Isabel Toledo

Isabel Toledo (born Maria Isabel Izquierdo; April 9, 1960 – August 26, 2019) was a Cuban-American fashion designer based in New York City. She was widely recognized in the fashion industry for her attention to craftsmanship and the "sophisticated simplicity" of her garments.

Biography Toledo was born Maria Isabel Izquierdo in Camajuaní, Cuba. Toledo told CNN that she started sewing at age eight because, "I couldn’t find anything I loved." Toledo and Anne Klein parted ways later in 2007.

Awards Isabel and her husband, Ruben Toledo, were the recipient of the 2005 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for their work in fashion.

Toledo was also the recipient of an Otis Critics' award named for her at the Los Angeles-based Otis College of Art and Design.

On September 3, 2008, Isabel Toledo was presented with the third annual Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Museum at FIT in New York's Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center.

Michelle Obama Michelle Obama first wore a Toledo design in June 2008, for an appearance at a New York City fashion world fundraiser. She was introduced to Toledo's work through Ikram, a store in Chicago, Illinois, founded by Ikram Goldman. "Isabel and Ruben Toledo: A Marriage of Art and Fashion", Kent State University Museum, 1999; traveled to other museums including the Ben Maltz Gallery at Otis College of Art and Design, 2002 "Interpretation: 20th Century Clothing and Illustration", Ohio State University/Ohio Arts Council, 2000 "Isabel and Ruben Toledo: A Marriage of Art and Fashion", Kent State University Museum, 2000 "Spirals & Ellipses: Clothing the Body Three-Dimensionally", Kent State University Museum, 2005