Upcycling with style is creating beautiful garments out of textiles that are used for something besides clothing. Reusing has long been a practice of inventive and curious designers. The first pair of jeans was created in the 1870’s out of a sturdy, cotton fabric originally used in tent-making. Flour  sack dresses(see below) popularized in the 1930’s made adorable day dresses from the bags that contained feed and seed used by farmers. This practice of repurposing materials not only served a smart economic goal, it also opened the door to new designs and eventually changed common styles forever.

Photo from National Museum of American History/Smithsonsian Institution

We embrace this technique at Brooks, LTD. We value reducing waste and reusing things to create beautiful and unique pieces to wear. Take for instance a special coat we designed. Our client had a quilt top(see below) that had been sewn by a dear friend who was never able to complete a project using it. The piece held deep meaning for our client and leaving it in a drawer for safekeeping didn’t feel right. The client came to us and gave us free reign (yahoo!) to create something special and wearable using the quilt piece.  This is upcycling with style!

Bias Cut

At first, you don’t notice the grainlines of the quilt pieces that are cut including the bias. This gave us quite a challenge. A bias cut is a technique used by clothing and quilt makers to cut fabric at a diagonal angle across the weave (called the grain) to give the material more softness and elasticity. We let the fabric hang on our dress form for awhile. As a result, we decided to stitch down the drape so it would take on the shape we were trying to execute. Challenge accepted and completed.

The Final Artful Wearable

The client was thrilled with the result. She ended up with a wearable piece of art that is imbued with meaning. Moreover, she can celebrate and honor her friend by wearing their work as a unique and beautiful piece of clothing.  This is such a fun and special way to utilize meaningful textiles. Do you have something hiding in a drawer for ‘safekeeping’ that could be better enjoyed? Consider bringing or sending the  piece to Brooks, LTD. and enjoy the experience of repurposing and transforming your keepsake into something functional and truly special.

Reach out HERE to learn about all of the possibilities.

The post Upcycling with Style appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

I love that designers are now starting to come up with ways to make the old new again, such as Eileen Fisher’s Renew program, which recycles some of the older fashion design pieces by her. They take them back so that they don’t end up in a landfill, and clean or repair them before re-selling them at a discounted price. It’s a great sustainable program and I love the concept!

How Brooks LTD Clothing Designs Are Sustainable

I like to think of my designs as sustainable in a few ways. Since I have had several years of experience and longevity in the field of fashion, I frequently see long-time clients that have been following me for years who still have designs purchased from me hanging in their closets.

It may be because they have personally interacted with me and feel compelled to keep the garments longer than other items they buy, hoping they’ll wear them again or pass them down to a deserving friend or family member. Or maybe some of them still wear clothing they purchased from me, since they are unique, hand-made and often custom-designed just for them!

Examples of My Sustainable Designs

My designs show the test of time. Many of them are classic, timeless, and are still well loved despite temporary trends coming and going. Take for example this strapless gown I designed 11 years ago. It’s still current today — that’s sustainable fashion.

Photographer:  Lynda Handshaw Photography

This kimono showcased in a fashion show three years ago is still current:

Photographer: Meredith Harris Photography

Photographer: Kiersty Bell Mallory

I had a good friend/client stop by last year with three bags full of my designs that she couldn’t part with. I of course took them and cleaned, pressed, and hung them in my atelier. When clients shop even today, they notice them and ask questions. Some even try them on, wanting to purchase them. This has created a curiosity for me, and I like to think that this allows them to live on longer while playing a part in sustainable fashion.

Support Local Fashion Designers

When working with a custom dress or clothing designer, you not only get the chance to make something truly unique made just for you, but you can also help lessen your environmental footprint by working with more eco-friendly brands. At Brooks LTD, we can take vintage clothing items and repurpose them to give new meaning to previously used fabrics. Reach out to us online or call (303) 573-3801 today to get in touch!

The post Sustainable Fashion in Downtown Denver appeared first on Brooks Ltd.