Isabel Toledo
Isabel Toledo style, trends, fashion and news.
March 22, 2010
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She’s reportedly created a brand new and affordable shoe and handbag line for the shoe giant in which she’ll infuse her signature feminine style. She’s incorporating different materials, like patent leather, nylon, rubber, and mesh into the collection, whose items won’t run you over $40!
"I believe that the freedom of wearing and living in high-low fashion is what pure American styling is all about," Toledo said. "I grew up wearing high-end clothes and pairing them with innovative, functional and affordable items to complete a look.”
How Michelle Obama Keeps Her Wardrobe Young and Fresh
"For me, fashion is personal and intimate, I love the unexpected, and I am truly excited to join Payless in its continuous mission to democratize fashion. As a fashion designer, I focus on the consumer to create designs that are meaningful, inventive and very functional. ??Shoes must be flattering and wearable, and I am thrilled to collaborate with Payless to create something new and fresh for all women through my new Payless shoe line."
Payless adds, "Isabel is a fashion icon and has been a guiding force in fashion for more than 25 years. Her pieces are truly iconic and have been worn by everybody from first ladies to movie stars; she has been awarded the fashion industry's most prestigious awards, written books and been featured in fashion retrospectives in museums across the globe. We are beyond thrilled by this collaboration and eager to work with Isabel to bring inventive new designs to our shoppers starting this fall."
And we hear this is just one of the many new collaborations Payless has scored with other designers!
April 29, 2009
Since Obama has become president, Michelle has wowed the nation with her ability to look stylish at every event she appears. And she isn’t afraid to push the button with her personal style, donning dresses every day citizens could see themselves wearing.
Take the sleeveless black jersey sheath Michelle chose for her official White House portrait. The dress was designed by Michael Kors, one of the most prominent designers in the fashion world right now.
What makes Michelle so likeable is that she picks many American, up-and-coming designers like Jason Wu, and counter-balances it with pieces from J. Crew. Many scrutinize her for being too “fashion-forward,” but we embrace a First Lady who knows that “Change” doesn’t stop at a beautiful ensemble. She brings modernity and color into Washington, which has been filled with ill-fitting pantsuits for years.
Most recently, Michelle chose yet another young designer when she came out for the unveiling of the bust of abolitionist Sojourner Truth at Emancipation Hall. Michelle donned Sophie Theallet shirt dress.
There’s some speculation that Michelle has shown interest in Sophie because the Brooklyn-based designer used only black models for her Spring 2009 runway show.
Sophie said of the honor, “When I was designing that first show, which was before the election, I was just thinking about colors. I think that black models and black skin are very beautiful, and I wanted to express that. When people saw my clothes, they said, ‘Oh, Michelle, she would be so good in these clothes.’ She’s a beautiful lady and she is very well-dressed and she looks stunning all the time. Especially on this day, for this occasion, I’m honored.”
Here are some of Michelle Obama’s favorite designers. We can’t wait to see what she wears next!
- Jason Wu
- Azzedine Alaia
- Michael Kors
- J. Crew
- Sophie Theallet
- Isabel Toledo
- Kai Milla (Stevie Wonder’s wife)
- Thakoon Panichgul
January 20, 2009
Image by AP
That’s why countless designers and fashionistas couldn’t wait to see what the First Lady picked for her ensemble today. Well the wait is over! She and Barack were photographed early this morning at St. John’s church, and she was wearing a light yellow dress and matching jacket made by Cuban-born American fashion designer Isabel Toledo.
A spokesperson for Michelle Obama said of her choice, “In continuing with her tradition of selecting American designers for her clothing choices, Mrs. Obama is wearing an Isabel Toledo ensemble to her husband’s Swearing-In Ceremony and today’s Inaugural Parade.”
Well, it definitely wasn’t a “safe” choice, as fashion critics love to say at bug events. We think she looks great, and is like a little ray of sunshine next to her husband. It would have been so easy for Michelle to pick black or a neutral tone. But choosing the vibrant yellow almost says, “We finally made it here!”
What do you think of Michelle’s Inauguration Day ensemble? Yay? Or nay?
