Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooks Luby
Hi Brooks, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story begins in the vibrant counterculture of Boulder, Colorado, during the early 1970s. In a small independent boutique, I was part of an innovative team crafting cowboy shirts for rock and roll stars. Managing the back of house while the owners traveled to Europe, I was unknowingly laying the foundation for my career.
From Boulder, I transitioned to Denver, designing women’s clothing with a distinct artistic vision. My boutique within a high-end department store became a pivotal steppingstone in building my brand. In the 1980s, I revolutionized bridal fashion with silk charmeuse slip dresses that flowed elegantly on diverse body types, creating wearable art that celebrated individual beauty.
My creative journey evolved from wedding gowns to designing for mothers and women celebrating life’s important moments. Resisting the label of a “wedding dress designer,” I broadened my scope, creating well-rounded lifestyle clothing. My philosophy was simple: “I like to wear what I make.” This approach ensured my designs were both beautiful and practical.
I journeyed from a young creator learning and applying basic techniques to an established designer empowering humans to express themselves through unique, creative hand made clothing. I continue to offer clients more than garments—I provide a means of personal expression and experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As the economy and lifestyle trends continue to evolve, they significantly influence how we dress. As a small business owner, I must always adapt and go with the flow. Currently, clients often tell me, “I never dress up anymore,” so I’ve listened and incorporated a more casual approach—while still maintaining interesting fabrics and beautiful design lines.
I like to use the term “it’s fun to be dressed up,” recognizing that each client can determine what their individual definition of “dressed up” means to them. My role is to be a vehicle that helps humans present themselves to the world exactly as they envision. Sometimes this means creating a piece for a special occasion, and other times it’s about adding something unique to an already full closet.
I find great value in listening and learning from my clients. Their input opens alternative pathways that I might never have discovered on my own. In turn, I create pieces that are functional to their requests while infusing them with my personal aesthetic. This artistic license gives me the freedom to do what I do best: design clothing that speaks to individual expression.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the world of fashion and design, my work is a testament to the artistry of handcrafted fashion. I specialize in creating pieces that defy mass production, blending beautiful design lines with an unexpected simplicity that catches the eye and challenges of conventional expectations.
My aesthetic is a celebration of luxurious fabrics, often assembled in a bohemian patchwork style that speaks to the human touch behind each piece. What sets me apart is my approach to creation – I don’t rely on predetermined patterns or factory-like precision. Instead, I work intuitively, individually draping each garment with a delicate hand that comes from years of refined experimentation and technique. When a piece resonates, I can then incorporate it for a larger audience.
Each piece I create is a journey of design, where I keep moving forward, trusting in the skills and vision I’ve developed over time. My work is about creating something truly unique – garments that cannot be replicated by machines, that require my human touch to bring them to life. It’s a process of continuous exploration, where each design is an individual expression, carefully crafted and thoughtfully executed.
I’m most proud of the way my designs challenge the notion of mass-produced fashion. My work stands as a reminder that clothing can be art – personal, intricate, and deeply human. It’s about creating pieces that tell a story, that feel special, that carry the essence of individual creativity and skill.
The core of my work lies in this intersection of luxury, creativity, and human craftsmanship – where each stitch, each fold, each carefully selected fabric becomes a testament to the art of fashion combined with design.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID-19 became an unexpected catalyst for my creative transformation. When the world slowed down, I discovered an innovative path forward by repurposing vintage textiles and combining them with modern fabrics. With traditional inventory purchases becoming challenging, I embraced a more sustainable approach.
I began crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that reduced waste and told unique stories. Recognizing the massive environmental impact of unwanted clothing filling landfills, I transformed potential waste into wearable art. The pandemic’s constraints paradoxically freed me to explore a more intentional design process.
The challenge pushed me to dig deeper into my creative reserves. I found joy in working with textiles that carried their own history, creating pieces that were more than just clothing—they were narratives of preservation and renewal. By following my heart and allowing myself creative freedom, I’ve continued to pursue my dream job while making a positive environmental impact.
True to my vision, I learned that fashion can be both lucrative and purposeful when allowed the freedom to create with meaningful textiles. My COVID-inspired approach represents more than a temporary adaptation—it’s a fundamental reimagining of my craft, proving that creativity can transform challenges into opportunities.
Pricing:
- Off the rack one of a kinds start at $300
- Customized pieces start at $1,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brooksltd.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooksltd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrooksLTD.ColoradoClothingDesigner/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksltd/
- Twitter: @brooksluby
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brooksltd3139
Image Credits
Bahar Samani of Baharsmedia: Head shot, group shot
Mio Sison III of Photomaki Photography: runway photos
