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Brooks, Donald, 1928- (1928-2005)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1928-2005

Biography

Donald Brooks was born Donald Marc Blumberg on January 9, 1928. He grew up in Manhattan and studied fine arts at Syracuse College, aspiring to be a scenic designer for the theater. Brooks began studying at Yale but transferred first to FIT and then Parsons when it became clear he was more suited to costume design. After graduating from Parsons in 1950, Brooks designed window displays for Lord & Taylor. He soon was asked by store president Dorothy Shaver to design a collection for Lord & Taylor. In 1958, Townley Frocks hired him to design a sportswear collection. Seven years later, in 1965, Brooks launched his own collection, with the help of Ben Shaw. In 1963 Brooks was honored with a Coty award. In addition to his work in fashion, Brooks was a celebrated costume designer, being nominated for numerous awards including Oscars, Tonys, and Emmys. He won an Emmy for his work on the T.V. movie "The Letter." Donald Brooks passed away on August 3, 2005.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

American Designer Series showings Spring 1965, 1964-1965

 folder
Identifier: SC.214.5.1.17
Scope and Contents This folder contains correspondance list of attendees, press clippings, press releases, show schedules for the Spring 1964 American Designer Series showings. Designers participating in the showing include: Ben Reig, Donald Brooks for Townley, Pattullo-Jo Copeland, Davidow, Hannah Troy, Aurther Jablow, Nat Kaplan, Anne Klein for Junior Sophisticates, Gothe, Anthony Blotta, Branell, Hattie Carnegie, Originala, Harvey Berin, Teal Traina, Samuel Winston, Larry Aldrich, Bill Blass for Maurice...
Dates: 1964-1965

Donald Brooks, 1961-1970, 1961-1970 [bulk 1961]

 folder
Identifier: SC.214.2.137
Scope and Contents

This folder contains 15 8x10 black and white photographs of Donald Brooks coat and dress designs from 1961, 1967, and 1970.

Dates: 1961-1970 [bulk 1961]

Donald Brooks, 1967-1973, 1967-1973

 folder
Identifier: SC.214.2.138
Scope and Contents

This folder contains 8x10 black and white portraits, negatives, clippings, and biographies pertaining to Donald Brooks, as well as the press release for the Fall 1973 Collection.

Dates: 1967-1973

Donald Brooks Fall 1979 Pics & Negs, 1979

 folder
Identifier: SC.214.2.139
Scope and Contents

This folder contains 8x10 black and white photographs, negatives, and photocopies of designs from the Donald Brooks Fall 1979 collection with descriptions and hand written notes.

Dates: 1979