I started sketching some creative ideas one winter day. I paid close attention to the rounded sides and triangular windows of the conservatory, and was intrigued by the window panels of the gallery where the exhibit was going to take place.

As I began the sketches, I had a specific fabric in mind that I was going to incorporate into this project.  Based on the instructions for the Doors Open Denver exhibit and my fabric choice, I began to think of a dress design.  You will see that these sketches are only the beginning of the final result.

The most difficult part of my wanting to emulate the building was trying to get the sleeve to shape like the peaked windows at the top of the conservatory.  It took a lot of patience, wiring, tulle, stretching, ironing and more patience! I used wiring around the inside edge to help maintain its shape and several draping experiments to get the two layers just right. 

I also was inspired by the blossoms in bloom that spring when I started researching the project, which is how I came up with the name Snow Blossom. There was still white snow on the ground outside even with the first few flowers blooming, and the idea took off from there!

I love to create three-dimensional silk flowers that set my designs apart from the masses. I twist and turn, place them, replace them and stitch them down, then press them so they float on the fabric and are not flat. Here is only one of many flower photos next to the hem of the dress.

The sleeves are representational of the diamond shaped glass windows, peaked, and triangular.  The black mesh is an interpretation of the windows. The black lined details at the midriff is inspired by the outside of the building’s interesting window panes.  The shape of the skirt (especially the side seam) represents the rounded edge of where conservatory windows come together. The hem of the dress is indicative of flowers blossoming inside the building, each flower is twisted, turned and stitched in silk organza and tulle.

The neck accessory was the last detail and so much fun to make. I’ve created similar neck accessories for daywear and think it is an unusual item to add to one’s wardrobe to pair with a tee shirt or a silk blouse. Snow blossom was a perfect design to incorporate this similar idea. I think it ties the entire look together. Here is the real snow blossom on display at the exhibit:

And of course, at the opening exhibit of Doors Open Denver I got to pose with Snow Blossom.

Lifestyle Clothing for Fashionable Women

Brooks LTD is based in Denver, CO and designs lifestyle clothing for women, including artistic tops, unique dresses to wear around town, and more. Contact me online or call 303-573-3801 to learn more about our atelier and custom clothing design process!

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Red Taffeta Shirtwaist Gown with defined waistline and full skirt.

I met the Editor of the magazine, Elizabeth Hamilton, several years ago. We connected with one another, as we both have a love of fashion. Elizabeth has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years and she has been modeling for Donna Baldwin Agency, the largest full service talent agency in Colorado, since 1994. You can read more about her on the magazine’s website here.

Between my former retail shop in Cherry Creek North, being a Colorado native, and having a love for animals, I was described as a perfect fit for being featured in Cherry Creek Now Magazine.

The pieces for the photoshoot were all inspired by my belief that women should be able to dress fashionably in the countryside and cityscape. I primarily used fabrics in the designs that can be intermixed and re-combined to create unique looks. Some of my favorite fabrics used in these pieces include crisp taffeta, lycra ponte, laser cut pleather, French lace, and Italian cellophane bonded fabric.

I believe the utilitarian shirtwaist style dress will be a staple in one’s wardrobe, so why not make it in a luxurious fabric? The simple sheath and the trendy jumpsuit are pieces to add to your current wardrobe.  Add a baseball cut “truth” jacket over any of these pieces and you can be at a gala or a country outing. 

To see the entire Black & Red collection online, visit my Lookbooks page. You can also head on over to see the full spread in the online magazine. 

As always, these shoots take a village. I could not have had a better team to execute this fabulous high fashion spread. Many thanks to:

Stylist: Mary Spicer 

Photographer: Hardy Klahold 

Models: Christine Olyer

Janina Lawrence

Mallory High

Hair: Mark Gallegos 

Makeup: Bethany Joy Geraghty 

Venue:  TAHA Suri Alpaca Ranch 

The post Brooks LTD is Featured in Cherry Creek Now Magazine appeared first on Brooks Ltd.