Business

Americans Near Paris: New Exhibition in France Highlights Isabel and Ruben Toledo’s Work.

Published

3 years ago

April 12, 2022

The museum at SCAD will present the first posthumous exhibit of Isabel Toledo’s art as part of its 20th-anniversary celebrations. “Love Letter” focuses on the collaboration between the late designer, best known for creating Michelle Obama’s Inauguration outfit, and her husband, Ruben. Christina Frank, the curator, explained that Ruben was a black-and-white artist who encouraged Isabel to bring color into his work. The exhibition reflects both those spectra. The majority of the exhibits are from the 2000s. This era is still being explored. Ruben Toledo speaks to us about Isabel and his connection to France and the definition of American fashion.

Isabel Toledo, 2008. Photo: David Handschuh / NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

The show’s title is quite poignant.

Although it’s still difficult for me to think about the future without Isabel, I want to honor her work, and SCAD is doing so. I value sharing her ideas and her philosophy. That’s my mission right now. Isabel is still my grief, and I am mourning her husband, the Toledos. They are gone, so I am their custodian. I help preserve their archive and ensure that their work is shared with the next generation.

Which aspects of the work are you most proud to show off?

I believe [the curators] chose pieces that showed how [Isabel] ‘s] engineering and smartness in construction are always super evident. They can be worn inside out, from front to back, and still, work.

Isabel has always stated that she dresses with emotion. Isabel expressed her feelings through cloth and how things were made. She loved to address everyone’s emotions, no matter how delicate or strong or aggressive or fragile. It allowed women to continue expressing their feelings and do the same for themselves. That is my favorite part. The idea of using Isabel’s quotations and some of my writings on Isabel. There are also personal notebooks, sketchbooks, and sketches. We wanted to discuss how fashion is at its peak, and good design is more than engineering. It’s also emotional and personal relationships. It feeds both the heart and the mind.

Fashion must live in the world and serve you. We distinguished between costumes and real clothes because we had the opportunity to work with outfits from a young age with our choreographers like Twyla Tharp and Bill T. Jones. Although costumes can sometimes be spectacular, they are merely costumes. Fashion must be functional; Isabel was acutely aware of this. You can’t keep it in your closet, and you should wear it often. Isabel also knew how to make those special occasions moments shine.

Ruben and Isabel Toledo with Karl Lagerfeld, 2005. Photo: Stephen Lovekin / WireImage

One thing that has been on my mind lately is the dressmaking traditions in Latin America and Spain. It seems more collaborative than couture.

Isabel was a seamstress and then a designer. She said that she was a seamstress first, then a designer. But, her idea was that she was a service, both to herself and to clients and women. It is possible to collaborate with the person wearing it and the courier. Because we are artists, we take it for granted that our vision is a reality. Even if the client states that she wants something simple so she can relax, you will still give her what she wants. Poetry is where it all begins.

Isabel’s patterns are full of poetry, which I find very inspiring.

Because Isabel’s patterns are still amazing, I decided to do ink work. I see these graphic symbols when I look at the patterns pieces. They can look like bugs or personages. Isabel was a genius. She thought of her clothes as fluid, fluid, elegant, and flowing things that follow your body. I honor her skill in pattern-making and shaping. Karl called her a Couturiere because she could make the pattern and cut the dress. Then she learned how to sew the entire cycle. Isabel believed clothes would last forever when she was making them. Isabel offered her service by allowing clients to send their clothes back to us if they needed repairs or rework. Isabel believes that whatever we make in our studio is meant to last forever and will outlive us. It’s a lovely way to look at what you create.

How does Isabel relate to couture?

We were fortunate to have amazing friends such as Bill [Cunningham], Juan Ramos, and Antonio Lopez [creative Director and illustrator], who helped us learn about fashion and couture. Juan commented on Isabel’s clothes that they were like …. old-fashioned couture. You see today in couture what wasn’t there when we first visited Paris. There were no couture shows, and you saw beautiful couture clothes, but you didn’t see the same. It was just Isabel in a beautiful gown, and you couldn’t understand why. It was not about proclaiming to the world that this brand is such-and-such. It wasn’t about branding. The dress made the woman feel beautiful, and it moved beautifully. She looked amazing. There were many secrets to the dress. The pocket was hidden in the seam. She slumped in it because of its construction. Or the way it moved. Isabel fell for these magic tricks because that was what she was already doing. Juan also saw the simplicity of her previous work. This [helped us stay focused] because our friends, up until that point, we’re like, “You have to wear snappier clothes. You have to make things stand out more.” But Isabel was such quiet talent. She was naturally inclined to create something mysteriously and secretly brilliant. It’s almost like she doesn’t know why but it just captures. She was that kind of person.

Isabel and Ruben Toledo, with fans he painted, 2006. Photo: Joe Schildhorn / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

How do you relate to France?

In the late 1980s, we started to exhibit in Paris to make some money. New York’s business was really bad in 1987 and 1988. The budget was cut first when New York business became difficult. It was like Little Rascals, as we worked in a tiny hotel room until the morning before. Bill Cunningham was the one who showed us where to stay at a reasonable price. Suzanne Bartsch lived next to us because she was there for Love Ball and the whole crew. It was, as you can see, a hotel full of misfits.

It was a wild, beautiful, almost dorm-like fashion show in its first years. Before RuPaul had his TV show, I recall that RuPaul was part of the crew. We were shown in tiny cafes or little dungeons under restaurants and wine cellars. Although our shows were tiny and the audience was small, they were amazing people, like Bettina Graziani, who was Givenchy’s muse. We then started selling to Galeries Lafayette and Colette.

Before we did this, we had never been to Europe. This opened up a new perspective on fashion and how they view it as a culture. It was an amazing fusion, and it opened up intellectually for us to see how other people perceive fashion. Then we could leap by presenting fashion as pure art.

What was your experience in Paris?

Many French would respond, “You’re not an American designer. You’re a Spanish one.” But Isabel was so fond of industry. She loved sewing machines and mass production. And she loved patterns that were so clever, like puzzle pieces.

Isabel’s work is American.

The word serviceability is what I always refer to. Isabel and I greatly appreciated the army surplus, work clothes, and their utility. Add poetic fantasy to it, and you have a whole new territory. The American casualness, sloppiness, and acceptance of mistakes are refreshing. We get everything wrong, so we invent the wrong. We’re open to it, and that creates new friction. The American way of living life is inspiring. Even when you feel down, there is the idea that you can tap dance your way into the future. Everybody puts on a brighter, better face. We don’t have much historical background because we are busy inventing it. That’s a beautiful view of life. You don’t allow the past to drag you down. Instead, it would help if you made the next chapter. I believe that American fashion and design have this optimism that anything is possible.

Barak Obama and Michelle Obama, in Isabel Toledo, at the Inauguration, 2009. Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Isabel’s clothes are both timeless and current. How do the show’s pieces reflect the 2000s?

This is why this period is so interesting. We were finally reaching financial stability. It took us a long time to be able to work with exquisite textiles at a higher price than we were able to afford. I believe that American society was spending more on clothing during this time. It was like an uphill climb. The lushness of things increased every season, and clients were expecting more exquisite treatments. It was an opportunity to spend more time creating truly wonderful stuff than ever before. Isabel was always interested in this kind of thing, even though it was a T-shirt dress ….. The idea was that we would now be using luxurious textiles and layering lace. Isabel would make the corsetry for the inside of a dress just as beautifully as the dress it would be fitted onto. Because there was a client who wanted it, she was able to put in that same amount of effort and energy.

What other information do you want visitors to take away from the “Love Letter”?

It is important to share that Isabel was a fearless creator who was conscious of her ability to be of service. She was a courageous woman in all aspects. She was brave about her talents and how she approached the world, and, for that reason, she gave women empowerment. That is what I love about her. This allowed me to witness her grow in fashion and general. It was amazing. I wish that all visitors to SCAD feel the same, that there is empowerment and nurturing when things are done in love. It is a ripple effect that reaches out to the audience. Your audience feels a ripple effect, and she was aware of this. She was.

Business

Post-Purchase Customer Experience – Why It’s the Key to Retention and Loyalty

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2025

Tina Gondolin

In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, securing a sale is just the beginning of the customer journey, not the end. Post-purchase customer experience has emerged as a pivotal aspect of not only retaining clients but also building unwavering loyalty.

Once the transaction is completed, a new chapter unfolds—one that can either transform a one-time buyer into a lifelong advocate or reduce them to just another statistic in the sea of disengaged consumers. Every interaction a customer has after the purchase, from personalized follow-ups to seamless customer support, plays a crucial role in shaping their perception of your brand.

As the dust settles on their initial decision to buy, it’s the ongoing experiences that will ultimately determine whether they return for more or drift away into the clutches of competitors. Understanding and optimizing this journey is not merely an option anymore; it’s a necessity for businesses striving to cultivate lasting relationships in a world where choices abound.

The Path to Loyalty: How Post-Purchase Experience Shapes Customer Relationships

Source: reverselogix.com

The journey to fostering customer loyalty begins long after the initial purchase is made; it is intricately woven into the fabric of the post-purchase experience. Picture this: a customer who eagerly anticipates their delivery, receiving a thoughtful follow-up email that not only confirms shipment but also includes tips for maximizing the product’s use—this simple gesture cultivates a sense of connection.

Afterward, a timely survey asking for feedback demonstrates that their voice matters, transforming a transactional relationship into a dialogue. Each element, from personalized recommendations based on their purchase history to dedicated customer support, deepens trust and enhances the emotional bond.

In this ever-competitive landscape, understanding that retention hinges not on the initial sale, but on the entire journey afterwards, can unlock the secret to creating lifelong advocates for your brand.

Beyond the Sale: The Critical Role of Aftercare in Customer Retention

Source: globalresponse.com

In the whirlwind of commerce, where transactions often take center stage, one critical aspect frequently slips through the cracks: aftercare. This pivotal phase begins the moment a customer clicks “confirm” on their order, extending well beyond the point of sale.

It’s not merely a follow-up; it’s a commitment to nurturing the relationship, a chance to reinforce the connection established during their buying journey. Think of aftercare as the secret sauce of customer loyalty—personalized messages, helpful tips, and timely support can transform an ordinary experience into an extraordinary one.

Customers who feel valued and supported are more likely to return, not just for the products they cherish but for the community and service that accompany them. In a landscape flooded with choices, businesses that prioritize aftercare don’t just sell products; they cultivate loyalty, turning one-time buyers into lifelong advocates.

Conclusion

Source: youngurbanproject.com

In conclusion, the post-purchase customer experience is a critical pillar in fostering retention and loyalty among consumers. By understanding and enhancing this stage of the customer journey, businesses can build lasting relationships that go beyond a single transaction.

Effective post-purchase marketing not only reinforces the value of the initial purchase but also encourages repeat business through personalized communication and ongoing engagement. As companies strive to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape, prioritizing the post-purchase experience will prove essential in transforming customers into brand advocates, ultimately driving sustainable growth and long-term success.

Business

From Trader to Business Owner – How to Build Your Own Trading Firm

Published

2 months ago

January 3, 2025

Tina Gondolin

Transitioning from a trader to a business owner is a thrilling journey, a leap from the exhilarating chaos of the markets into the strategic realm of entrepreneurship. Many traders, fueled by their passion for the financial world, dream of establishing their trading firm—a bold move that promises both independence and potential prosperity.

Yet, this path is strewn with challenges, requiring not just deep market knowledge but also formidable skills in management, finance, and strategic planning. How do you go from analyzing charts and executing trades to overseeing a team of traders and making critical business decisions? In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted process of building your trading firm, offering insights on everything from legal considerations to cultivating a strong company culture.

Prepare to navigate the nuances of this transition—where the fierce nature of trading meets the intricate art of business ownership. Your journey begins now.

Identifying Your Niche in the Trading Market

Source: udemy.com

Identifying your niche in the trading market is an essential first step on your journey from trader to business owner. Start by reflecting on what truly captivates you—whether it’s forex, stocks, options, or commodities—and the unique strategies you’ve developed through experience.

Tools like depth of market software can play a pivotal role during this process, offering detailed insights into market trends and liquidity levels, which can help you pinpoint areas of opportunity. Dive deep into market trends, analyzing which segments show potential for growth and profitability, while also considering the competition.

Don’t shy away from experimenting; this phase often involves trial and error, as you test different trading styles against varying market conditions. Additionally, leverage your existing knowledge to carve out a specialized area, perhaps focusing on a demographic or asset class that isn’t saturated.

Ultimately, the key lies in blending your passion with market demands, creating a distinctive offering that speaks to both your interests and the needs of prospective clients.

Creating a Business Plan for Your Trading Firm

Source: www.getwork.co.uk

Creating a business plan for your trading firm is not merely a formality; it’s the foundation upon which your entrepreneurial dreams will stand. Begin by defining your vision—what kind of trading strategies will you employ? Will you focus on equity markets, forex, or perhaps cryptocurrencies? This clarity will inform every aspect of your plan, from your target market to your operational framework. Next, conduct a thorough market analysis to identify your competitors and potential clients, ensuring your unique selling proposition shines brightly amidst the noise.

Financial projections are crucial; outline your startup costs, expected revenues, and break-even analysis to illustrate the viability of your venture. Don’t forget to address risk management—how will you safeguard your capital against market volatility? Each section of your plan should weave together, showcasing not only your ambitions but also a pragmatic approach to navigating the complexities of the trading landscape.

This document is your blueprint for success; invest the time to make it comprehensive and compelling.

Legal Considerations for Starting a Trading Firm

Source: luxalgo.com

Establishing a trading firm entails navigating a labyrinth of legal considerations, intricately woven into the fabric of financial regulations. Aspiring business owners must first determine the appropriate business structure—whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation—each carrying its legal ramifications and tax obligations.

Securing the necessary licenses and permits is paramount; depending on your trading strategies and the markets you operate in, you may need to register with regulatory bodies like the SEC or FINRA. Additionally, compliance with anti-money laundering laws and data protection regulations will shape operational protocols, safeguarding both your firm and clientele. As you forge ahead, consulting with legal professionals proficient in financial regulations is not just wise—it’s essential, ensuring that your firm not only thrives but does so within the bounds of the law, avoiding the perilous pitfalls that could threaten your entrepreneurial dreams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transitioning from a trader to a business owner by establishing your trading firm is an exciting yet challenging journey that requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and an adept understanding of market dynamics. By leveraging essential resources, including cutting-edge tools like depth-of-market software, you can enhance your trading strategies and gain valuable insights into market trends.

Building a successful trading firm involves not only honing your trading skills but also developing a solid business framework, fostering a collaborative environment, and staying agile in a rapidly evolving marketplace. With the right approach and commitment to continuous learning, the path from trader to business owner can lead to remarkable growth and fulfillment in the world of finance.

Business

How the Rise of AI and Automation is Impacting the Accounting Profession

Published

2 months ago

December 13, 2024

Anita Kantar

The adoption of advanced technologies is reshaping how businesses handle financial processes. Tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming traditional workflows, introducing both opportunities and challenges for professionals in finance.

Accountants must now adapt to thrive in a landscape dominated by innovation.

Key Points:

Automation reduces manual data entry, boosting accuracy.
AI enables predictive insights for better decision-making.
Technology frees up time for strategic tasks.
Skills in data analysis and AI tools are essential.
Ethical considerations are critical for implementing automation.

Automation and Its Role in Streamlining Financial Tasks

Automation tools have become indispensable for reducing repetitive and time-intensive tasks. Functions such as payroll processing, tax filings, and financial reconciliations can now be completed faster and with fewer errors. Businesses looking to optimize their operations rely heavily on platforms like those recommended by Accountancy Capital for sourcing qualified professionals. For more information visit their website www.accountancycapital.co.uk.

By eliminating the burden of repetitive tasks, automation allows accountants to focus on advisory roles, providing higher-value services to clients. This shift highlights the need for upskilling to remain competitive in a changing landscape.

Source: rvnatech.com

How AI Improves Decision-Making in Financial Management

AI tools analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that humans might overlook. This capability enhances decision-making, particularly in areas like forecasting and risk assessment. For example:

Predictive analytics ─ AI can anticipate cash flow trends or market risks, giving businesses a proactive advantage.
Fraud detection ─ Algorithms flag irregularities in real-time, reducing financial losses.
Expense optimization ─ Automated systems recommend cost-saving measures based on historical spending patterns.

Leveraging such capabilities requires an understanding of technology, coupled with expertise in interpreting results for actionable insights.

Challenges Created by Technological Advancements

The rapid adoption of AI and automation poses challenges for professionals, including:

Skill gaps ─ Transitioning from traditional methods to tech-driven workflows require upskilling.
Job displacement ─ Roles focused on manual tasks are at risk of becoming obsolete.
Ethical concerns ─ Decision-making algorithms may introduce bias if not properly monitored.

Mitigating these challenges involves ongoing education and embracing continuous professional development.

Source: runeleven.com

Skills Accountants Must Develop to Stay Relevant

The changing landscape necessitates a shift in core competencies. Key skills include:

Proficiency in data analysis tools ─ Knowledge of software that integrates AI is crucial for staying relevant.
Soft skills ─ Communication and advisory capabilities remain vital, even as technology handles routine tasks.
Ethical awareness ─ Understanding the limitations and implications of technology ensures responsible implementation.

Combining traditional expertise with technological fluency is the key to long-term success.

Benefits of Automation for Accounting Firms

Automation tools deliver measurable benefits for firms, including:

Efficiency gains ─ Faster processing of routine functions, reducing turnaround times for clients.
Cost savings ─ Automated workflows lower operational expenses.
Scalability ─ Firms can handle larger client bases without increasing staff.

By adopting technology thoughtfully, firms can maintain a competitive edge while providing exceptional service.

Source: mcgowanprofessional.com

Ethical Implications of Adopting AI in Finance

AI’s growing role introduces ethical concerns that professionals must address. Bias in algorithms, privacy concerns, and transparency issues are common challenges. Firms must establish guidelines to ensure that AI tools align with ethical practices. Regular audits and accountability measures help maintain trust.

Future Trends and Opportunities in Financial Automation

Looking ahead, technologies like blockchain and machine learning will further transform financial practices. Accountants who embrace innovation will find opportunities in consulting, compliance, and strategic planning. Staying informed about emerging trends ensures readiness for new developments.

Conclusion

The rise of AI and automation is not just reshaping workflows but redefining the role of accountants altogether. By investing in upskilling and adopting tools thoughtfully, financial professionals can transition from traditional roles to strategic advisors, ensuring continued relevance in an evolving landscape.