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DC Designers: Evelyn Brooks

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By Sonia Harmon   Published Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Photograph courtesy of Evelyn Brooks.

What: Jewelry—including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings—for men and women that combines Peruvian culture with modern design.

Who: Evelyn Brooks, 33, an Alexandria-based designer who grew up in Peru watching her father operate his jewelry business. She never thought she would follow in his footsteps, but now she’s an award-winning designer.

Where to buy it: On her Web site, ebrooksdesigns.com, and at these area boutiques.

Turning point: Before considering jewelry design, Evelyn was a United Airlines ticket-sales agent in Mexico City for two years. In fact, on September 10, 2001, she was on the same plane, United Airlines Flight 93, that would be part of the next day’s terrorist attacks. She spent September 11 working at an airport in Mexico where hundreds of people were left stranded. A month later, she was laid off and returned to Peru, where her father encouraged her to create her first designs.

A woman on a mission: Evelyn’s family still lives in Peru, and she says they’re happy for her but are still processing her success: “I think for my family, it’d be easier to see my brothers succeeding because they’re men. Those things really drive me and give me more strength.” Having first promoted her designs by going door to door, Evelyn has proven that hard work pays off.

Evelyn’s faves:
Place to shop for clothes: Outlet malls.
Restaurant: Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in McLean: “It’s all you can eat, and it’s to die for! But you have to go with an empty stomach.”
Bar: Skye Lounge and Lotus Lounge.
Favorite place in DC: Adams Morgan.

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Comments

I love Evelyn and her jewelry! She clearly puts a lot of love into her relationships with her customers and her designs. I have been a vendor with Evelyn on many occasions and her work is always the most unique and beautifully displayed.

http://www.jewelrybutjewelry.com

Posted by: Jewelry, Nov 04, 2008 05:35:51 AM

Evelyn creates such unique designs that it makes each piece so much more special. She gives back to the fashion community by giving to various charities. Evelyn is the best!

Posted by: Fern, Oct 11, 2008 05:28:32 PM

HER PIECES ARE OUTSTANDINGLY DIFFERENT FROM ALL OF THE ABOVE... THAT IS WHY WHEN SHOPPING FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS I LOOK FOR HER SIGNATURE,,,,SHE IS THE BEST AMONG THE BEST....

Posted by: ELIZABETH ASHER, Oct 07, 2008 04:54:47 PM

I happened upon Evelyns’ Jewelry at a fashion show at the Ritz Carlton in DC. Confident, stand-alone, self-assured,without overstanding its presence. Mens Jewelry that reclaimes individual identity. Matched to a masculine style. I like that I can shop for her stuff on the internet. I do not like to shop in malls.

Posted by: Gustave, Oct 07, 2008 07:14:12 AM

As a male who does not in general like to wear men’s jewelry other than watches, Evelyn’s line of bracelets, rings and cufflinks are second to none. They have a classy yet simple quality about them which can be worn with causal wear and business wear.

Posted by: Randy, Oct 07, 2008 06:07:14 AM

Thank You Evelyn, for your representation at Fashion Fights
Poverty events! Washington DC can be a fashion Capital!

Posted by: Todd Wiggins, Oct 07, 2008 05:51:37 AM

Evelyns mens line is just great. Often I do not wear jewelry for fear of it looking too feminine or gaudy. But her pieces are truly inspired and are her jewelry for men is still very masculine and refined.

Posted by: Michael, Oct 06, 2008 05:46:32 PM

I have a preference for Silver, so Evelyn’s line immediately drew me in. Every time I wear her pieces, I get a wonderful compliment. I am her personal advertisement! She will also do custom work which is heaven. Don’t wait, own your own fabulous piece now!

Posted by: Angela Warren, Oct 06, 2008 05:01:09 PM

I’m a big fan of Evelyn and her work - esp. the Moschik collection. She’s a wonderful person with a great talent for designing attractive and unique jewelery and I look forward to seeing more of her work!

Posted by: Colin, Oct 06, 2008 02:06:46 PM

I first found Evelyn’s jewelry at a Ladies Who Launch live event for women entrepreneurs. I tell you, she’s made some of the most beautifully exquisite silver pieces that I have ever seen!

Posted by: Megan, Oct 06, 2008 10:37:58 AM

Evelyn is a wonderful person, and a great jewelry designer! I am so happy to see that she is in Washingtonian!

Posted by: Carol Cox, Oct 06, 2008 10:16:58 AM

I love Evelyn and her jewelry! She clearly puts a lot of love into her relationships with her customers and her designs. I have been a vendor with Evelyn on many occasions and her work is always the most unique and beautifully displayed. As my i-love-me collection grows, Evelyn will be my first choice in designing my collection.

--Ria
Owner, i-love-me
www.ilovemecollection.com

Posted by: Ria Benedict, Oct 06, 2008 09:59:17 AM

Evelyn Brooks designs are GORGEOUS, and she is a joy to work with! I look forward displaying her work at Artery 717 this Saturday.

Posted by: Deidree Bennett, Oct 06, 2008 09:51:29 AM

You go sweetie. Evelyn is fantastic. Her jewels are just as precious as she is. She is wonderful and all about giving.

Posted by: Francois, Oct 01, 2008 01:54:28 PM

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