denver custom clothing designer Archives - Brooks Ltd

Behind the Scenes: Design Process for Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show

Brooks — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 13:31:01 +0000

Periodically I have the opportunity to create a collection of designs for a Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show. The last show was done in October 2018 for Cancer League of Colorado. Each model was fitted into a garment of my choosing based on body types and personality types.

This collection was black and red, with pops of pink to go with the theme, “Cityscape to Countryside.” Brooks LTD clothing is all about your attitude and style, no matter the shape of your body or your age. My design aesthetic is diverse and multigenerational, not just for one group of women. And this collection was made to bring this idea to life.

The art of custom making clothes takes patience, perseverance, dedication and skill. The original consultation is where ideas are discussed to determine the silhouette and the fit. A muslin is made based on these discussions.

Meet Keri, a beautiful woman who loves fashion as much as I do. I had a vision of creating the perfect sassy version of a stretch ensemble that was somewhat revealing, but tasteful at the same time. To carry out the theme of the entire collection I added a beautiful lace skirt that made the otherwise casual garment appropriate for the runway, or even a special event in your future.

My vision began with a muslin, a dress form and an idea.

Dress forms or mannequins are never the same as the real body type. After the muslin is created, I made another prototype in the actual fabric as it has different qualities than muslin, especially the stretch of the fabric. I then remade the design in the fabric planned, which was a leather-looking ponte stretch knit, and had the first fitting.

From this video, you can see that I needed to trim down the bodice for the correct fit. Shaping the bustline and making the design lines snug to the body were most important for this stretch fabric. Tasteful, elegant and not too revealing. Keri loved the process.

After those adjustments I was ready to perfect the garment with the right zipper, elastic trimming and the adjustable neckline finish. This design has so many possibilities, as the lace skirt is removable and can be worn different seasons with the right leggings and sweater for winter or camisole for summer. The one piece romper would be a great summer party ensemble with or without the skirt.

Once the adjustments were done, we met at a coffee shop to evaluate the design. Of course I couldn’t help myself and asked her to take a fun practice walk in the hallway. We love bathroom meetings!

Each model that wears my design shows radiance and joy walking the runway. It gives me great pride to see the transformation of each empowered woman. Here is Keri walking the runway:

This is just one piece of the collection I made for all of the models to wear for the fashion show. Each design was made to fit these women according to their body type and style, and I loved seeing the whole collection come together for the big event! Here’s one of my favorite pictures of all of us:

All Runway Photos: Hardy Klahold Photography

Contact a Custom Fashion Designer in Denver, CO

Not only do I make dresses for special occasions (such as weddings and galas), but I also custom-design party ensembles and everyday lifestyle clothing! If you have an occasion coming up, let’s meet to talk about the venue and your style, and I can create the best look for the event and your body type. Contact me online or call 303-573-3801 to set up an appointment today!

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Fashion Trends to Watch in 2018

Brooks — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 19:49:11 +0000

This year, we’re seeing a really fun combination of fashion trends! Although some have been “in style” before, others are taking the design to a whole new level.

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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A Denver Fashion Trunk Show at Brooks LTD

Brooks — Tue, 01 May 2018 20:45:49 +0000

Twice a year, Brooks LTD invites several like-minded vendors to participate in a fashion trunk show at our atelier in lower downtown Denver.

And our next one is right around the corner on May 4th-May 5th 2018! This event will feature LipBar Custom Cosmetics, Jewelry by Bloom and Via ONEHOPE Wine with Kaz.

I’m also experimenting with a new concept for my brand, which I’m excited to share with everyone who visits the trunk show! I have developed new designs that are perfect for travel and day wear. They’re also made from fabrics which are easy to care for and very unique. You can even see a few of them featured on the Jodie’s Touch of Style blog!

I will have a limited edition collection, which means once they are gone . . . they are gone! You can see some of the printed designs of that collection in the photos below. If you’d like to purchase them before the trunk show, please send me a message online to designroom@brooksltd.net.

And if you’re in the neighborhood on May 4th(First Friday), come by to see the entire collection along with the other vendors between 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5th from 11-4pm. Enter giveaways, wear a Derby or bring a friend for extra giveaway opportunities.

After the trunk show, you’ll be able to see the limited edition collection online at shop.brooksltd.net!

You can now see some of Brooks LTD’s latest tunic and blouse designs in the online shop!

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