It was like most backstage scenes, with one discerning difference, Zang Toi’s siblings who all live in Malaysia are in town to give support to their brother.

“We come to New York twice a year,” said See Luon, Zang Toi’s older brother who is also his business manager in Malaysia where Zang Toi owns a freestanding boutique. “We arrive one week before Fashion Week to help out with all the finishing touches and the organization. Lots of little things to take care of before Fashion Week,” See Luon continued with a smile.

And in the bosom of his family, Zang Toi flourishes. With his whole family working together for the show, it was like watching a well-oiled machine do its job.

See Luon who understands the business side very well, together with Zang Toi’s PR, Stacy MacLaughlin had taken charge so that Zang Toi can do the finishing touches with the models and talk to the press. There were no divas or any yelling; everyone was just doing their assigned tasks.

As Zang Toi continued to answer questions from the press, you can hear the excitement in his voice for his collection. Inspired by the Caribbean and reggae music, it was a statement of glamour and beauty as seen through his eyes.

He granted interviews to every press person around, uncaring whether the journalist is from a big or small media outlet. He treated them the same – with enthusiasm and respect.

And though he is considered one of 7th Avenue’s success stories and the Prime Minister of Malaysia himself had branded him as “Malaysia’s Most Famous Export,” Zang Toi has remained humble and approachable, never losing that childlike glint in his eyes with an insatiable curiosity and need to explore new things.

“Zang is an artist,” See Luon said, the pride in his voice for his younger brother’s accomplishments easily heard. “But he needs encouragements at times. That’s the reason we all come during Fashion Week, to show our support and he appreciates that.”

So, at the end of his catwalk show, when the whole audience stood to give Zang Toi a standing ovation, and well-wishers like Ivana Trump, who sat front row, were congratulating Zang Toi for a great collection, See Luon was more than proud. He was ecstatic.

And if you’re curios how many designers have gotten a standing ovation this week, where the whole audience stood up, it is only Zang Toi who had that effect so far!