NEW YORK, Sep 14, 2003/ FW/ --- In a New York season which started out strong, Zang Toi just made it stronger last night at the Josephine in Bryant Park.

To set the tone for his dreamy collection, Zang Toi opened with 7 models wearing ballerina-inspired ensembles in pink and black.

With tulle, organza and cotton knits as the main fabrics, embellished with beaded ballerina flowers, Zang Toi's diffusion line which he introduced this season looked fun, fresh and adorable.

It was innocent and sophisticated at the same time, proving that Zang Toi's range as a designer is boundless.

The lights dimmed, the ballerinas disappeared and Anna Claudia walked in a thetis sequined mermaid skirt with emeral silk chiffon organza ruffled wave.

And the fairy tale began!

With the theme, "Mistress of the Mediterrenean," Zang Toi presented his main line to an enthusiastic audience which included Ivana Trump, Andre Leon Tally, and heiress Patricia Hearst sitting at the front row.

(Photo at left: Ivana Trump sitting front row at Zang Toi. Photo courtesy of Zang Toi.)

The music was subtle, reminiscent of the sea as models 'floated' on the runway as if they were truly at the Mediterrenean.

Elaborating on the theme of the 'ocean,' Zang Toi sent miniskirts and shorts inspired by the seas - from tropical fishes to colorful reefs and coral.

Denim jeans were adorned with red beads shaped like coral branches.

The beading were used in the more formal wear such as the ivory silk satin organza bare-back halte wih beaded matched with a red chinchilla shrug worn by Wendy Fitwilliam, Miss Universe 1998.

Words are not enough to describe this beautiful collection which was the talk of the tents the day after. Almost everyone agreed that Zang Toi's show was a 'must see.'

It truly was a 'must see' because it is hard to describe a fairytale come to life right before your very eyes.

And Zang Toi did it with aplomb, with his signature opulence in designs and eye for beauty.

When the show ended and the designer took his bow, the audience gave him a standing ovation.

Zang Toi was very touched with the audience's response to his collection.

"It was overwhelming, seeing everyone standing," he said after the show. "It almost made me cry," he added.

To Zang Toi's fans and buyers from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, (which both snapped up the collection), the show was worth the standing ovation.

The clothes were all easy to wear and easy on the eyes. The models looked like they enjoyed wearing the clothes.

Wendy Fitwilliam was the living proof, as she was still wearing one of the pieces from the collection during the post-show party.

And as Zang Toi accepted congratulations for his great show both from the press, buyers and clients, it was easy to see the 'how and why' the designer was able to bring a fairytale to life.

It's because he is also leading a fairy tale life! A young fashion student who immigrated here in the U.S. from Malaysia when he was 20, he built his business from scratch.

Armed only with his talent and determination, Zang Toi started his fashion house in his studio in New York.

With his eye for great design, coupled with his hard work, the designer built a successful business. From his original studio, Zang Toi's creations are now sold in boutiques located at Nordstrom stores around the country.

Accolades for his work include an award from the International Center in New York.

And this November, Zang Toi will be given the 'Stargazer Award' by the Fashion Group International in Chicago, another feather in his cap.