By working with your hands, the process of mending also calms the mind and allows you to think deeply about things that are personal to you. It’s about the journey and not the destination although, in this case, the destination can have a beautiful visual effect. I shared my personal mending techniques with clients and friends at my private atelier last month and found that there is great interest in the age-old practice of mending.

There are a few reasons why the art of mending matters has such appeal. By repairing a garment you gain a better understanding of it from a construction standpoint and connect yourself in a way to the original maker.

“When we spend time patching, stitching, darning, or otherwise fixing torn fabrics, we ultimately deepen our understanding of quality, composition, and craftsmanship.”  —Excerpt from Mending Matters

Repairing a favorite garment

There’s also the environmental aspect. Mending can be a counterpoint to the dark side of consumption in the fashion industry. Lily Fulop, author of Wear, Repair, Repurpose: A Maker’s Guide to Mending and Upcycling Clothes, writes that “mending is an act of resistance — a rejection of the sort of capitalism that puts profit before the planet.” She even coined the term ‘Craftivism’ noting that the act of mending clothes is a form of activism that sends a message about reducing waste and minimizing environmental damage.

Mending can also improve your mental well-being. Taking time to do something with your hands, like the simple act of stitching, can create feelings of awareness and joyfulness. Mending is proof of the possibility of renewal. It also helps to reduce ‘eco-anxiety’ because it’s a concrete way to take action against the unsustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Working with your hands

Teaching Mending Textiles in 2023

I will be teaching Mending Textiles Matters classes at The Art Student’s League in Denver. (If these links don’t work for you, scroll to the search box and select Fall Adult 2023, Brooks Luby, from the dropdown menu.) Dates are Oct 6, 2023 and Nov 17, 2023. Hope to see you there!

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Photo:  Fred Langer

Classic Little Black Dress

The Turner Tank Dress is our latest take on the classic little black dress. Style it for warmer weather with bare arms and legs. Or layer it, for the cooler months, over a button-up, a turtleneck or a long-sleeved t-shirt. Heels dress it up, while sneakers or Birkenstocks make it casual, but chic. You could even wear it over jeans or leggings for a completely different look. The options are endless with this incredible piece.

Photo;  Fred Langer

Slow Fashion

As with all our clothing, this dress is made locally in Colorado by a small group of creatives. It’s the product of ‘slow-fashion’, a movement that honors and values products created by hand and not mass-produced in a factory. It’s quality over quantity. Adding to its artisanal essence, The Turner Tank Dress features unique hand-stitched details and a subtle peek-a-boo slit on the skirt that adds style and sexiness.

Timeless Design

You’ll reach for this dress again and again. Wear it to the theater with a heeled boot or toss it on over your yoga clothes so you look chic at a post-workout lunch. It’s perfect for travel too – so comfy on plane rides or long car trips. Timeless and terrific…that’s the Turner Tank Dress, shop it here.

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What is deadstock fabric?  Deadstock isn’t a word you come upon every day. When you hear it, it doesn’t exactly bring to mind beautiful clothing and environmental wellness. But, that’s exactly what it means to us at Brooks LTD.

You might ask, “What exactly is deadstock?”. Good question, dear reader!  Deadstock is the surplus fabric manufacturers(including our own brand) haven’t used during their production process. Basically in our mind, really pretty leftovers. In the past, these fabrics often found their way into landfills, adding to the already overloaded and damaging textile waste supply. Since companies need to clear out this extra material to maintain their low-cost inventories, small businesses like Brooks LTD., are able to purchase these fabric remains.  This keeps the textiles out of landfills and instead, using them to create new designs for their customers. In addition, other deadstock fabric could be a quilt top your Great Grandmother made and you’ve stored it in a chest of drawers.  We can fix that, read what we’ve done with one client’s textile she wanted to be made into a wearable here. 

Sustainability and style

Sustainability and style are pillars to the design process at Brooks LTD. Our goal is always to create clothing that is unique, comfortable and easy-to-wear. Using deadstock fabric  in conjunction with modern fabrics allows us to do just that.  This simultaneously limits textile waste and lowers the environmental impact of the garment industry. It’s a win-win and keeps us authentic to our aesthetic.

We always select notable fabrics to use in our designs so most everything we create using deadstock is one-of-a-kind. There’s just not enough of the extra material to mass produce any particular item. We take a couple approaches to working with our beautiful deadstock fabrics. Sometimes we use the entire piece of deadstock to create a special item like this linen duster. The fabric was leftover from a home goods store and we added hand stitching and beautiful appliques to create a fun, seasonless topper.  See this piece here.

Other times, we may have smaller amounts of modern textiles that we combine with different fabrics to create a patchwork effect. The Ida shirt is a great example of this technique – we combined the excess modern fabric from garments we made last year with vintage tablecloths. This allowed us to add fun details like the accents at the wrist and the attention-getting back to a simple style making a piece that is easy and fun to wear.  See more of this piece here.

Our priority

I hope this has given you some insight to how we create pieces for our customers that can never be duplicated thanks to the use of deadstock. And how reducing the amount of textile waste is a priority for us at Brooks LTD. Utilizing deadstock allows us to do our part for the environment, it pushes us creatively, and ends up resulting in unique and exceptional clothing for our cherished customers to enjoy for years to come.

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Brooks Luby Accepting the Sue Miller Survivour Award 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October.  It is a gentle reminder to be procative with your individual wellness.  Over 31 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  The journey to wellness followed as I was lucky to integrate what I love to do (designing clothes) with my health and well being.

Survivors walk the runway for Breast Cancer Awareness

For those of you who don’t know my history, I was chosen to be the exclusive clothing designer for a Non Profit Organization, The Day of Caring over 8 years ago. For the next 5 years in succession I created garments for breast cancer patients (surviviors and those in treatment). Each woman had the benefit to have something designed for them by me to walk the runway at an evening event in Denver, Colorado. I met some amazing people and we all together showed our strength an perserverance during and after challenging times. It became a sisterhood of women going through hard times.

Images for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Survivors walking the runway in my designs throughout the years.  I like to think of my brand in the category of top designer brands, created in Colorado.  We fit a range of womens body types with comfort and ease as a main focus.

Meet Toby, wearing a jumpsuit with hand appliqued lace motifs on the bodice.  The wool melton coat was hand painted and purchased in Paris.  Note my love of interesting textures and fabrics.  This ensemble is good for most female body types as it skims the body in just the right places-not to tight, not to loose.  The second photo shows how to style the same jumpsuit with an embroidered kimono jacket to change up the look.  One size fits all.

Exhuburant emotions while walking the runway, meet  3 ladies each wearing a style suitable for their personality as well as their individual body type.  As you see we fit a range of female body types, sheath dresses to camouflage waistlines(red dress), loose fitting sleeves to cover your arms(black dress) or fitted bodices that accent your favorite parts and cover up your concerned areas (green dress).

2014

From social occasions to everyday lifestyle events.

The range of creative garments that we make can fit into your lifestyle as well as enjoy comfort and ease of movement.  Listen to a short overview of the process.

Thank you Sue Miller, the Founder of The Day of Caring

One of our first events together was with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where their dancers wore my garments in an intimate setting.  It was the beginning of wonderful collaborations with many to follow.

Founder of The Day of Caring, Sue Miller wearing a custom Brooks ensemble

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Fashion West is a newly developed and well curated fashion show featuring designers from the West.  Often one thinks of Fashion in the West as purely western style.  Think cowboy boots, hats, bandanas and other such traditional things.  Additionally western can mean many things to many people. The range of talent in this show will be very modern and nothing like one expects. Above all, I am honored to be a part of the whole and I am excited to show you my vision of Fashion in the West.

It’s more than western style, or western dress, it’s an attitude.

Additionaly, In preparation for the show I was recently  interviewed by Charlie Price for the upcoming Fashion West Fashion Show in Denver Colorado.  There are alot of insights as to the tranformation I have recently gone through being in isolation for the 2020 year of Covid.  If in the Denver area, the show is August 16  doors open at 5PM at the Exdo Center.

Cow Punk? Absolutely.
Cow Chic? Indeed.
Cow Town? Not on your life.

From the interview in Fashion West:

You have such a range of work in your showroom, how would you describe your design style?

My aesthetic radiates a sophistication that is attained by using interesting textiles, handmade qualities, patterned with a semi tailored effect.  My design style is consciously curating perfectly made garments that have a sense of whimsy, artful details with a flair for femininity.

Why are you – and – what is the thing you love most about being a citizen of The West? 

I am forever grateful of my environment and it is constantly influencing my design and color choices.  The noise of the fashion industry is tempered by my choice to live, play and work in The West.  Being a creative has its advantages not necessarily where you live – as the world has become smaller. Things are more attainable with the Internet being so easy to adapt to.  Of course the fashion mecca’s of the world also has its advantages. I choose slow fashion where I can be the Creative Director and maker of how and why my brand remains sustainable.

Your creations are often quite fluid – is that something you specifically intend and what are your favorite fabrics to create with?  

Fluid fabrics enable the wearer to move seamlessly and joyfully. Women adore feeling feminine and being able to move in their clothes.  I love to drape designs and let each textile speak to me. I am using my instinct and intuition rather than traditional methods learned. Fluidity has always been as aspect of what I achieve…now even more so since I have recently let go of many rules. As I create I am becoming one with each piece that is a new exploration of design with confidence and quality. Every piece has a story and people are very interested in listening to those stories and working directly with the creator. My voice is being heard!

You are a trailblazing business woman in Denver – and have been working as an independent designer for decades in Denver – a city some say disregards fashion – What made you launch here – how has it been and has the business and your clientele changed in recent years?  

As a native after attending design school at Fashion Institute of Technology (1972) I made a conscious decision to take lifestyle over career.  I always felt that executing and creating my craft could exist wherever I chose to be, all I needed were the right tools and equipment.  Being in Denver has had its challenges and I have had to adapt to paring down some of my outrageous design aspects in order to maintain a sustainable business.

Being in business for over 45 years has made me adapt, pivot and recreate my business model and my clientele. More so this year (2020-21), than ever before.  I am proud to say that some of my clientele is multigenerational. My designs have proven to trickle down from generation to generation as I am continuing to meet daughters of women I have worked with as far back as the beginning.  With the influx of people moving to our Mile High City people have brought with them their sophistication but with a sense of comfort and ease.  Environments have a tendency to change desires in how one presents themselves to the world when they dress.  I say “Welcome to Colorado, embrace our sense of style, ease and comfort while living your best life”.

What fashion trend do you loathe and what fashion trend do you love?

As I look back at many archives I see a reflection of a continuous flow of a tailored effect mixed with a flair for creativity and whimsy. It just comes out that way; the mixture keeps it wearable for many women, conservative or edgy. I love that mixture, unexpected and definitely something I strive for in my designs so that they are a recognizable brand. I loathe garments that are not made with care and attention to details, seams that pucker, insides that aren’t finished and hanging threads (unless it’s intentional). Quality fabrics and workmanship are just as important as the design.

View the entire magazine HERE.

Interview by Charlie Price

Edited by Tiaja Pierre

©2021 Fashion West | Design by David Rossa Design

If in the Denver area, the show is August 16 at the Exdo Center.  Tickets available here.

View my designs

I am keeping my newest designs under rap until the show,  however, you will be able to see them after August 16th.

 For those of you in the Rocky Mountain Region I will have an open studio August 20-21 11-4 each day.  Save the date!

In the meantime check out my new page on my site HERE.

The post Fashion West appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

A cotton shirt with zipper front can be the basic piece in your wardrobe. You will find yourself going to it time and time again, it’s modern for your everyday lifestyle.  Our cotton shirt is different because of the zippered front.   The keyhole openings on the arm, the ease and flare in the body that allows for movement and the small percentage(3%) of spandex to prevent wrinkles are more elements of uniqueness.

This cotton shirt with zipper front has many uses, it can go to the beach over a swimsuit, to the family gatherings, on a zoom call or out on the town.  We have a special design element that can change the look, see the images below.

Four tips of why our classic cotton shirt is unique

The first thing I would like to point out is that this classic white shirt(comes in pink also) has a center front zippered placket. This allows for ease and movement while wearing it.  I looks polished when wearing it open as a shirt jacket.  The bows create an edgy look.

Removable bows create a new look on the shirt worn as a jacket

The second detail of this classic white shirt(comes in pink also) is the keyhole openings on the arms.  They are subtle but stylish, this could modernize and update your current wardrobe.

Keyhole Classic White Shirt with keyhole opening at arms

The length of this tunic can go over leggings (or in this case with boots)that covers your legs in just the right place.

Bespoke fashion

The cut of this shirt is designed so that a range of sizes can wear it.  One size fits most, here it is as an undergarment to an artful jacket.

Lifestyle clothing

Shop the look

We have this versatile white tunic shirt( comes in lavendar and pink) in our new shop page.  See the selections here.

We’ve got you covered, literally!

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I am inspired by Modern Jackets for Women. Often times I am inspired by the fabric.  When I see something special I grab it up knowing that I will discover a perfect design to compliment the fabric. This neoprene fabric that I found in the garment center in New York City became a great covering for women.  It found it’s way on Koya Nyangi from Let Me Show You Different.

See the video here.

A modern take on baseball or bomber jackets.

Here are a few key talking points from Koya Nyangi on the video

So these pieces are timeless. When you put them on they are  casual, chic, and comfortable.

Three things women want .”…Koya

Zippered front modern baseball jacket

Hand painted bomber jacket

Unspoken Accessory-Jackets for Women

“I think jackets are like an unspoken accessory.  You can create timeless looks with one piece. “……Koya

 ” I try to do that-timeless pieces that have longevity. I enjoy making jackets.  You can take a jacket put it over a dress, wear with jumpsuits, or jeans. I make different styles of jackets all the time.”…..Brooks

In case you missed the video, see it here.

Thank you Koya for understanding my aesthetic and enjoying wearing my pieces.

See this one of a kind jacket available for sale

here

Remember,  we’ve got you covered…. literally!

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Wondering about Covid Restrictions especially in the state in which you live?  As we approach another season during Covid 2021 and if you are anything like me you are ready to interact with your community. Parties and events that were canceled last year are being challenged again this year.  The rules and regulations keep changing as does the information about Covid and how to deal in the pandemic.  Check with your local Governor’s office for specific State rules.

We have complied a list of tips that will help guide you for information. Please note that these statements are directly from either CEA (CO Events Alliance) or the Colorado Governor’s office.

Wear two masks

Wearing 2 masks instead of one is important.  Social distancing is still enforced.  Maintaining important events during this crisis is of great concern.   Reaching out to Walli Richardson a party planner extraordinaire I asked her questions from her insider view as to how to plan events in times of Covid.

Walli Richardson and I wearing ‘vintage Brooks’, (Photo is circa 2019 at The Narrative in Denver, Cherry Creek North).  

Timeless pieces for your creative lifestyle.

Insider information

• How do we prepare for get togethers in times of Covid?  Keeping the gatherings small is key. Checking on the CURRENT rules issued by the Governor’s office and CEA is of upmost importance. Number of guests is determined by the number of square footage in both indoor and outdoor planning.  If a tent has walls, it is considered an indoor venue.
• If we social distance and wear masks are outdoor venues safe? Yes, as long as you abide by the rules of how many guests per square foot; how you are serving food and beverage and how you are setting up the contact information.
• What is the limit of guests for venues? Are venues booking events?  There is a specific plan that has been developed for both outdoor and indoor venues.  Check with your Governors’ office or specfically for Colorado.
• In order to congretate at my private atelier do you have any advice on how to do this? (Private trunk show perhaps?) Set up in time blocks with no more that 2 guests per visit time.  Allow a half hour between visits so that you are able to properly sanitize the clothing, your dressing room, restroom and the entire space.

• Are weddings happening in today’s market?  How about fashion shows? Small weddings, mostly in private homes/yards until later in year.  The numbers per venue are already opening up and will continue to allow more attendees ~ especially in the summer months. 

• How are you planning your events if in fact the limitations change as the date gets closer? Using ZOOM to accommodate the larger groups.  It all depends on the timing; as to whether the guest list can be made larger or smaller for the onsite event.
•  As we  move forward, are people sharing platforms?   Most events will now be hybrid.   People on site and people on Zoom or electronic platform.
• Food and beverage being delivered by designated caterer(s) or shipped ahead of time. Social events as well as corporate are embracing this concept, as they can keep in touch in real time and share the energy.

As of Febuary 26, Colorado is in the BLUE LEVEL.

• LEVEL BLUE – CAUTION:  50% of posted occupancy limit not to exceed 175 people per room for unseated events.  Seated events may have up to 225 people per room as long as they do not exceed 50% of the posted occupancy limit.  The calculation of the available space many be based on 6-foot distancing between parties of 10 or fewer.
• DANCING:  Dancing strictly limited at all events to no more than 6 persons dancing together from the same party.  Dancing parites must remain 6 feet from other persons and must folow current mask mandates.  At weddings ~ the following dances are permitted: couples first dance and parent dances.
• SEATING:  Parties of 10 people or fewer may be seated together.  There needs to be a 6 ft. distance between tables.
• PERFORMERS:  Performers are masked or behind barrier at 12 feet from attendees.  Unmasked with no barrier at 25 feet from attendees.

•  Table seating guidance will match restaurant guidance allowing for parties of 10 at a 6 foot round table.

 If we continue on our present projection, the Governor’s office is estimating a 10% increase each month in attendees ~ with a 75 – 85% capacity in July.  This needs to be monitored and this is specifically for Colorado.  

Thank you Walli Richardson for your insider views about Covid restrictions

It’s really not too early to start planning for 2022, I realize this is far away, however, because of cancelations venues will be booking this far out to help with the past  two years of cancelations.  Walli can be found here.

Visit Brooks LTD(Covid Restrictions apply) or Shop my Current Pieces

I  am using zoom as a meet and greet for initial consultations, as a result, it’s a great way to start any conversation to get the ball rolling no matter what city you live in, that is the beauty of the internet.

I know alot of you would like to ‘get out’ of the house as you’ve told me so. Applying Covid Restrictions,  I’ve been vaccinated and I’m ready to meet if you are. This would be a good way to achieve that.

I’ll supply libations!

Shop my current pieces here.   I’ve adapted my designs going with the current lesiure way of the world right now.

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Tis the season to wear Red for Christmas.  Cherry red is the  main color for the Brooks LTD 2020 holiday season. Wearing red is a sign of confidence, but which red you wear tells it all!  This boiled wool cherry red jacket protects you from the biting winds in winter, and shows your holiday spirit. The  jacket is the perfect length to top off some feisty leggings or a mid-length skirt with boots.

Hardy Klahold photography

The jewelry that compliments my design is by Christine Marguerite from Boulder, Colorado  and is also a symbol of protection.   The Shaman Medicine Stick joined with prayer mala beads, is associated  with prophecy and good health. Layered with an accenting longer green rough turquoise bead necklace and topped off with stacking bracelets finishes your holiday look.

The art of Japanese Draping

I utilized the new technique of The Art of Japanese draping in this unqiue piece.  It’s a one of a kind jacket with interesting design lines throughout.

Note the touch of hand embroidery at the sleeve opening.  I take delight in slow fashion and creating something unique in each piece.

My jacket is one of a kind, and once it is gone it’s gone.  Act soon!  Purchase it here.

Jeweler:  Christine Marguerite

Model: Alyssa Wahr

HMU:  Amiee Elise

Venue:  Hope Held by a Horse.

A portion of the sales of these items go back to Hope Held by a Horse for breast cancer survivors.

This is my 30th year since diagnosis!

Show that you care, support local artists and look fabulous doing it! 

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Greetings!  Today I am sharing the On Line Pop Up Shop that I am collaborating with during the 2020 Holidays.

As I continue to explore the virtual world I am thrilled to connect with Benny Samuels of Project Style Denver.  Shopping for a cause has always been the focus of Project Style Denver, where a portion of the proceeds goes to a non profit of Benny’s choice.

 Equally important, Benny and I share the love of fashion, color and style.

Special pieces for this event.

A lacey knit fabric with 100% wool fibers that are felted onto the fabric.  Each one is one of a kind.  I have added pieces that are one offs at special prices and  limited selections.  

See this piece and more here

Meet Benny Samuels

Meet Benny Samuels, Chief Stylemaker of ProjectStyleDenver.

Benny Samuels, a seasoned marketing and communications expert turned fashionista serves as CEO of Project Style Denver.

Benny’s distinct manner of expression and deep understanding of fabrics, colors, and fashion trends is directed exclusively for clients wanting to work on defining or refreshing their personal style, based on their lifestyle and budget.

Project Style Denver helps people (he/she/they) find their personal style while supporting a great cause. 

Every pop-up shop benefits a cause or community work.  The Fall and Winter Pop-Up Shop will benefit Fortaleza Familiar, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ people and their families.  Know that when you make a purchase this will benefit Fortaleza Familiar.

Stop by the on line pop up shop and check out the curated fashions for the season.  I am honored to be part of this community event.  Hopefully, in the future we all can gather in person, my fingers are crossed.

Thank you Benny for your support of my brand.

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