Michelle Obama's wave of fashion firsts continues on strong.
The latest coup comes for the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, which today announced that the lemongrass ensemble designed by Isabel Toledo, which the First Lady donned on Inauguration Day, will be on display come June 17, when the school unveils a three-month-long mid-career retrospective to the Cuban-born designer entitled "Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out."
This historic White House loan marks the first time that the sheath dress and matching coat will be on public view.
The exhibit, which runs through September 26, will include approximately 70 iconic looks by Toledo from the mid-1980s to the present, along with mannequins and drawings by her husband, artist Ruben Toledo, with whom she closely collaborates.
First Lady Michelle Obama said, "I absolutely adored my Inauguration Day ensemble designed by Isabel Toledo, and I am happy it will be part of the exhibit so that others can appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship of one of America's great female designers."
"Isabel Toledo has long been admired by fashion insiders but unknown to the public at large," said Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at FIT. "When Michelle Obama wore Isabel Toledo's beautiful golden ensemble for the Inauguration, suddenly everyone in the world saw what this great designer can do. We are absolutely delighted that Mrs. Obama has agreed to lend this now-historic ensemble to the museum's forthcoming exhibition, 'Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out.'"
Much buzz has surrounded Toledo since that fateful January day. The much-lauded "designer's designer" and industry favorite knew that the dress and coat she designed for the First Lady was a possible candidate, but did not know Mrs. Obama had selected the outfit until she emerged on the morning of Inauguration Day.
Toledo is the recipient of numerous honors, including FIT's Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion in 2008. What's more, on May 16, Toledo will receive the Savannah College of Art & Design's André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Toledo and Steele have also coauthored an accompanying exhibition book, to be published by Yale University Press. Support for the exhibition has been provided by the Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, with additional support from Nordstrom.
-
Jennifer Lopez Clearly Prefers This Comeback Sneaker Trend
She's wearing it as often as her favorite Birkin bags.
By Julia Gray Published
-
Olivia Rodrigo Is Bringing Visible Bra Straps Back
The pop-punk princess wore custom Victoria's Secret at Coachella.
By Julia Gray Published
-
Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Cookery Show Begins Filming Today—But Not Where You’d Expect It to Be Shot
The Sussexes are having a busy week this week, shooting both of their his-and-her Netflix shows and rolling out the first product offering for Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published