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Old Japan Through The Eyes of A New Yorker
New York Fashion Week Fall 2003
By: Mari Davis
NEW YORK, Feb 5, 2003/ FW/ --- Japan, home of Sony and Panasonic. Modern and high-tech, that
is what we think of it today.
Two hundred years ago, it was a picture of serenity and high drama - two contrasting adjectives,
yet both true.
Ogata Korin, an 18th century Japanese artist captured the serenity of the Japanese countryside
He is renowned for his lacquer work and paintings on screens, decorated with
bold designs and striking color contrasts, and his masterful compositional use
of empty space.
The all-male Kabuki Theater, wherein even female roles were played by men, dressed as
women. It was high-drama, complimented with ornate customes and make-up.
Fast-forward to the 21st century. Beam up to New York City at Zang Toi's atelier where
the designer is working on his Fall 2003 collection.
Zang Toi, known for his luxurious designs is inspired by the two contrasting
elements of old Japan.
The result - a dramatic constrast of the serenity of Ogata Korin's Iris Screen and the
highly ornate courtesan customes worn by the Kabuki actors.
The simple modern sillhouette of the traditional kimono contrasts starkly with the
sumptuous textures of embroidered kimono textiles.
In short, a glamourous haute-vision made possible by Zang Toi's fertile imagination.
Zang Toi presents his Fall 2003 collection on Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 5:00PM at the
Pavillion at Bryant Park.
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Designer Zang Toi on the runway, Fall 2002 show
