Zang Toi autumn/winter 2017 collection catwalk show for NYFW

Due to ample traffic on the West side highway, there was a mad dash of fashionistas into the seaside studios of Pier 59 in New York City on Monday Evening. The event: The autumn/winter 2017 catwalk show for Zang Toi. After his triumphant purple-infused runway show last season, this season’s title Brilliant Royal Blue was a simple transition in monochromatic frames. As sweeping orchestral music played, the first model took to the runway.

Each model coiffed in sleek, sumptuous chignons gathered at the nape, yielded a simple tableaux for the clothing to be the centre of attention. The collection’s beginning was of simple pre-a-porter combinations in navy and black. Royal blue accents were featured throughout in the form of crystal embellishments, sashes and tassels.  Shearling and leather vests made for a sleek, timely, and modern look, offering accessibility blended with contemporary luxury. White crepe blazers, capelets and overcoats paired with wool lean trousers All the while, nuanced Eastern influences permeated each garment and Western silhouette.

The modern took a sharp turn for vintage and classically inspired looks, as pantsuits and skirts began the transition to the couture gowns. A noted ensemble elicited applause, featured white silk taffeta gown with puffed sleeves that was paired with a slender royal blue velvet dress, which had a distinct Edwardian silhouette. This gave way to a similar outfit styled with trousers. A metallic blue curve clinging gown with crystalline epaulette embellishments was runway ready.

The stars of the show: the gowns. Rich royal blues, navy and elegant black velvet flowed down the runway with flowing ease. Sticking to traditional silhouettes, full skirts with generous fabric accents caught the air to stunning effect. Black mink shrugs and capes added further decadence. Even men’s’ eveningwear punctuated the collection with coordinated black and navy velvet tuxedo jackets complete with frog closures and tails.

The final look was simply detailed as, “Portrait of a ‘Brilliant Royal Blue’ Princess” and that she was: The model glided down the runway in a crystal-detailed royal blue silk taffeta gown that encapsulated the cool luxury the collection sought to profess. The audience were brought to their feet with thunderous ovation as the designer made an appearance with his final design in tow.

Alex Zarlengo
Photo: Stephanie Chang