Toledo/Toledo: Full Circle

Toledo/Toledo: Full Circle

One of fashion’s most sought-after designers, Isabel Toledo collaborated with her husband, illustrator Ruben Toledo, for more than thirty years. This exhibition highlights their artistic fusion in a comprehensive display of works, from concept to final product, including a section dedicated to the iconic lemongrass ensemble worn by First Lady Michelle Obama to her husband’s historic 2008 inauguration. Adding poignant significance to the exhibition is its location at Miami Dade College’s National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower, where the Toledos were first processed upon their arrival in the U.S. from Cuba as children. 

The Toledos forged a romantic and professional love affair as teenagers, which flowered into a wide-reaching repertoire. Traversing disciplines such as fashion, costume design, illustration, graphic design, animated films, furniture, mannequin design, and ceramics, their efforts resulted in a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in 2005. The Toledos have exhibited their work in numerous museums internationally. Ruben Toledo’s installation work has also appeared at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy.

Toledo/Toledo: Full Circle is curated by Fred Dennis and supported by Terra Group and Bacardi.