The International Center is dedicated to the advancement of immigrants.

Zang Toi was born in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia to an ethnic Chinese family. He immigrated to the U.S. at age 20 and studied at the Parsons School of Design (class of 1985).

2002 marked his 13th year in the fashion business. This year also marked his business expansion, with the first Zang Toi boutique opening at Nordstrom in Coral Gables, FL.

There will be more Zang Toi Boutiques opening at Nordstrom stores nationwide within a 2 year time-frame.

In short, Zang Toi's star is on the rise, and it's glowing brightly more than ever!

In his acceptance speech for his award from the International Center, Zang Toi said, "Lastly, to every immigrant who came here to pursue the "American Dream"... always dream big! If a small town Kelantanese boy from Malaysia can make it here, you too, with hard work, discipline and determination can also achieve great success and happiness."

When he said that, I felt a tug in my heart. Being a second-generation immigrant here in the U.S., I understood exactly what he is talking about.

Being an immigrant is not easy. And it's not because there are no opportunities. There are a lot of opportunities out there.

What is hard is 'living in two worlds.' As an immigrant you don't want to forget where you came from, but you also know that it was your decision to come here, hence you must embrace the culture of your new home.

And with Zang Toi, he was able to balance the two - continue to honor his homeland and get immersed in the American way of life.

I did not know Zang Toi until the New York Fall 2000 season, the first time that we have ever covered him.

As each season go by, I came to know him better through his designs. He gets his inspirations from everywhere. But in each garment that he designs, there is a touch of 'balance', a very Asian quality which I would like to say Zang Toi and I share.

Known for his unique color sense and extravagant designs, Zang Toi never goes beyond what is required to make clothes beautiful and luxurious. Even in his 'extravagance' he is tempered with his sense of 'balance' which makes the clothes 'just right' and not overbearing.

The clothes always accentuate the woman wearing them, and not the other way around.

Since the Fall 2000 season, Zang Toi has always had a fan here in Dallas, though he did not know it. I have followed his career as a fashion editor and also saw a kindred spirit in him.

So, to Zang Toi, congratulations! May your star continue to glow brightly and be a role model to the thousands of immigrants who come here to the U.S. yearly.