Do you know the difference between vintage vs thrifted?  Let me explain…..with rising costs and new tariffs affecting retail prices, many of you are discovering the world of thrifting and vintage shopping. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there’s an important distinction worth understanding.

Vintage is about age and style—items that are at least 20-30 years old and represent the fashion, design, or cultural aesthetic of a particular era. These pieces are sought after for their quality, craftsmanship, and iconic style.

Thrifted describes how you acquired something—by shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or secondhand retailers. Thrifted items can be any age, from recent pieces to genuine vintage finds.

The distinction matters because vintage usually implies higher value due to age and style significance, while thrifted emphasizes affordability and sustainable shopping practices.

My Journey with Vintage Textiles

I’m passionate about the vintage side of secondhand textiles. There’s something magical about finding a special fabric that has been cherished by its past owners—people who also understood the importance of saving and reusing beautiful things.

I’m fortunate to have clients, friends, and family who appreciate this philosophy and want to be part of the journey. That’s why I created The Attic Gem Collection— modern designs made from vintage textiles that honor both past craftsmanship and contemporary style(be sure to click on the link to see the original collection).  Each piece tells a story. These aren’t just clothes; they’re heirlooms in the making—items you can cherish and pass down through generations, continuing the cycle of appreciation for quality textiles.

Below is a piece that I made in early 1970 that a friend/client, found while she was vintage shopping. Funny story we had lunch one day and she was wearing it wondering if I would recognize the piece!  Of course that is the first thing I noticed.  You can imagine my face lighting up when I saw the piece on her!!  These moments are what make what I do so worth it.   See a post here.

Here is a piece that I’ve repurposed into modern jacket that my client is now wearing from her cherished textiles.  See the video here.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

Do you have a special textile waiting for new life? Whether it’s a cherished family piece or a vintage find you’re not sure how to use, I’d love to help transform it into something perfect for your current lifestyle.

No project is too small. Every unique piece of cloth deserves to be touched, understood, and transformed into something as beautiful as the fabric itself.

Ready to give your vintage textile new purpose? Reach out today and let’s discuss how we can honor your fabric’s history while creating something uniquely yours.

The post Vintage vs Thrifted appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

The Art and Ethics of Clothing Repair

This photo shows my husband’s hoodie of Character in Worn threads. Teaching myself how to embroider a heart, titled “Be Still My Heart,” with my dog looking on curiously.

Memories last a lifetime; clothing needs repair. Each stitch tells a story of preservation—not just of the fabric, but of the moments woven into it.

In an era of fast fashion and disposable clothing, a countermovement is gaining momentum that celebrates the authentic beauty of worn garments. The New York Times recently highlighted this trend, noting that “the stains and the rips add character and help them stand out from the bland flatness of new clothes.”

The Distressed Clothing Paradox

This growing appreciation for worn clothing is creating an interesting paradox in the fashion world. While some embrace the sustainability of extending a garment’s life through repair, others have commercialized the aesthetic. Boutiques in New York are now renting distressed clothing for hundreds of dollars per weekend—commodifying an appearance that traditionally came from authentic use and wear.

The irony isn’t lost on those who’ve been practicing clothing repair out of necessity or environmental consciousness. What was once considered a sign of poverty or neglect is transformed into a high-end fashion statement, with manufactured distress commanding premium prices.

This was once a torn hole in the sleeve, I stitched it together and then added decoration to highlight it.

 The Psychology of Worn Clothing

Our relationship with worn clothing is complex. Research in consumer psychology shows that visible wear can trigger multiple reactions:

– Nostalgia and attachment to garments that have accompanied us through significant life experiences

– Anxiety about social perception and the cultural messaging around “newness”

– Pride in sustainability choices and rejecting consumer culture

– Identity expression through the unique character of personally modified clothing

The resurgence of appreciation for worn and repaired clothing represents a shift in these psychological patterns—moving from shame about wear to celebration of a garment’s journey.

This is what began as an exploration but then continued into a much deeper dive into decoration, see the photo below

*What shifts might we see in the fashion industry if repair and reuse became the norm rather than the exception?*

Hand stitching to cover up tattered and torn fabric.

I will continue to add to this piece probably until it is totally covered in stitches which gives the textile strength.

The post The Character in Worn Threads appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

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!

The post Mending Matters appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Photo: Hardy Klahold

Custom Jean Jacket

When Ball Arena approached me to design a super custom piece for a super-secret client, I could hardly believe it. After all, the custom piece was for THE Shania Twain. As in, the country crossover star who transcended genres to dominate the pop music charts, too. As in, the Canadian singer-songwriter whose tunes were the soundtrack of the 90s and early 2000s. THAT Shania Twain.

Needless to say, I wanted to impress her much.

Creating a custom jean jacket especially for Shania Twain meant designing a personalized piece both inspired by her and featuring my signature Brooks LTD elements. I watched her interviews and pulled out specific words and phrases Shania used. It is my sincere hope these words resonate with her and that she enjoys the personalization as much as the jacket itself.

Design Details Matter

Using a Japanese technique called Sashiko stitching, I created hand-stitched details. Sashiko, a traditional way of mending and decorating textiles to further their life span to prevent them from going into the landfill, has captivated my spirit as it is relaxing and therapeutic to slow down and stitch where the thread takes me. Sashiko is also in my current collection, with rivers of thread stitched on easy to wear garments.

Shania’s custom jean jacket is made from recycled denim, including functional pockets on the frayed-edge stylized sleeves. Even the former belt loops were upcycled to hold sunglasses! The jacket includes a custom printed silk charmeuse lining and backside fringe created from tasteful sequins on cotton chainette thread for some Western flair. I wanted the front to be classic, chic and tailored, so that Shania could accessorize as needed. As you turn, she shows off a playful vibe from the color changing sequins.

Jacket Spotted on Instagram

I noticed she recently wore the jean jacket on an Instagram video with Billy Ray Cyrus announcing a reissue of one of her iconic albums. It’s thrilling to see Shania Twain as a walking piece of art in a Brooks LTD custom made jean jacket!

Proud of Pieces: Custom or Not

As a Colorado-based clothing designer, I love getting to design and create custom pieces for women across the globe. After 45+ years of making unique fashions, my designs are typically worn by women right here in the West. It is a joy whenever women happily wear Brooks LTD fashions — both custom pieces and from my ready-to-wear collections!

Brooks Luby wearing her own upcycled jacket showing off Shania Twain’s custom denim jacket

The post Shania Twain’s Custom Jean Jacket appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Everything “From the Vault ” is inspired by red carpet looks, bridal, social occasion dressing and guest list dressing.  Opening the vault is ready for you.

The Joy Dress

The Joy dress  is so springy and full of, well, joy. This dress features a bright, embroidered tulle overlay with an under slip and the rare full-length sleeve. The unique detail of a horsehair hemline also means the dress falls away from the body without creating a lot of movement or requiring an excess of fabric. The multi-color embroidery inspired this layered look, especially the decision to put the contrasting color underneath so the details on the overlay pop.

Moreover, the fabric inspired me to make this piece right away, but the dress found its name once model Joy Curtis , pictured here, put it on for a photo shoot. Joy, a talented actress, first modeled for me in the 1980s. Though we lost contact over the years, we reconnected thanks to social media. Seeing her in this dress was inspirational; how can you look at this and not feel JOY?!

This dress could be many things, even a wedding dress for a non-traditional bride, and was created for a fashion show. Those in the know see fashion show pieces for the special treasures that they are—truly unique and one-of-a-kind. In this case, the fashion show itself adds an extra touch to the story of this piece because it was created for a nonprofit event near and dear to my heart.

Breast Cancer Models pieces from opening the vault

For five years, I was the exclusive designer for a fundraiser where breast cancer survivors were the models. As a survivor myself, seeing the empowered models strut down that runway in my original designs made my year.

The Joy dress  is not the only thing on sale. See what else we’ve pulled From the Vault  and remember: Once these lonely onlys are gone, they’re gone forever.

Dress: Joy by Brooks LTD

Model: Joy Curtis

Photographer: Tom Lupton

The post The Vault is Open: One-of-a-Kind Pieces On Sale Now appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

“Eco-Friendly” fashion  is no longer a term only associated with laundry detergents and household cleaners. We’re in an era of conscious consuming where buyers are regularly seeking out brands in all areas that value and promote sustainability and ethical practices.  The clothing industry is no exception. With the knowledge that “fast” fashion is ranked as one of the biggest contributors to CO2 emissions, water pollution and waste from unused textiles – makers within the industry are seeking ways to change those results.

Upcycling Style Eco-Friendly Fashion

Upcycled fashion is a way designers can create more eco-friendly clothing. It involves using post-consumer waste or used textiles to create new and unique pieces. This approach to sustainability in fashion is gaining speed! Taking clothing or fabric destined for the landfill and recycling it into something new and beautiful to wear creates a circular loop of consumption. It offers shoppers an ethical option to achieve their style goals.

Upcycled Fashion vs Luxury Upcycling

Using the highest quality fabrics and designer clothing to create new pieces makes standard upcycling luxe. Luxury upcycling is having a moment in fashion 2022.  High end designers are seeing the value this approach. Not only are customers getting a beautiful item made from recycled fabric, but designers are leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. It’s a win-win. Sustainable style is here to stay.

Current Trends at Brooks LTD

Here at Brooks Ltd., creating ethical and sustainable women’s clothing has long been a goal of ours. Our approach to luxury upcycling involves utilizing high-quality deadstock fabric, vintage textiles like tablecloths, and even clothing with sentimental value to design new pieces to wear and enjoy. Our latest collection beautifully combines old and new fabrics. We’ve created dusters (the perfect topper to any outfit) and vests out of a cotton/spandex Ponte fabric and a gorgeous jacquard. Details like hand stitching on the surface and deadstock lace insets add artistic interest.

Both the duster, linen toppers and the vest are ideal for layering over outfits. The simplicity of a black tee and jeans sets off these special, sustainable pieces perfectly. But you can also glam up these environmentally-friendly styles by wearing them over a little black dress or a pleated trouser and a silky top. Style and sustainability make our pieces easy to enjoy. Next time you’re looking to add something to your wardrobe, consider one of our luxurious upcycled pieces. You and Mother Earth will both enjoy the results.

The post Eco Friendly Fashion appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

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.

The post What is deadstock fabric? appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

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

The post Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

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.

” Now, moms are encouraged to wear a look that makes them feel fashionable and confident (with the bride’s approval of course)” a quote from The Knot by by Sarah Hanlon.

I know Barbara well, she’s been a follower for years.  She loves blue. Pulling out all  stops with a special textile (pleather and tulle) with blue as the accent color.  Working around that theme I  put together different shades of blue in different textiles, all 100% silk.  With my current knowlege of the Art of Japense Draping I began the process which can be appropriate for Mother of the Groom or Mother of the Bride as well as for a speaking engagement, or any event that you may be participating in in the near future.

Documenting the finished product

I choose to make artisan clothing for Mother of the Bride & Groom which has delightful interesting details.  View the front, back and up close in these photos:

The wedding event

Fast forward to the actual event that took place in September 2020, with Covid restrictions in effect.

Barbara, the Mother of the Groom looks very happy in her artisan clothing piece.

Jo Julia Photography

Relationships

With each artful piece I create I’m lucky to say that important relationships are created.  I love working one on one with women helping them to create handmade clothing that speaks to their personal style.  Fashion has no age limits as I believe that age doesn’t matter. Whether it’s for a special occasion or your everyday lifestyle choice, it’s all about how you present yourself to the world.

I  help you with your fashion needs, including a mask that might be appropriate for the occasion. In my newly revised web site I take you through the steps on how easy it is to work with me.  Read about it here.

We are all about one stitch at a time, slow fashion at it’s finest.

 If you have a need for a special garment or know someone in the market, send them our way!

Lastly, we’ve got you covered, literally!  We help you reveal your favorite body parts and conceal ones you’d like to hide.

Here’s to your well being,

Brooks

The post Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses appeared first on Brooks Ltd.