I worked in the office with Donald, Michael Vollbracht and Bob Fowler, who were also design assistants. The creative combination was very good and there were such marvelous creative ideas.

Sometimes it was a circus. A week before the collection was to be shown for the first time, Donald needed lizard or alligator hat bands for all these hats so I had to go around and find the lizard - it was not real lizard- and then glue them on.

That was that kind of thing I did. I ordered the shoes, stockings and belt buckles as well. Bob designed them and I would have to have them made so I was basically running errands, which was fascinating. I also had the opportunity to observe and learn about production.

After two years of working with Donald, I decided I did not like Seventh Avenue but the experience was great fun. I bought and wore Donald's samples, which were really beautiful. The coral colored one that you saw in the show, I had made much later. I had one of his coats with fur sleeves, which was quite something. My husband and I went out often in those days.

We went to dances and some benefits like the Boys Club of New York. There were lots of private parties I wore my Donald Brooks' dresses to. I wore the black gown with the rhinestone clips again and again and again.

It has a high waist and the back, of course, is totally bare but it couldn't be nicer. There's no reverse cleavage showing; it's perfect. Since it was made for the model and I am that size, even when I would turn sharply, nothing would happen; not like these ladies today with every thing hanging out. It was very tasteful and it fit beautifully, just incredible.

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