Meeting Isabel and Ruben Toledo

“Clothes tell our history.  I wanted to be a part of the history of how we look.”

Isabel Toledo

at FGI Conference, NYC - on why she became a fashion designer

Last week I attended the Fashion Group International Director’s Conference in New York City, where I had the pleasure of meeting Ruben and Isabel Toledo (me with them above).  I have long admired their incredible work and creative force in the industry, but having met them I’ve gained an even deeper respect.  They greeted the audience with grace, humor and appreciation, treating all of us as friends. 

Ruben and Isabel are true visionaries with an innovative spirit that drives everything they do.  They have a deep love of art, their craft and “discovery” everyday.  

Isabel is a technical genius in fashion design, known for her industrial style, skilled construction and draping.  Her designs start with a feeling – expressing an emotion or responding to a fabric.  She loves shape and imagining what it will do on the body, which is evident in the non-traditional way she works with a form (sometimes she’ll turn it upside down). 

She describes her style as an odd twist on Victorian, with proper form and fitted shape.  If you bring something original and sincere to your design – the original ingredient is what people will take in.

I admire Isabel’s grounded approach to her business.  She is an artist that designs because of her love of clothing and the “Art of the Make.”  To that end, she focuses on what she is good at and presenting it in her way – staying out of the spotlight.  She purposely keeps her staff small – 25-30 people – where at times Ruben still answers the phone and their 85-year-old dad remains their best cutter.  Keeping the staff intimate also allows them to remain exclusive because they truly can’t produce a lot.  She wants to have time to create a legacy for the future in fashion – something that will stand the test of time and not marketed in a mass way.   

A highlight of her career came not too long ago when Michelle Obama wore her design to the Inauguration.  The dress, a pale-yellow brocade shift and jacket, was made of Swiss wool lace and lined with a "secret layer” of pashmina tulle inside (a thoughtful touch for warmth on that frigid day).  When Isabel spotted Mrs. Obama on CNN wearing the dress, she was “floating.” Isabel says that she was so committed to that piece and wanted that optimism to come through in the garment.  She was thrilled that Mrs. Obama felt what she did when she created it and selected it for this momentous event.  She believed in it and wanted so much to be a part of that moment in history.  

Ruben’s art has delighted the fashion world with it’s whimsical perspective on the human figure.  He believes that a good fashion illustration will make clothes look even more wondrous than any model could ever convey.  For over 10 years, Ruben’s illustrations have been the face of Nordstrom  designer advertising campaigns.  I have been such an admirer of his work over the years that I’ve become a “collector.”  I’m sure I have most of his Nordstrom ads as well as other illustrations I’ve loved.  While Ruben and Isabel were speaking at our conference, I took the opportunity to tell him about my collection and admiration of his work.  I felt a little like a schoolgirl afterward, but I’m glad I did it.  His eyes lit up with genuine appreciation and he was very engaged in my little tale. 

Following are examples of Ruben’s Nordstrom ads, a portrait of his wife and a sketch of the First Family in Isabel’s designs that he was asked to create for a story. 

  

What struck me most about this dynamic couple is their adoration of one another.  Both born in Cuba, Isabel and Ruben met while attending high school in New Jersey, where Ruben describes meeting Isabel as "love at first sight."  They married soon afterward, and entered the New York fashion world almost immediately.  

The Toledo’s have an inspiring love story.  They are passionate about their life and each other – and its palpable. 

They genuinely adore each other, they laugh at and with each other and they inspire each other creatively.  When asked what designers they admired, Ruben immediately and enthusiastically pointed to Isabel and said “I admire this one.”

I'm convinced that if all couples were as connected as they are, we would have world peace. 

Fashion Friday: Congrats to Seth Aaron

 “Hard work and love for what you do pays off” 

Seth Aaron Henderson

Wow, what a great Project Runway finale!  Seth Aaron pulled off a big win with a fun, yet sophisticated collection.  Although his designs don’t really fit my style, he has been one of my favorites this season.  What I enjoy about him is his amazing creativity and consistency in the voice of his work.  And…he is a NICE guy!  Fashion is a tough business and his warm and vivacious personality really stands out.

I can’t really say the same about Emilio.  No doubt that guy is talented, but I wouldn’t buy a stitch of clothing from someone that arrogant.  For a fella as close to his mom as he seems, she could've done a better job teaching him a little about  being humble.  

Mila was cool and will be successful, but not a showstopper.  Her work with the final collection was clearly amped up by stylists, because it looked far more interesting than most of her work throughout the season. 

The judges were spot on with this one.  Seth Aaron made an impeccable collection of whimsical yet sophisticated clothes,  that in my opinion were reminiscent of Moschino Cheap and Chic, and were ripe for editorial.

I’m not sure I’d ever wear anything of his, but I will sure appreciate its divine craftsmanship. 

Seth Aaron’s collection was graphic and bold with just enough vibrant color and was inspired by 1940s German and Soviet military.  It sounds interesting and it WAS interesting.  I can’t wait to see more of what he has to offer. 

 

Is it time for the next season of Project Runway yet?  I’m ready!

J. Crew’s Golden Girl: Jenna Lyons

 

Over the last year, I have fallen in love with J. Crew and it’s all because of this woman. 

Jenna Lyons, the creative director of the company has become an icon in the fashion world – a place where only independent designers were given street cred in the past.  As J. Crew’s fashion visionary, she has been at the helm of changing the company’s “dated preppy” look to a stylish mix of masculine and feminine, with layers of vintage inspired jewelry that captivates people at every turn of the catalog.  She’s become the face of the brand with her monthly report “Jenna’s Picks,” a popular link on the company’s web site.

Interestingly, her success and that of the company, can be attributed to her personal style.  At a critical time for the business, when Jenna was working as a designer for the company, the new CEO noticed what she was wearing – high heels and cargo pants.  He asked her why she wasn’t designing that?  Soon, the combination of hard and soft with personal unexpected touches and high and low end products became the foundation of the new J. Crew -   and everyone from Hollywood to the White House has taken notice. 

J. Crew has become the destination brand for women who insist on designer style, but crave more conservative prices.  It is both aspirational and attainable, and the quality and creativity of the product is unmatched for its price-point.  While most retailers are struggling, J. Crew is thriving for all of these reasons.  

How does she do it?  Each season, Jenna is responsible for coming up with a design story.  One recent season, she started with the idea of three women -- opera singer Maria Callas, actress Lauren Hutton and '60s-era socialite Slim Keith -- and imagined what it would be like if they shared one closet.  The collection was an unexpected mix of pieces: a blush-colored tiered lace top worn with sporty rolled-up jeans, a grey feather skirt with a long navy boyfriend cardigan, grey wool houndstooth shorts with a ladylike coat with a jeweled collar.  This example speaks volumes about her creativity and her ability to make clothes that women want to buy.   And, they are buying them - J . Crew’s bottom line is proof of that.  What a great retail success story.

Following are just a few of my favorites from the Spring 2010 season.  Now if I could only find the J. Crew credit card my husband has hidden from me!

 

 

Happy Birthday, Dear

 

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Jay.  I’m a lucky girl to have such a kind, funny, strong, supportive and loving husband who is a tremendous source of strength for not only me, but for our family and friends.  He makes me proud everyday. 

Project Runway – Fashion and Technology

 

It may come as no surprise, but I love Project Runway.  Each season seems to get better and better.  This year I’ve been inspired by the show’s incorporation of technology with fashion design.  I’m not that hip to technology, so I guess I’m especially amazed at the advances that are available these days.  Vivienne Tam was the guest judge this week and she introduced the designers challenge to create their own textile with the HP Touchsmart PC.   These nifty little machines actually allow you to use the screen as a canvas, using anything from your fingers to an actual paintbrush!   I wasn’t amazed by the fabrics that the designers created, but I was completely inspired by the process. 

Earlier this season, the show provided designers with the HP Touchsmart Notebooks to use for sketching their designs.  I think I’ll always be an old fashioned girl that likes a hand-drawn sketch, but you can’t deny that these products provide a world of opportunity to designers that an ordinary sketch can’t.   

This episode made me want to run out and buy this machine (and the notebook for that matter).  My husband talked sense into me today…but you never know if I might bring one of them home with me someday.

My Vintage Family Cookbook

I’ve wanted to put together a family cookbook for years, but finally got the inspiration I needed when Basic Grey introduced the “Nook and Pantry” collection a few months back.  The line has the wonderful vintage feel of grandma’s kitchen and I thought it was perfect to display all of my favorite and cherished family dishes.  It’s amazing how recipes have the ability to evoke special memories of important people in your life or a special time.  That’s what makes this project so meaningful.  I will enjoy adding to it through the years.  Following are a few of the pages from my book….enjoy and feel free to try the recipes.  I can guarantee they are all delicious.

The album cover – The illustration caption reads “I only have a kitchen because it came with the house.”  Fits me to a tee.  I’m not much of a cook myself, which makes me adore these recipes that much more.   

The inside cover and opening page of the appetizer section.

I’m claiming this as my recipe because I changed one ingredient..otherwise I had nothing to do with it.

I cannot get enough of my mother-in-law’s Country Beans.  I love them so much, I ask her to take them on the road whenever she’s asked to bring a dish to pass.  Yum!! 

Every once in a while, Jay gets a cooking bug in him and this is one of his favorites to make.  I enjoy watching him play “chef” and take pride in his tasty bruschetta.

Opening page of the soup section

A staple around our house.  Tastes great with Doritos.  

 Main Dish section.  The window actually opens.  Cute.

Absolutely the BEST meal ever made.  It’s been our birthday dinner for most of our life – although my mom has tortured me for the last few years by not making it.  She would say that I’ve tortured her by forcing her make it all these years….it’s a pain in the butt.   This recipe is so good….hot or cold, so be sure to make enough for leftovers! 

This is the easiest meal to make and great to bring along as a dish to pass.  It has an addicting flavor and something I need to have at least once a month.  You know if a recipe includes crushed Ritz crackers and butter it MUST be good!

I have several Spaghetti recipes that are all a little different.  My mom’s is my favorite, but I haven’t added that one to the book yet.  This one is Nana’s which has a little sweetness to it.              Very good.

The opening of the dessert section.  The apron is adorable.  I also like how the ribbon treatment turned out…..I gathered it with a ripple effect which adds a nice texture.

 My Nana used to make these little “leftover” treats for us every time she made a pie and had extra crust to work with.  Delicious! 

This is my Birthday cake (Wendie’s too) that I’ve had every year of my life (at least as far back as I can remember).  There is nothing else like it in the world and the frosting is absolutely addicting.  My mom sure had a winner with this one. 

This cake is light, fruity and delicious!  It’s easy too.

This is a Betty Crocker recipe that I’ve adopted.  I’m not much of a cook, but I do like to bake (once a year or so) and this is my specialty.  It’s an interesting and tasty twist on pie.

 A recipe found in the Detroit Free Press….cute little fall treat.

A Scrapbooker is Born

Avery shows off her new scrapbook

 

My niece Avery stayed with us this weekend while her brother traveled to Flint with Mom for a hockey tournament.  I took her with me to scrapbook league yesterday, her first time scrapbooking.  League can be a long day, so I was crossing my fingers that she wouldn’t get bored.  She LOVED it!  I had a feeling I had a scrapbooker on my hands when we arrived at Scrappy Chic – she got out of the car and took a picture of the store! 

By the end of the day, Avery completed 16 pages to my 2.  My friends all know that I’m not the speediest at my craft, but when Avery pointed it out to my friend she got quite a kick out of it.  I walked away from the table for a moment and Avery said to Chris, “Aunt Beckie’s really slow, but I still really like her.”  Phew!

We had a really great day together and I loved watching her select her photos, write her name, draw pictures and play with stickers.  We bought a scrapbook for her to keep all of her new pages in and she spent the entire night (and morning) looking through it.  She was so proud to show Uncle Jay and Mom too.  My favorite page of hers is the first one here, which includes a drawing of her family – Mom, Dad, Avery and her brother Jack.  There is something so eternally precious about a child's portrait of her family.

I’m looking forward to bringing my new scrapbook buddy with me again sometime.    

Notice all the hearts drawn around the family…..

shows how much this girl is loved.

Woops…I think we have a duplicate picture here, Aves.

She laughs every time she sees Uncle Jay’s silly face in this page. 

What a clown.

 

She asked me to help her spell Disney World so she could write

where she was here.

The picture of mom and dad is a little off in timing with the Christmas pics, but she LOVES this picture and points it out every time we look at the book.  I thought the animals were a funny addition too. 

One of her favorite pages…..she wanted this cheetah paper more

than anything we bought that day.