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.

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.

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.