Zang Toi, celebrating his 30th anniversary as a fashion designer in NYC, did so with the style and elegance that has carried him through the years. The collection for NYFW S/S 2020 titled “Home Sweet Home” paid homage to his home country of Malaysia with supermodel Carol Alt presenting the Grand Finale.
The runway show took place in one of the most beautiful venues as Zang Toi chose the 3 West Club which is located on West 51st Street in Manhattan. The hotel mansion and venue for events has one of the most spectacular views of New York City’s skyline. The venue consists of tall windows overlooking some of the City’s most famous landmarks: Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Radio City Music Hall.
Hailing from all around the world, guests were dressed quite festively in modern and vintage Zang Toi designs. The Show Notes gave the guests a peek into what was to come heightening their anticipation for the show. Zang Toi stated, “The House of Toi 30th Anniversary Collection is a tribute to my beloved country. The collection includes my interpretation of the traditional Malaysian textiles such as batik, sarong and songket malayu. The pretty pastel palette was inspired by Her Royal Highness Tengku Anis’ love for all shades of pastel.”
The show opened with a stunning piece that put a modern twist on the songket malaya design. The strapless dress contained a high hemline and an attached train to add to the contemporary and luxurious design.
Zang Toi used elements of Malaysian design and blended them into modern pieces such as the contemporary sarong, strapless gown, female power suit, along with many other pieces. Combining both elements, Mr. Toi’s modern designs paid homage to his home country while keeping a current edge.
Continuing with the theme of paying tribute to his home country, Zang Toi honored Her Royal Highness Tengku Anis’ love of all pastel shades. In a gorgeous display of tea length and partially sheer dresses, Mr. Toi showed varying pastel colors to honor Her Royal Highness.
The Grand Finale was presented by Supermodel Carol Alt in a brilliant white fitted long gown with beautiful detailing on the bodice and a stunning train to match. Zang Toi made his entrance to join Ms. Alt. She then presented Zang Toi with a cake to honor his 30th anniversary.
Celebrity sightings were plenty. Mr. Donald Trump, Jr. and Ms. Patti LaBelle were two that were captured here.
This evening was certainly a beautiful tribute to a brilliant artist and designer who I am humbled to call a friend. Happy 30th Anniversary, Zang! Here’s to 30 more!
A special thank you to Eka Halim Photography for use of the beautiful photographs from Zang Toi’s S/S 2020 show.
