I will admit it – I had never heard of Isabel Toledo until Tuesday. It should be no surprise – I do not think I can name another designer. Ms. Toledo got an extra surprise on inauguration morning when she turned on the T.V. and saw that Michelle Obama was wearing her dress design.
Born in Cuba, Ms. Toledo moved to New Jersey when she was eight years old. After high school she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (which is located right down the street from my office) and has worked in the fashion industry for the last 25 years. If you want to learn more, The Huffington Post has a more comprehensive article about Isabel Toledo.
Congratulations to Isabel Toledo and all of her studio workers. It is a great achievement and contribution to American culture.