Payless ShoeSource Announces the Availability of Isabel Toledo for Payless, the First Collection of Cuban Designer Isabel Toledo

TOPEKA, Kan., and NEW YORK, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Payless ShoeSource, dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy, announced that the Isabel Toledo for Payless fall collection is now available at select Payless stores across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, countries in the Middle East, and Russia and at Payless.com at prices ranging from $35 to $60.  

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/payless/46015/

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100910/MM61722 )

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100910/MM61722 )

Toledo, a global fashion icon, became an international household name last year for the "Lemongrass" Day Dress she designed for Michelle Obama to wear to her husband's inauguration.  She is an inventor of many signature looks and has been described as a "cult figure" by the New York Times, one of the "100 designers that count" by Women's Wear Daily and "an important raw talent" by Vogue.  Her designs have been sold in some of the most prestigious stores in the world.  

Toledo is well-known for her fashion-forward, evolving design process rooted in the marriage of art, fashion and invention.   Her approach and dedication to designing clothing -- and now shoes -- that are timeless and free of trends make her an iconic and free-thinking talent.

"The main inspiration for my first Payless collection was to create a line of shoes that I could wear on a daily basis and that would make a bold fashion statement, but also be very functional too," said Toledo.  "I am a New Yorker and I walk all over the city and in the fall that means all sorts of weather.   These shoes have a strong graphical tone, are fresh new essentials for every woman's fall closet, and are an affordable way to make a strong statement from the ground up."

Her first Payless collection includes a range of important essential silhouettes: tall boots and ankle booties, pumps, heeled wedges and flats done in fresh new ways and resulting in wearable chic shoes with a practical elegance. Two key styles in the line are the High Ghillie and a Ballet Flat Ghillie.

"The Ghillie shoe is an important design originating from Scotland as a smart shoe for walking the wet and muddy countryside. I love the Ghillie because it's unique and practical. My Ghillies explore the allure of high style at a comfortable price," adds Toledo.

Isabel Toledo is the latest designer from New York and first Latina to join Payless' exclusive roster of Guest Designers, which also includes Christian Siriano, Patricia Field and Lela Rose. For more information, please visit, www.payless.com.

SOURCE Payless ShoeSource