Brooks' first job in the fashion industry was as a window designer for department store Lord & Taylor.

[3] He attracted the attention of Dorothy Shaver, the store's president, who hired him to design a clothing line that year.

This endorsed Brooks' popularity, in a matter of a decade he was able to win three Coty Awards made for Broadway and Hollywood.

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.

[5] In 1971, he explored the field of drapery fabrics and bed linens and created designs for the well-known department store, Burlington.

In 1982 Brooks won an Emmy for his pieces in the TV show "The Letter" which starred Lee Remick.