If Ramy Brook Sharp has one wish for her eponymous clothing line, it’s that her designs will empower and celebrate women.
Fourteen years ago, Brook Sharp was looking for a fashionable, alluring silk top that would pair well with her jeans and jewelry. Despite searching numerous boutiques, Brook Sharp was unable to find the perfect top, so she decided to design her own.
Although she was working in advertising at the time, Brook Sharp grew up in New Jersey watching her mom make clothing for her and her two sisters. Sensing there was a need for clothes that made women feel both sexy and confident, Brook Sharp launched her initial clothing line featuring a prototype for six tops and one dress. Her Upper East Side apartment in New York City doubled as a design studio, and Brook Sharp sold her collection at trunk shows.
“I’ve always felt that if I couldn’t buy a certain style, I could change a look I already had,” Brook Sharp says. “When I decided to start my brand, that’s when I really hit the ground running with my notebook and pen and began connecting with those in the garment business.”
To meet her original need for that ideal top that pairs well with jeans, Brook Sharp designed her signature Harriet top, a silky blouse that can be styled six different ways, transforming from a sexy halter to a simple strapless look.
Today, her Ramy Brook clothing line has grown into a collection of dresses, bottoms, sweaters, outerwear, occasion wear, swimsuit coverups and denim and can be found at high-end retailers nationwide. Celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale and Selena Gomez have been spotted wearing her designs.
Despite her success, Brook Sharp says her company faced challenges during the pandemic that ultimately made her business stronger.
“We really had to learn how to navigate and pivot and just be ready for anything,” she says. “It’s not even specific to one area, it’s just business in general and being smart about the choices we make.”
In addition to her flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City, Brook Sharp maintains an online presence at ramybrook.com. She says digital technology helped her company remain viable during the pandemic.
“Even when we meet with buyers, we learned it could be done through Zoom, it doesn’t always have to be in person,” Brook Sharp says. “We also learned how to work with customers in a more efficient way, so there were some silver linings that came out of operating during the pandemic.”
Photos By Deborah Lee
A Brand Continues to Evolve
“I started my women’s apparel line to fill a void for clothing I couldn’t find in stores,” Brook Sharp says. “And then I realized there were more looks I wanted and other women would come to me and say, ‘you should really make this.’”
The concept for many of her contemporary designs stems from a lifestyle she sees among her friends, family and other women. She wants her clothing to take women from busy days into a date night or dinner with friends.
“Over the years, my collection has evolved and appeals to a large group of women of all ages,” she says. “For example, my sister only wants to wear clothing with sleeves, while I prefer sleeveless. I listen and I learn, and I see what women like and I try to design my apparel so there’s something for everybody.”
As a mother of three, Brook Sharp wants her clothing collections to make all women feel happy, sexy and confident.
“We love silky fabrics and color,” she says. “I feel that when you put on something bright, it makes you feel happy.”
Despite living in New York City, Brook Sharp and her family frequently visit Boca Raton and Miami, noting that the area always inspires her creativity.
“The beauty of South Florida is seeing how women enjoy color and celebrate it,” she says. “They’re aware of hot pink, they don’t just stick to the neutrals, and that aligns with our brand and how we celebrate life through color.”
Setting Your Own Fashion Rules
Forget that unwritten fashion etiquette about not wearing white after Labor Day or choosing designs that others feel are age appropriate. Brook Sharp believes that every woman should make her own fashion choices.
“If you’re a woman who likes your legs and you want to wear a miniskirt, I think you should,” Brook Sharp says. “I really believe you should dress for yourself, and not be influenced by what others are saying.”
Over the past couple of years, her company has also collaborated with businesses that sell shoes, jewelry and belts. All of the accessories complement Brook Sharp’s timeless clothing designs.
“We’ve seen how our customer really loves that head-to-toe look. We’re currently expanding into jewelry, which is super exciting for us,” she says.
Brook Sharp believes statement jewelry can provide outfits with a finishing touch.
“They add a little bit of individuality to your look and can complete your outfit in a cool way,” she says. “I love turquoise and like to wear it year-round, but someone else may love movable jewelry that works for them. It’s really whatever makes you feel good about yourself and completes your outfit.”
In August, Brook Sharp released her fall collection, describing some of her new pieces as “Western glam.”
“My son attended the University of Texas [at Austin], so the past couple of years, I’ve been in Texas a lot and I was very inspired. You’ll see some influences of Western glam and a lot of denim.”
Next month, Brook Sharp will release her holiday collection featuring a little more sparkles and sequins and dresses that will dazzle at holiday parties.
Looking to the future, she hopes to build certain aspects to her apparel line, including adding more fabrics and textures.
“With every collection, we add a few sweaters. Now it’s something I want to do more of, including sweater dresses, cardigans and heavier sweaters in the winter. I also am always looking to add different fabrications,” she says. “I continually want to add to the collection in that way, and maybe add more tweed, suede and leather that’s done really well and some faux fur pieces.”
Fashion Advice From Ramy Brook Sharp
If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe or need an outfit for a special occasion, Brook Sharp offers fashion advice on her website, ramybrook.com. We asked her to share the top 10 clothing essentials every woman needs.
1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)
The LBD has been around for a while and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Perfect for any and every occasion, black dresses are the ultimate wardrobe essential. They are so versatile, the styling options are truly endless. Wear a silky sleeveless black dress with strappy heels and a statement bag for a cocktail party or pair a black sweater dress with boots and a jacket for daytime plans. A long-sleeve mini dress is perfect for desk to dinner, whether you dress it up with booties or down with sneakers and a low bun.
2. The Effortless Button-Down
Whether your style is sexy and romantic or elegant and conservative, a classic button-down is an absolute must for any type of wardrobe. This closet staple can be worn many different ways and always looks chic and put together. For a polished look, pair a silk button-down with matching wide-leg pants and a blazer. For a sultry date night outfit, unbutton the shirt to the bra line, layer with necklaces and tuck into high-waisted flare jeans. If skirts are more your style, tie your button-down in a knot at the bottom and pair it with miniskirt, or wear it open over a tank top.
3. The Classic Jeans
Everyone needs a pair of go-to jeans in their closet. Whether you have last-minute plans or your calendar has been marked for weeks, you can never go wrong with denim. Wear your favorite pair of relaxed jeans with a T-shirt or sweater, leather jacket and sneakers for a casual look. Heading out for date night? Tuck a silky halter top into those staple jeans and throw on a cute block heel to dress it up.
4. The Wide-Leg Pant
An elegant pair of silk wide leg pants instantly elevates any outfit. Wear a sophisticated silk pant with a matching camisole or satin button-down for a monochromatic soft suiting outfit or pair them with a turtleneck sweater for a luxe take on a classic outfit. If you’re really feeling funky, pair wide-leg pants with a buttoned-up blazer to master the powersuit trend or simply pair them with a cropped T-shirt and platform sneakers to channel Gen Z.
5. A Statement Top for Evenings Out
This debate has been going on for years: what classifies a top as a “going out” top? To us, a going out top is something sexy, silky and fun that has that extra “wow” factor you just don’t get from your average T-shirt. Whether you gravitate toward a sleeveless halter top that can be worn six different ways (like our bestselling Harriet Top) or a printed metallic long-sleeve blouse, any style is perfect for going out.
6. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Transform your outfit with statement jewelry, smart handbags and stylish belts. A chain belt can add an edgy touch that upgrades your whole look. And remember to layer! I’ve always thought of our apparel as a canvas for jewelry, offering the ability to transform an ensemble.
7. Embrace Bold Colors
Incorporate bold colors into your wardrobe to make a statement. Bright blues, rich reds and striking yellows can enhance any look.
8. A Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost anything in your wardrobe. Whether it’s a casual day out or a slightly dressier event, a denim jacket adds a chic yet relaxed vibe.
9. Bring Your Booties
Booties are a staple for any wardrobe. They are cute with denim and the ideal footwear for mini-dresses. They can effortlessly transition from casual to dressy outfits.
10. Jewelry Essentials
Gold hoops and a statement ring are timeless pieces that add elegance and personality.