Emily Warren Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge: The Woman Who Inspired The Brooklyn Collection
Written by Christina Lianos
Emily Warren Roebling: The Woman Behind the Brooklyn Bridge
On this day, September 23, in 1843, Emily Warren Roebling was born in Cold Spring, New York. Little did the world know that she would go on to play a defining role in one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century - the Brooklyn Bridge.
When her husband, Washington Roebling, fell gravely ill during the bridge’s construction, Emily stepped in. At a time when women were rarely welcomed in engineering or leadership, she taught herself the complex science of civil engineering, managed technical decisions, and became the vital link between her husband and the construction team.
Emily’s determination kept the project moving forward. She negotiated with officials, gained the respect of workers, and made sure the bridge was completed. On its grand opening day in 1883, she was the first to cross, proudly carrying a rooster, an enduring symbol of victory.
Today, her contributions are forever etched in stone with a plaque on the bridge:
“Back of every great work we can find the self-sacrificing devotion of a woman.”
She is remembered as a pioneering woman in engineering and a vital figure in one of America’s greatest engineering feats. We celebrate Emily, her determination, intelligence, and courage, stepping up at a time when women were not expected to take on such roles. In her strength and leadership, we are reminded that anyone can rise to the challenge, no matter the odds and that one determined person can change history.
Inspiration Behind the Brooklyn Collection
At Passepartout1872, we draw inspiration from trailblazers like Emily Warren Roebling. Her persistence, courage, and intelligence embody the spirit we aim to capture in our designs. The Brooklyn collection is more than an accessory —it is a wearable symbol of resilience, leadership, and quiet strength.
Just as Emily crossed the bridge with conviction, we see the Brooklyn Bridge as a reminder to step forward with bravery, no matter the odds. The scarf tells a story of history, art, and empowerment - a way to carry her legacy into the present day.
The Brooklyn is our symbol of persistence and intelligence and our reminder to lead with determination and courage.
Photographed in DUMBO Brooklyn, designed in New York and digitally printed in Montreal.
The Brooklyn Scarf is symbolic of vision, perseverance, and triumph over adversity and offers a bold tribute to Emily Warren Roebling, a true pioneer who stepped out of the shadows to bring the Bridge to life. Made from beautiful silk charmeuse with a luxurious drape and luster, The Brooklyn features electric blues and pops of vivid gold and fuschia against the black steel cables and shadows - industrial, bold and still delicately beautiful - a true symbol of determination. Cut and digitally printed to order on 12 momme silk charmeuse with a machine-rolled, baby hem finish. For the inspired, mission-led and determined!
Scarf size: 36” x 36”
100% Mulberry Silk - 105 g/m2 12 momme
Digitally printed vibrant reactive inks that will not fade or wash out
Machine wash in cold water with ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt. Machine dry delicate or hang to dry. Can be ironed using the silk setting. Do not bleach. Can also be dry cleaned.
All products are made to order. Please allow 1-2 weeks for manufacturing + shipment. Shipping times may vary
