Award-winning Isabel Toledo catapulted to fame after Michelle Obama wore her lemongrass-hued ensemble to her husband's inauguration. Known for intricate but timeless looks, Toledo is going mainstream this year with a line of boots, pumps, flats, and handbags for shoe giant Payless, none of which break the $60 ceiling.
"As a designer, your goal is to communicate and to get your work out there regardless of whether you're making a dress, a t-shirt, or even an ashtray," says Toledo. "Working with Payless was an awesome thing because it allowed me to do just that."
--J.P.M.
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Last updated September 13 2010: 5:51 AM ET