Women's
Toi Story
Malaysian-born and knighted, New York-based Zang Toi presented his Fall collection of cashmere pantsuits, sheath dresses, knitwear, and opulent Swarovski embellished gowns at Dallas NorthPark. He shared his point of view on luxury and the Zang Toi woman.
NM: What inspired for your Fall collection?
ZT: For the first time in a long time, I didn’t really do a themed collection. My whole inspiration is timeless beauty. It’s all about investment pieces and beautifully tailored clothes, beautifully crafted from the finest fabrics. Much of the collection is made from Loro Piana fabrics.
NM: Who is the Zang Toi woman?
ZT: I have a niche clientele—the lady who has the best already. They have their own private jet and eight homes around the world and a private chef. They have seen it all. They don’t purchase by looking at magazines anymore and they want the best. I hear so often said that these are pieces they will pass on to their daughters. The hand finishing like hand-bound buttonholes, full lining, and embroidered labels are part of the quality details they like… You don’t have to be a size 2 to look good in Zang Toi because it’s all about proportion. And it’s not about age. I’m making a dress for the Saudi princess Lulu who is 12 years old. She’s going to a big royal wedding next week. The mother and cousins are all wearing Zang Toi and she wanted something too.
NM: How does your Malaysian background influence your design?
ZT: When I first started out I used a lot of color. That’s how I was discovered by Anna Wintour 21 years ago. Anna was the first one to champion my work. She had just started as the editor of Vogue and she was planning a big story for the March ’90 issue on the hot new designers of the ‘90’s. She fell in love with my first collection and then three months later, it was like a movie, she yanked out one of the designers from the line-up and put me in the story. My outfit ended on the opening page of the story after only being three months in business, so that put me on the fashion map. The jacket in the spread was chilli red with gold orchid buttons inspired by my Malaysian roots with a short hot pink linen mini skirt.
NM: Do you have any ideas for your next Spring collection?
ZT: This fall collection has been one of the most successful in all of my 21 years in business so far. The idea of wearable, timeless pieces works and I will continue with that for Spring. But for Spring I’m also looking for inspiration in the North African desert. I’m going to Morocco next month.
