Zang Toi catwalk show report S/S 2016 for NYFW

Zang Toi is the prime example of a rags-to-riches story: he grew up in Malaysia with six siblings, to grocer parents. At the age of 20, Zang moved to New York City with just $300 in his pocket, studied at Parsons School of Design and opened his studio in 1989. Shortly after, Zang began getting recognized by the likes of Anna Wintour and his fashions have been published in Vanity Fair, Time, The New York Times and more.

 Zang has certainly embraced the glamorous life and it is reflected in his elegant Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The luxurious journey to Santorini island began at The Dock at Skylight at Moynihan Station Friday evening, September 11^th at 7pm. Hollywood celebrities like Patti LaBelle and TV personalities like Adriana de Moura, Sonja Morgan, LuAnn de Lesseps crowded around the runway, alongside photographers, stylists, writers, and artists.

The elegant music by Kevin Edwards set the tone for the evening and created a beachy vibe. The house lights dimmed and the catwalk spotlight eliminated the stunning opening look: a white couture cotton blazer with a hand-beaded Santorini statement crystal necklace and white cotton high-waisted trousers. Several additional crisp all-white looks emerged from backstage afterwards, then the color palette shifted towards magnificent ocean blues and greens. Crowds were mesmerized by large floppy hats and gorgeous hand-beaded sequins and crystals.

The look that stole the show was an ocean blue gown, encrusted with glass beads with an airy pleated tulle empired gown. The model owned the runway and the sheer pleats of her skirt floated gracefully behind her. Her hair was sleek and straight, with extensions and nail polish was dark blue, with a hint of shimmer.

 Zang Toi walked the catwalk with the glamorous portrait of splendor of Santorini bride, with a crown of fresh white lilies.

Kathleen O’Neill
Photos: Getty Images