I did something similar recently after stumbling on some 8 speed DA shifters for cheap:

Scratched my skinny carbon itch - plus Dura Ace!

My solution to the brake lever problem was a nice pair of last generation 600EX levers. They were missing the cable inserts, but I clamped some common Dia Compe brake lever inserts and turned them down with a file in a drill press - took 10 minutes.

The 600EX levers look like the first DA aero levers but with silver blades rather than gray.
If you like the R600 lever option but the price is too high, buy some R400, remove the gray flange and dye it black. Should look pretty much just like the R600 then. Otherwise, the 1051 105 levers from the '80s are good looking and more common. They came in silver and gun metal.

I also ended up using 7700 calipers and right now I am using an 6400 FD. But if I find a DA one for a good price I will happily use a braze on adapter with it.


For cranks, you might consider using the 7700 as well. They are common, less expensive, very good cranks and you can still buy new 5500 Octalink BBs for them. They look good and old-school enough for the rest of your parts.