Renowned Fashion Couple Visits with VCU Fashion Students

By Dawn Lyons

Couture fashion designer Isabel Toledo, and her husband, Ruben Toledo, fashion illustrator and artist, last week visited VCU to discuss fashion and their careers with students in VCU’s Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising and to critique the work of some student designers.

Isabel is known for designing the lemongrass yellow wool lace shift dress with matching overcoat that First Lady Michelle Obama selected to wear at the inauguration of her husband, President Barack Obama.

“It’s so inspirational for VCU students to get to meet and listen to the Toledos,” said Heather Grosse, VCU fashion student. “It exposes us to the design aspect of the business. They shared how we can incorporate all types of art into our design and that’s what we’re aiming to do here at VCU.”

Exclusively for fashion design and merchandising students, Isabel presented a video montage of her work spanning 25 years and recounting her experience with models, money, business and marketing in the fashion industry. After the presentation, she participated in a question-and-answer dialogue with students.

“Education and application are important,” said Isabel. “That’s why we encourage students to make mistakes. Now is the time to learn.”

After speaking, the Toledos relocated to a design studio in the Pollak Building where fashion design seniors, enrolled in the minimalist chic course taught by Linda Lee, presented their muslin coat and dress designs for Isabel to critique.

“The Toledos are icons,” said Kim Guthrie, assistant professor in the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising. “Their visit allows our students to see another part of the industry.”

Based in New York City, Isabel continues to design and manufacture her line from a four-story building where she and her husband also reside. She began her line in 1985 and has since been the recipient of many awards, including the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology.

Isabel’s collaborations include working with Anne Klein as the creative director in 2007 and most recently, designing an accessory and shoe collection for Payless Shoes.

“Inspiration, for me, is born from observation,” said Isabel. “It’s mostly technical. I look at a chair and I want to know how it’s made. I didn’t want to make fake shoes. I wanted to make an industrial product to wear on your feet and that looks good.”

Isabel attributes her time and success in the industry to her uniqueness and experience over the years.

“What I make is particular to me and people can’t get what I give them from just anywhere,” said Isabel. “Don’t throw your work away. That’s your vocabulary – a language you will develop. It keeps building and your evolution will come from that garment.”