‘A Love Letter’ with Ruben Toledo
Written by Olivia Longoria. Photo courtesy of SCAD MOA.
A colorful display of true love. That’s what the SCAD Museum of Art exhibition ‘A Love Letter’ with Ruben Toldeo is. Cuban illustrator Ruben Toledo has created a shrine through design dedicated to his late wife, Isabel Toledo, a Cuban fashion designer.
The show features a short film created by Ruben in which he talks about their life together. The pair met in high school. Ruben told Isabel he wanted to marry her after a few months of knowing her. Later, when they were married, they’d spend the weekends in their New York City apartment, working in their underwear and going to the roof for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was bliss, an always-moving flow of creation. Isabel was more than a wife to Ruben. She was his soulmate, partner in evolving and muse. She passed away in 2019 from breast cancer. Ruben describes losing her as losing both of them, explaining that now he exists as the custodian of that couple, whose responsibility it is to bask in the memory of the brave, elegant woman that Isabel was and continue to display her life’s work.
The Toledo’s were an important part of downtown New York in the 80s. They collaborated with many household names like Andy Warhol and, internationally, Karl Lagerfeld. Isabel worked under the principle that time is fashion, and fashion is time. During an era of shoulder pads and strict silhouettes, Isabel was bringing movement and fearlessness to fashion. She valued structure and balance within bohemian-style designs. The workflow between Ruben and Isabel reflected their relationship. Isabel would describe shapes and patterns, and Ruben would illustrate them. From there, Isabel would craft imaginative yet precisely wearable garments. Early in her career, Ruben ran her designs to stores located near them, such as Patricia Field. He’d return to Isabel with the order, a dozen of this dress, two dozen of that dress, and she’d begin. Her success came quickly and never lost its momentum. Isabel designed Michelle Obama’s Inaugural outfit- a lemongrass dress and matching coat. Isabel had wanted it to represent hope and optimism.
This show is nothing short of beautiful. The authenticity of their love story seeps through the screen and into the viewer. This is reinforced by phrases such as ‘rhythm as form’ and ‘design is eternal’ painted on the walls in a way that seems to shout, like they’re crucial lessons the viewer must learn. Being surrounded by Isabel’s beautiful garments while listening to Ruben tell the tale of their love, and her artistry, is wonderfully emotionally immersive.
