User:Bilybt/sandbox

thumb|Donald Brooks, fashion designer

Adding to the introduction: Donald Brooks (January 9, 1928 – August 1, 2005) was an American fashion designer and creator of the "American Look" founded in the 1950's and 60's. His career was notably successful as he ran along in fame with some of his contemporaries of the time. He had an immense passion for stage and film, designing well over 3500 costumes. [1](add from actual wiki page) His efforts were recognized by an Emmy Award and numerous other honors; he was also nominated three times for the Academy Award and once for a Tony.

He was born as Donald Marc Blumberg in New Haven, Connecticut on January 9, 1928. Brooks attended Syracuse University where he began studying art. He then attended the Yale University School of Drama, where he first decided to become a costume and clothing designer. He studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and then the Parsons School of Design in New York. Brooks' first job in the fashion industry was as a window designer for department store Lord & Taylor. The window designs brought a lot of attention to Brooks. This would him the job position of taking over Claire McCardell's place of designing Townley Frocks in 1958. He attracted the attention of Dorothy Shaver, the store's president, who hired him to design a clothing line that year. In 1962, Brooks became one of the founders of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. This endorsed Brooks' popularity, in a matter of a decade he was able to win three Coty Awards made for Broadway and Hollywood. This was the beginning spark for Brooks' career in the costume design world.

The 1963 production of "No Strings" which starred Diahann Carroll, incorporated some of Brooks' designs which rewarded him with the New York Drama Critics' Award. Brooks was nominated for three Academy Awards for his pieces in "the Cardinal" of 1963, "Star" of 1968, and "Darling Lili" of 1970. He worked under his own label from 1965-1973.Throughout this time, he designed sweaters for Jane Irwill, Shoes for Newton Elkin, furs for Coopchik-Forrest and many designs for different department stores. In 1971, he explored the field of drapery fabrics and bed linens and created designs for the well-known department store, Burlington. His success in theatrical designs continued through this time. In 1982 Brooks won an Emmy for his pieces in the TV show "The Letter" which starred Lee Remick.

Towards the end of his career, Brooks' designs were placed in the 2003 Parsons exhibit. The galleries showed a range of his designs, one being his evening wear. The gallery included a tiered black dress made of wool, a haltered dress with golden braid detailing