Two decades later, the House of Toi is one of the most successful independent fashion houses of Seventh Avenue.

Already a household name in his native Malaysia, Zang Toi is well poised to do the same in the U.S. as Nordstrom continues to build House of Toi boutiques in their locations nationwide.

With a design philosophy of “to always make a woman look sexy yet elegant,” it is truly no wonder that there are Zang Toi devotees from Miami to Chicago to Los Angeles that includes Sharon Stone and Farrah Fawcett.

Zang Toi who designs at least four collections a year (two for his main line, House of Toi and two for his diffusion line meant for the younger set, Toi House) believes that “smart, sexy and elegant tailored looks are the key” for women’s fashion.

To him, the seasons might change, but style remains as exemplified by his timeless creations that are not bound by the current trends.

Speaking of fashion trends and where it is going, Zang Toi says, “It's hard for fashion houses nowadays to dictate the next big directional change since consumers today are so much more savvy about fashion and style. There is also issue of different age group and lifestyle to take into consideration.”

“That's is why we'll always have the different world of John Galliano to Christian Lacroix to Valentine to Giorgio Armani to Gap to H&M,” the New York based designer added

Yet, he is an optimist at heart and believes that “there will always be the next fashion talent and the next smart fashion executive and the next great fashion journalist coming along every decade that will keep the fashion industry alive and exciting.”

And on a lighter note, for Zang Toi will always love New York as the city is his adopted home, the Malaysia-native says, “Paris… Paris… Paris... is the most beautiful, the most romantic and the most glamorous city in my book with the most gorgeous architecture/interior/fashion and the most delicious cuisine!”