It was a natural progression for fashion extraordinaire Zang Toi to venture into shoes.
FORGET about Carrie Bradshaw and her manic obsession with her gorgeous Manolo Blahniks. The footwear to check out this season is the brand new line from Malaysian designer extraordinaire, Zang Toi – it’s avant-garde and a lot more affordable.
After 20 years of producing exquisite garments for women (and trendy togs for men – a classic example would be this fall’s black cotton velvet dinner suit, slightly trimmed and worn over a white silk organza dress shirt and tuxedo scarf), Toi has ventured into shoes with his trademark gusto and passion.
Simple in design but unmistakably Toi in the detailing they carry – inconspicuous trims, bows and diamante accents – which transforms an ordinary-looking pump into a glamorous work of fashion-art.
“I think it was a natural progression for me to start designing shoes, as a designer as well as a businessman. Shoes are so important … every woman loves shoes, right?” says Toi.
From four-inch stilletos to ballet flats, metallic sling-backs to casual sandals, Zang Toi shoes will appeal to a wide spectrum of women: as long as they appreciate a little glamour in their footwear.
“You have to have glamour … even if it’s for everyday use; there has to be some glamour. I believe that if you work hard, you have to enjoy it. Love yourself first,” says Toi during a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur. The New York-based designer was in town to launch his first ever shoes collection as well as present his 2008/2009 fall collection at a charity fashion show. The fall line, which “has a lot of American-Indian influences” utilised a palette of rich reds and greens mixed with basic black and white.
Toi describes his shoes as being classic “with a twist to them”.
“They are very signature Zang Toi … with a platinum bow or trims. I don’t want my shoes to be just a collection for display. I want them to fly off the shelves!”
Judging by the response the shoes received at the launch at the Istana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Toi has nothing to worry about.
“I heard that one lady bought six pairs of my shoes … one in every colour! That’s fantastic,” says a truly pleased Toi.
The collection is entirely handmade and includes several limited edition designs.
The creme de la creme of the collection has got to be the pastel and metallic hued python-skin stilettos with the ankle strap. From its skinny gold stiletto heel (which had tiny diamante detailing) to the wonderful mix of pink, powder blue, pale green and gold snake leather, the shoe is honestly a showpiece that represents Toi at his best: elegance and glamour, with attention to detail.
Another dramatic piece is Toi’s brightly coloured booties. Very trendy, very Carrie. The lace-up booties come in five fantastic colours: turquoise, orange, magenta, red and purple. Definitely not for the inhibited.
“I think my Malaysian-ness shows in the bright colours that I use. You know … the bright local Indian colours that many Westerners are afraid to use,” explains Toi.
Another must have is his red patent leather peep-toe heels (they come in black and white too) and the suede ballet flats in black with a platinum bow.
In Malaysia, Zang Toi’s shoes are distributed and marketed by established shoe manufacturer, Larrie Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd.
“I’m very excited to be in partnership with Larrie … they make beautiful shoes at a level of quality that I can be proud of,” says Toi of his new associates.
Though he has dressed celebrities and socialites from the likes of Ivana Trump, Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Farah Fawcett and singer Fergie, Toi shares that he just loves making women look beautiful, be it a celebrity or a woman off the street.
“I love designing for people who love dressing up. That, I find most pleasurable … it does not have to be a celebrity. A fine example is my mother. She is in her 80s and still every time I come home with clothes for her I can see the sparkle in her eye. My mum is the most generous lady I know but not when it comes to her clothes! No one can come near her clothes,” laughs Toi who tries to make a visit home at least once a year, “even if it is just for a couple of days”.
Though he is fascinated by France and all things French (his new Upper East Side apartment is very French-inspired), Toi shares that he gets inspiration from the city he calls home: New York.
“I have been living in New York for 27 years now and I still think it’s the greatest city in the world. I travel a lot and I am still so excited every time I come home … each time the airplane touches down on JFK or Newark (airports) I am as excited as a little kid.
“New York is just crazy and full of energy … you just can’t get the same feeling anywhere else in the world,” shares the Kelantan-born Toi.
He also shares that his newfound passion for running has fuelled his creativity further.
“I have just started running recently. I usually run in Central Park and in fact, just before I came here, I ran the whole loop (round the park) … a six-mile run in just under an hour. Yes … I did it in 55 minutes. I find that I now get some of my best work done when I am running!”
Though world famous and much sought after, Toi says he has yet to achieve his goal.
“I want to establish Zang Toi as a truly luxurious fashion house. One of my favourite companies and labels is Hermes. Trends come and go but Hermes is always about top quality. I want my brand to be just like that.”
Toi admits that while he enjoys living a glamorous life, he does not follow trends, in fashion nor in his own lifestyle.
“I am lucky enough to be able to enjoy the best things … to be able to walk into the best restaurants in New York without a reservation, to stay at the Ritz in Paris … I love it and I enjoy luxury. But it is not for show … I do it because it gives me pleasure. But it’s no big deal … what’s most important to me is my family and my close friends. I credit my family for keeping me grounded. I come from a very simple and humble family.”
Zang Toi shoes are priced between RM299 to RM 1, 999, and are available exclusively at Robinsons at The Gardens, MidValley City, Kuala Lumpur.
By S. INDRAMALAR

HOTEL ISTANA KUALA LUMPUR PRESENTS

ZANG TOI NEW YORK -

ADIRONDACKS FALL COLLECTION

A Charity Fashion Show 2008

FACT SHEET

Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur, in association with Zang Toi New York will stage a charity fashion extravaganza on Thursday, 17 July 2008 at the Grand Mahkota Ballroom, Lower Lobby Level.

The theme of the show is Zang Toi’s Fall (Adirondacks) & Resort Collections, featuring a winter outlook for the runway and Ballroom.

THE CONCEPT

The Istana will be working hand in hand with Zang Toi Kuala Lumpur, headed by Zang’s brother, Toi See Luon in getting as many sponsors as possible for the show. 

Proceeds from the fund raised will be pledged to 3 charity organizations. In Malaysia we nominate the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and PAWs (Animal Welfare Society) while in the USA Zang has nominated the Lance Armstrong Foundation,US..   The objective of supporting recipients in different parts of the world is simply to showcase how the fashion industry can go beyond countries’ borders as we work together to improve the quality of life.

Seating plan is theatre style following buyers’ show concept accommodating from a minimum of 500 to a maximum of 1,200 guests.  Tickets will be priced at RM220 nett and RM110 nett (with the +10% and 5% included).  Both ticket categories will include a 50% discount voucher basically for URBAN, the hotel’s modern fine-dining restaurant. However should the restaurant be full on that evening, the 50% discount voucher will also be applicable at Taman Sari Brasserie, the hotel’s coffeehouse.  The discount voucher is only valid on the day of the event. 

It was also agreed that we sell standing tickets at RM60 nett per ticket.

The programme for the evening will include live musical entertainment by renowned local artiste Zainal Abidin and auction of some designer items courtesy of Zang Toi, a return air ticket to London, UK and a return air ticket to Sydney, Australia courtesy of Royal Brunei, among others.

The Cocktail Reception is held from 7.45 pm at the Ballroom Foyer serving all guests  with Zang Toi’s Tea Punch and Canapes.

Message from organisers

Watch out for more surprises from the world famous Fashion Designer!

Get it at Tmour.com!

Get it at Tmour.com!

The exquisite Zang Toi’s Twin set is the most practical pieces suitable for the busy ladies on-the-go. Easy to match and can be worn in many ways. The Short Sleeve Polo Shirt worn on its own is comfortable for any shopping spree trip and presentable for a Hi-Tea function paired with Palazzo Pants or Skirt. Sling the Long Sleeve Top cum Cardigan over both shoulders, and you are transformed into a Movie Star rushing to the airport to catch the plane! For a dress down effect, just wear the Long Sleeve top and knot at the front. The fine details of  The Zang Toi crest logo in front and the small logo at the back of the Polo Shirt are the mark of the keen eye of a world reknown New York designer. Available in Pink and Lime green.

This is just the first of the long line of Zang Toi’s ready-to-wear brought to you by Tmour.com. Log on to find out more!

Hi friends, I have been getting a lot of enquiries on the ready-to-wear Zangtoi apparel which is going to launch soon at www.tmour.com . Do key in you name and address at the left panel of www.tmour.com under the “Get your USD10 Gift Voucher” so that I can email you when it is uploaded. If not, you can send me a comment and will keep you informed. Cheers! 

Hi my fellow friends and Zang Toi Fans, keep yourself updated, you will be able to buy Zang Toi ready-to-wear soon at www.tmour.com. This is a fantastically good news and I can’t wait for it to debut. Will keep you posted!

Backstage at a major fashion show is a riotous scene filled with glamour and angst. Powder is flying, clip boards are clipping and then there is the designer who is desperately trying to act like a swan serenely floating down the river while he/she paddles furiously under the surface.

New York Cool’s Katherin Wermke was backstage at Zang Toi and she got these images. Enjoy.

Zang Toi’s fashions are famous for epitomizing romance, glamour and sex appeal. For Fall 2008, Zang designed his line with the inspiration of the American aristocracy who vacationed in “magnificent and sumptuous log cabins [that] were built by William Avery Rockefeller…. [and] personified the romantic notion of roughing it in luxurious and glamour style.”

The line utilized a palette of rich reds and greens mixed with basic black and white. There were rich furs to add glamour; there were no blue jeans walking down this runway. The clothes are pure enchantment for the man and woman who loves to dress up and delight their friends.

As I was leaving the show, one of Zang’s friends stopped me and said, “I think that red dress (the one in our top photo) would look beautiful on Michelle Obama at the inauguration.” Hmm!

Zang Toi
Fall 2008 Mercedes Benz
Fashion Week
The Tents at Bryant Park
February 8, 2008

Written by Wendy R. Williams
Photographed by
Katherin Wermke