Designer for All Seasons

Remembering Donald Brooks
by Kathleen Maggio

Early in my fashion career, I found myself designing maternity clothes and searching for inspiration in magazines. One tear sheet showed a simple dress with an interesting geometric trim at the neckline. It was perfect drawing attention to the face of the wearer and away from the odd shaped figure under the dress.

Several years later, I met the designer of that dress at Parsons School of Design. Each year Donald Brooks presented a theme to Senior students for a costume collection to be featured at their annual fashion show.

They worked very hard, usually until the last minute. Mr. Brooks came in periodically to critique the projects in various stages. He was never satisfied but persisted in pushing the students to their limits. Theatrical designs had to be over the top to please him. As a result, the costume segment of the show was always exciting.

When I started working with Donald in 1993, many, including myself, did not know what a brilliant, rounded artist he was. Not only was his career rooted in Seventh Avenue, but it ranged widely. I later decided to research his career, culminating in this exhibition.

Although he wore many hats as a designer, he was most proud of his work for stage and film. He deeply enjoyed his relationships with the show business crowd.

Facts and stories continue to surface and make their way into these web pages. I expect to hear more as time goes on.

Mr. Brooks was the consummate designer. His taste level was exquisite. Most of his designs can still be worn today.

He thought of everything- colors, textures, prints, trims, fit, comfort. Most importantly, his goal was always to complement a woman's beauty, not overpower it.

He was terribly opinionated in that area, most likely to his last breath. Whenever I stopped by, he eyed my outfit, told me which hairstyle was best for me and made sure I had a proper handbag to replace the backpack I always carried.

I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know Mr. Brooks.

He will be fondly remembered.