Marilyn Brooks, a renowned fashion designer who significantly influenced the clothing style in Canada during the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 93. She died of natural causes on Saturday in Toronto, as confirmed by her friend and spokesperson, Norma Meneguzzi Spall.
Brooks was a pioneer in introducing mod-style clothing, which became popular among rebellious British youths and rock bands like The Beatles during that era. Fashion journalist Jeanne Beker fondly recalls Brooks' boutique, The Unicorn, which she described as "the most hip place to shop" when she was a teenager. Opened in 1963 on Toronto's Gerrard Street West, The Unicorn was the first store in the city to offer the colorful and polished designs synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Beker emphasized the lack of trendy fashion options in Canada at the time, stating, "You couldn’t get cool fashion in Canada back then." The Unicorn became a sanctuary for those seeking the stylish "Carnaby Street swagger" that defined the British fashion scene. Beker reminisced about the unique items available at the boutique, including a black-and-white clock-shaped purse she still owns, highlighting Brooks' ability to curate "the best clothes and the best accessories."
Brooks was originally born in Albany, New York, and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She discovered her passion for sewing when she was just eight years old. After establishing her career in the United States, she relocated to Toronto to work for a retailer before falling in love with the city and eventually opening her boutique. After closing The Unicorn in 1970, Brooks launched a series of retail stores, pioneering a vertical fashion business model that encompassed designing, manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing under the brand ‘Marilyn Brooks Boutiques’ across Canada and the United States.
Throughout her career, Brooks evolved her style, designing signature pieces including a chain bra and black satin hot pants, which have recently made a comeback. Her clothing was geared toward women of all ages, and as Beker noted, Brooks' designs were always "optimistic and figure-friendly." She also played a significant role in mentoring many young designers who would go on to establish their own names in the Canadian fashion industry.
In recognition of her contributions to fashion, Brooks received the Order of Canada in 2022, solidifying her status as one of Canada’s most iconic designers. Additionally, the City of Toronto designated February 4 as Marilyn Brooks Day in 1988 to honor her impact on the country's fashion and retail landscape.
Survived by her husband of 44 years, Kennedy Coles, Brooks is remembered fondly by those she inspired and mentored. Beker urged Canadian fashion enthusiasts to celebrate Brooks’ legacy by exploring their vintage collections and embracing the playful, innovative spirit that she embodied. "Marilyn would really appreciate that," she said, encouraging everyone to step out of their comfort zone and enjoy the creative possibilities of fashion.
