Zang Toi Fall 2011 – New York Fashion Week Review

There are great fashion designers, and then there are the innovators who are always several steps ahead of the pack. Zang Toi is one of the rare few who falls under the latter category.

In previous seasons, Toi has alternated between intimate presentations in his midtown Manhattan showroom, charity functions (he raised money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation by hitting the wheels himself) and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tents. But it is this last venue that showcases Toi’s craft in its best light possible.

When the clothes are basic – shades of camel and charcoal trench coats, sheath dresses or turtleneck – the exquisite workmanship is obvious. When it is elaborate, such as ornate crystal necklaces appearing to be woven into necklines, it is stunningly breathtaking, and literally so as audible gasps from the crowd confirm. Toi sprinkled in a few men’s looks that maintained the same tone and appearance of the womenswear, yet appeared both original and smart.

The final gown, modeled by Jill Zarin of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City,” was a stunning black silk gazar strapless number with French lace and crystals. Equaling the excitement – as yet another standing ovation proved – of these looks hitting the market is the giddy anticipation of how Toi will undoubtedly manage to top himself for Spring 2012.