Roots of Style: Weaving Together Life, Love, and Fashion Hardcover – Deckle Edge, March 6, 2012

Regrettably, I only learned of this book after Isabel Toledo's passing. I remember Izzy from high school; we had family and community relations. Her early remembrances are true to how my mother and I recall her and her lovely family. Generationally and geographically, we shared the downtown clubbing days, but with different subcultures.I am not a fashion person at all. Isabel made the wonder of creating garments very real and relatable, in very accessible terminology. She has very valuable advice for anyone about dealing with challenges, and especially for creative young people, particularly those who do not fit a traditional trajectory or mold. The importance of creative collaborations is highlighted here, in celebration of diversity and inclusion; this is still a model and aspiration for many of us.Her emphasis on how a woman feels wearing clothes is so on point in many ways. She is very subtle about how men wear masculinity, and that it is so constrained. There are many things in this book that are unsaid, subtle, and that makes it more interesting.There is also a love story here, one that is very long and unique to them, but not unheard of in creative lives.It's so great that she received recognition for her genius in the prime of her life.May she rest in power, and may Ruben find his peace and strength. // Kenia

Back in summer 2001 I had the amazing opportunity to be an intern at Isabel and Ruben Toledo studio in New-York and Washington Dc. I will never forget what I have learned, seen from both Isabel and Ruben and how they are genuinely good people and down to earth. This book perfectly describes it and brings you along in the true journey and visions to the fashion world of a gifted Isabel and how she made her name in the fashion History.Her visions, techniques, stories are described so well that you have the feeling to be sitting next to her.I just love this book and I highly recommend it as well as this other book about her which is one of my all time favourite. As a fashion Technician I get enough of it!!  Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out P.S Isabel if you read this i would love to get in touch with you two again.. I live in Hong Kong now . ([email protected])

I recommend "Roots of Style" because it is an amazing book by Isabel Toledo. Here is why...Isabel brilliantly talks to us about how her sewing and design craft and how it began at an early age. She describes the people that inspired her throughout her early years as well as the influence of her Latin Cuban culture. It's quite a journey she takes the reader on that includes her work at the MET Costume Institute to her grand moment of designing historic dress for Michelle Obama. In this book, you not only learn about her strong passion for sewing but it's also partly a love story. She describes how her husband Ruben and her developed a friendship, creative partnership and later a marriage. This book will inspire anyone who has a creative passion on any level, especially in Fashion.

I didn't read books for a while and then I picked up Isabel Toledo's Roots of Style and it inspired me to redesigned my entire wardrobe. Her love of creation really comes through and I understood how fun, and also how much of a responsibility it is to get dressed every day, if someone else put so much passion in designing propositions of lines and outfits to complement my life!

This is an amazing book by one of the most talented designers in the Fashion industry today. Isabel discusses her design process and her life in fashion. It is a very inspiring story and her husband Ruben's illustrations make this book come alive. I highly recommend this book and if you love fashion it is a must read!Thank you Isabel & Ruben for all the inspiration this book has given me.

Iam always interested in wool and synthetic yarns for over 80 yearsMy family made worsted woolens, alpaca, vicuna,cashmere, and syntheticyarnsThey shipped their products to Italy where quality was prominentThe family management died and the business was sold Sudia Arabian interests with plants there and Damascus, Syria,Washington, NCwhere they produced stretch yarns which are used world wide

For the beginning creative mind whether it is in dance, visual arts, fashion, or any other creative endeavor, this book has some core principles explained within the context of Mrs. Toledo's experience that are key. For those looking for insight to the creative brain, this is also great. And for those just looking to read an interesting memoir, it is entertaining.

Isabel and her artist husband have fascinated me since I first fell in love with his Nordstrom's illustrations in Vogue. What a fascinating duo they are! His drawings are the perfect compliment to an immensely entertaining and inspiring narrative. Loved it!