Brooks, Donald

Donald Brooks (1928-2005) started his design career at Darbury, an inexpensive sportswear company. In 1959 he was hired by Townley Frocks, where he replaced the late Claire McCardell. In 1964 he left Townley to start his own company. He started a boutique line in 1971, but he closed his business in 1973.

Starting in the early 1960s, Brooks was also designing costumes for the theater, television, and the movies. He was nominated for the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Star! (1968), Darling Lili (1970), and The Cardinal (1963). His own clothing lines were heavily influenced by his work in the theater, and were often very dramatic. In the 1970s and 1980s, Brooks designed under several licensing agreements, and in 1986 he started a new evening wear line. In 1990, he went to work for Ann Taylor as a consultant.

Written by fuzzylizzie

from a 1960s dress

Courtesy of memphisvintage

from an early 1970s cocktail dress

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from a 1970s jersey halter gown

Courtesy of bigchief173

from a 1970s nightgown

Courtesy of this_perfect_day

from a 1980s dress

courtesy of metroretrovintage