Zang Toi Spring/Summer 2006, New York

[brian]

Zang Toi's collection has a few words for fashion
Published in the Asbury Park Press 09/15/05
BY KARYN D. COLLINS
STAFF WRITER

Sometimes we forget that high fashion is about making a statement, not necessarily about wearability and selling to the masses.

On Tuesday, designer Zang Toi reminded the fashion crowd that fashion is an artistic statement. His African-themed show, full of exotic extravagance, was a highlight of Olympus Fashion Week in New York City in a day of showings at tents at Bryant Park and around the city that emphasized wearability. Fashion Week, presented by 7th on Sixth, continues through Friday.

Toi is not the only designer determined to remind us this week that fashion is wearable art. And one could make the argument that the exquisite tailoring in the suits and gowns offered by designers like Oscar de la Renta are also artistic achievements.

But Toi's collection, particularly his eveningwear, was an opulent feast for the eyes. The best gowns worked two themes — African queens and gowns dripping with lush, African orchids and butterflies.

For the African queen gowns, Toi sent black, empire-waist gowns with voluminous cocoon shapes floating down the runway, brightened by gemstone-studded African ceremonial necklaces and bibs. One stunner featured a sparkling red underskirt that picked up the fire of a ruby-studded African ceremonial bib around the neck.

Of course, wearability is important, too. Not many women have the occasion or the diva presence required for Toi's creations.

photos: firstview

 

[brian]

 

[brian]

 

[brian]

 

[brian]

 

[brian]

 

[i_<3_chanel]

'high fashion is about making a statement, not necessarily about wearability and selling to the masses'

this certainly fits tht criteria !
horrible imo. just all over the place . . not much to like . .
& this is a spring collection ?

 

[brian]

 

[brian]

 

[Spike413]

Seems so all over the place, not to mention late on every major trend of the last two seasons (empire waist, African tribalism, high necks and collars...just to name a few)

 

[i_<3_chanel]

this is awful . . !

 

[birdofparadise]

Some of it is actually quite beautiful, had the ideas been fully baked, it might have been something worth more than just bitching about on fashion forums. I've always thought his collections were half ***ed and a little too Diana Ross for his own good. But he's created a nice little side bar here, not bad at all.

 

[brian]

^ i agree, bop

 

[Diorling]

He really sticks to his theme...Really...

I guess he sticks to whatever is on sale at the fabric store...

 

[JJohnson]

Its okay I guess

 

[*sayan]

I guess he sticks to whatever is on sale at the fabric store...

ouch