Dress
Isabel Toledo · Circa 2008
Isabel Toledo
- Sculptural dressmaking
- Experimental cutting
- Architectural silhouettes
Isabel Toledo approached fashion through the construction of cloth around the body, developing forms that could be folded, suspended or shaped in unexpected ways. Born in Cuba and working in New York, she built an independent practice distinguished by technical invention and close collaboration with her husband, artist Ruben Toledo.
Five looks to know
Collection selection
Dress
Circa 2008 · Season not documented
The Met dates this rayon dress to approximately 2008; the material and garment are documented, while a specific runway season is not.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Costume Institute
Collection selection
"Kangaroo"
fall/winter 1993 · The Met collection
Silk.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Landmark design
Michelle Obama’s lemongrass ensemble
2009
The First Lady wore this dress and matching coat for the January 2009 presidential inauguration.
The Museum at FIT
Collection selection
Lace Façade dress
Spring/Summer 2006
Black lace and purple ribbon trace the surface of a white silk-organza dress.
William Palmer / © The Museum at FIT
Landmark design
Packing dress
Spring/Summer 1988
Two circles of fabric transform into a voluminous dress on the body, a key example of Toledo’s geometric construction.
William Palmer / © The Museum at FITCollections & archive pieces
1 collections represented · 1 pieceSeason not documented
1 piece
About Isabel Toledo
She also served as creative director of Anne Klein. Her work reached a broad audience when Michelle Obama wore her ensemble for the 2009 presidential inauguration. Museum exhibitions have emphasized the intimate relationship between Toledo's experimental cutting, movement and sculptural silhouette.