Zang Toi catwalk show report for NYFW A/W 2015

Born in the Kelantan state in Malaysia, Zang Toi left his birthplace and headed to New York City. Here, he attended the famous Parsons School of Design. He established his line House of Toi in 1989 and has been working non-stop ever since. 

Hundreds of fans entered the salon at Lincoln Center and arrived to their seats to white gift bags with small surprises for the guests. The title of the collection was Mystique Beauty of Venice and what better way to start a show with this title than with Italian opera music. The collection of 34 looks designed by Toi are all very reminiscent of what some time away in Venice would be like.

Comprising of various shades of browns and blacks, Toi began his collection with various pleated maxi skirts paired with lamb suede, as well as pleated, sculpted coats. Other looks combined cashmere and silk turtlenecks, perfect for cold weather. Another one of Toi’s pieces included a silk and wool tweed blazer layered over a ribbed turtleneck, paired with matching trousers and topped off with a simple yet majestic mink scarf. Toi used quite a number of mink scarves as the appropriate accessory for various looks. Toi’s A/W15 collection also included an assortment of evening gowns, including one black, silk, strapless ball-gown, which is sure to turn heads wherever it is worn. A collection inspired by the beauty of Venice wouldn’t be complete without something that shines. Toi used sequins in a number of his pieces. Also included in this A/W15 collection from the House of Toi were some looks for men. 

A love story was included with the catwalk show. A model appeared on the catwalk wearing a Venetian mask and feather and a black cotton velvet suit, searching for his love, who appeared as the grand finale of the show. The audience rose to their feet and began their applause as a model graced the runway wearing a silk opera cape with hand-beaded black sequins and diamonds in the exquisite nightscape of Venice.  

Audience members continued their applause as Toi made his appearance. Everyone was truly content with their little visit to Venice right here in Lincoln Center.

 Cindy Ramirez
Photos: Richard Gasparro

For further information on the Zang Toi A/W15 collection visit here.