’s the general feeling of dis-ease in the world; the stress of political instability at home and abroad, climate change… you name it. But fashion has decided to provide the antidote, and that antidote is FUN. It’s as if the collective industry is saying, “Let us help you take your mind off of this negativity, and bring some JOY into your wardrobe!”

The Clementine Kimono Jacket in Kantha print cotton

Loving the drape of the Clementine Kimono Jacket cut! It’s a Brooks LTD classic, which can be made to order in any fabric of your choosing.

Among other things, the exuberance that were the Spring 2020 runways translated into wild, brilliant color palettes, and bold, over-the-top prints. Happiness ebbed from all angles…. primary blues (the Pantone color of the year, in fact), sunny yellows, and a kaleidoscope of floral prints layered one on top of another. Taking cues from this playful mood – which frankly I tend to gravitate towards anyhow – my Spring 2020 designs likewise utilized a fun-filled color palette. Favorites include a banana-yellow jumper, a Kantha-print kimono jacket, and a blue-and-white tie dyed dress. All coming soon to BrooksLTD.net, so stay tuned!

Brooks LTD Maize Jumpsuit with the Everly Short Jacket in Kantha cotton, on model Alicia

Back details of the Brooks LTD Everly Short Jacket

Another variation on the Kantha fabric – a long vest, layered over jumpsuit

Versatility is key! Reversible Brooks LTD Kantha print vest can be worn multiple ways.

Custom Designs by Brooks LTD

Looking to add joy to your wardrobe? At the Brooks LTD atelier, I design one-of-a-kind, custom couture, and limited edition ready-to-wear garments for special occasions, or just for every day. Every piece is made to last the wearer a lifetime, balancing a sense of timelessness with current trends. A thoughtful, 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.

The post Spring 2020 Color Trends: Putting Joy Back in Fashion appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

custom dresses denver Archives - Brooks Ltd

Using Fabric as an Inspiration for a One-of-a-Kind Garment

One-of-a-Kind Designs by Brooks LTD

Spring 2020 Color Trends: Putting Joy Back in Fashion

Custom Designs by Brooks LTD