Good-bye, Isabel: The fashion world mourns the passing of designer Isabel Toledo

Fashion / August 27, 2019

It’s a sad day as the fashion world has lost designer Isabel Toledo.

An immigrant from Cuba, she was a force to be reckoned with in the creative scene of New York. She constantly collaborated with her illustrator husband Ruben.

She bumped into Andy Warhol and presented in museums instead of the usual flashy runways.

On Instagram, various people including fashion writers, fellow designers, and creatives couldn’t help but share their memories of Isabel.


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Loosing an idol 😥 RIP Dear Isabel Toledo what a loss I remember meeting beautiful Isabel Toledo and her dear husband Ruben at their magic home in New York. Filled up with Rubens artworks of her. A devine Taste to interior, the whole place was so charming, filled up with their respect and love for each other. Back than I was assisting Kym Canter a brilliant Stylist and super super sweet person. I still remember her fur collection, and how we went hunting at the coat sale of a thrift store. Together with Ruven Afanador, the artfullest photographer I had the privilege to meet in person, they worked on Ruvens new Art Photography Book. Using Isabels beautiful fairytale gowns. There where a lot of wigs, tütüs, theater paint 🎭 and childish play toys and Alice in wonderland feel. And all in all I was taken by these creative maniacs 💕 they blew my mind. The blk/wht Fotos showed characters and souls and still live in my memories. Thank you for creating these memories and all my love to Ruben, may she always be with you. Your love for each other and your dedication are my guidance. #ISABELTOLEDO #RUBENTOLEDO #RUVENAFANADOR #KYMCANTER #NEWYORKMEMORIES

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Have been trying to write this all day, and failing. I had the honor of working as a casting assistant on Isabel Toledo’s two shows for Anne Klein. Getting to know and watch Isabel and Ruben work. Their talents equally matched by their kindness. The importance of Isabel representing the new guard of an iconic American house wasn’t lost on any of us. Everything came together and that first collection resulted in a standing ovation. To this day, those few weeks are some of my most treasured memories of my time in fashion. Mr. T – carrying you both in my heart. Isabel we love you. (📷: Norman Jean Roy; last 3 mine – including windows from Barneys January 2009). #isabeltoledo #toledox2

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I am so sad to hear the news today that Isabel Toledo passed away. … … In June I was having breakfast in a restaurant and spotted Isabel, Ruben, & Michaela Angela Davis at a nearby table. I went over and introduced myself. I told her that I was the girl she sent her couture archived dress to. She treated me like I was the designer. We spoke for quite awhile. Ruben stood up and was so happy to chat. Isabel grabbed my face and showered me with so much love. … … Last year before I received the dress I was called into wardrobe one day and I thought I was going to be told that I needed to lose more weight. Instead the wardrobe guy told me that Isabel herself sent an email stating that she thought I was beautiful and she was thrilled to dress a woman with curves. It meant the world to me to be accepted and praised for my figure, and especially by someone who created Michelle Obama’s unforgettable Inaugural piece. … … They gave me a copy of Isabel & Ruben’s sketches (of one of my dresses) which has her original desk stationary attached. Isabel thank you for your love, kindness, acceptance, and for making me feel so special on both of those days. You made me feel comfortable in a time of discomfort. Thank you. Sending so much love to her husband and best friend Ruben. Rest In Heavenly Peace. #IsabelToledo #cancersucks

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Designer, Fashion, Isabel Toledo

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