Zang Toi spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for NYFW

At Pier 59, simple French pop music blended into calm folksy guitar as a series of simple black ready-to-wear pieces made their way down the catwalk for Zang Toi’s 2017 spring/summer 2017. Black Loro Piana-style weather silk trenches were reimagined in vests, sport jackets, and skirts. Models wore simple beige headscarves over what were obviously simple chignons.

A solitary menswear look was shown which was comprised of a smart cashmere cardigan paired with black silk trousers. Simple blazers of ivory and black silk began to seem monotonous until a somewhat magical transition took place: colour. Suddenly, the models lost their head wraps revealing the sleek chignons below. Music transitioned to sweeping orchestral chords while a symphony of purple erupted throughout the collection. Simple trench vests became flowing pools of black silk in the form of belted trench gowns.

Purple silk pansies sprouted on the epaulettes on silk paneled mini dresses. Lilac wool wrap cardigans were paired with high collared tunics and black silk trousers. Black satin bell skirts bloomed with lavender linings.

As the music reached its zenith, the collection hit its own apex with a coupling of a lilac-accented men’s evening suit and the grand finale dress.

The dress was a triumph of sky-high epaulettes situated atop of a black silk gazaar strapless column gown with “clouds” of lilac tulle gathered over bouquets of silk pansies. Rapturous applause ensued. A true journey from ready-to-wear to couture eveningwear through a single monochromatic frame was a calculated and effective means of transition, and left a lasting impression on spectators as they exited into the breezy evening that awaited.

Alex Zarlengo
Photos: Dominique Pettway

For further information about Zang Toi visit here.