Simon Doonan; Isabel Toledo's Showroom
The Couture Council of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is awarding Isabel Toledo with their 2008 Award for Artistry of Fashion on September 3. In celebration of that award Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar and Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at FIT hosted a cocktail party at the Toledo’s atelier in Manhattan’s garment district. The event was attended by Mathew Modine, Simon Doonan, Cynthia Rowley, etc. We were invited but could not attend so we sent our local New York writer, Eva Tsou.
Coming out of the subway in the heart of the garment district, now mostly filled with bead stores and knock off handbag wholesalers, I spotted a woman with a black and white feather plume hat and a harlequin print jacket in 90 degree heat and 80% humidity and I knew if I just followed her she would take me to my destination. Sure enough she takes me right to the door lined up with New York’s fashion elite. Upon entering their loft, Ruben Toledo is there at the door greeting guests as they arrive, handing out fans that were individually hand painted and signed by him with a portrait of Isabel Toledo. Where does one get a husband like that?
Jump for more photos of the party...
The studio space oozed creativity from the paintings on the wall to the hula hoops dangling from the ceiling extending into their bathrooms with custom tiles painted by Ruben inspired by the silhouettes of Isabel’s designs. They opened up their entire space for the party including the showroom, sample room and their personal work spaces. It was an amazingly inspiring glimpse into the world of the iconic fashion couple.
Cocktail Reception; Cynthia Rowley
Bathroom with custom painted tiles by Ruben Toledo of Isabel’s designs; Ruben Toledo hand painted fan
Isabel Toledo’s office; Sample room
Bathroom; Loft Terrace
I so appreciate the inside looks you Bag Snobs provide us with! Can't wait for more. Thank you sooo much.
My grandmother collected fans, she would have loved this one! Did I also mention I inherited her collection of clutches!?