Zang Toi: A Budding Couturier In Our Midst
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 5, 2005/ FW/ --- It’s about being a diva and the star of the show, it’s about the upcoming Oscars as Zang Toi presented his silver screen goddesses inspired collection tonight at Bryant Park demonstrating once more his design skills as a demi-couturier that can easily be transformed to a couturier.

In this sumptuous collection that was inspired by Marlene Dietrich, Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly to Sharon Stone, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, Malaysian-born designer Zang Toi did not pull any stops on luxury and opulence.

Sending a total of 42 looks for his main line ‘Zang Toi,’ the New York-based designer used the plush fabrics from silk organdy to cashmere, satin organza to taffeta, complete with intricate beading, fur trims, ostrich feathers and beautiful embroidery.

He transformed the basic twin set into a mink stripes A-line skirt matched with ivory beaded tweed cashmere. The pantsuit became a red, white and black flannel hip hugging bootleg jean with a snug fitting 8-button double-breasted jacket trimmed with fur. And that is just for daywear!

Eveningwear were fully-beaded slip dresses with matching fox stole and for the gowns… they were definitely for the red carpet, whether at the Oscars or at the Opera with the form-fitting bodice and tiny panels on the hemline that reaches all the way down to the floor to become a train.

Divided into two sections, the first one for his main line and the second part for his diffusion line, “Toi House,” Zang Toi cute mini dresses in gold wool and purple wool/rayon.

Though not as sumptuous as the main line, the Toi House collection also featured the intricate beading and superb tailoring that Zang Toi is known for.

The collection can only be called demi-couture, and quite honestly can easily be transformed to haute couture. But Zang Toi, as humble as he is and knowing the rules very well, continues to call himself a ready-to-wear designer.

French law protects the term haute couture and the only way you can call a collection ‘haute couture’ is if the Chamber Syndicale, France’s fashion governing body, has sanctioned the designer.

And with the Chamber Syndicale opening full membership and guest memberships to smaller fashion houses, Zang Toi, with a collection like this, can easily apply and be part of the haute couture official calendar.

And that will be a feather to America’s cup. Together with Ralph Rucci who already shows during the Paris haute couture season, another American on the roster will demonstrate to the world American fashion creativity.

Zang Toi

Zang Toi

Zang Toi

Zang Toi

Zang Toi