Zang Toi Spring 2009
Zang Toi Spring 2009

NEW YORK, Sep 12, 2008 / FW/ — At the newly renovated Daniel restaurant in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Zang Toi unveiled his Spring 2009 collection to a very intimate group – fashionistas with a heart who turned their passion for fashion to compassion to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation in its fight against cancer.

Joining the New York elite yesterday at the Zang Toi Spring 2009 show were the reigning Miss USA and Miss Teen USA (Miss USA assisted at the auction and also walked the runway), their presence also adding to the community spirit that made the atmosphere truly upbeat.

It was not just a fashion show they were attending; it was a gathering for a good cause. With ticket sales and the live auction alone, almost $200,000 was raised yesterday. This figure will still go up as the winners of the silent auction that was held earlier before the show, are accounted for. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

This is the second time that Zang Toi had included the unveiling of his latest collection with a fundraising event for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The first time was September 2007, when he unveiled his Spring 2008 collection.

Traditionally showing his collection at the tents in Bryant Park, Zang Toi does not feel that he had abandoned the tent. “I hold two shows a year here in New York – one in Bryant Park and one outside to support a good cause,” Zang Toi said. “I believe it’s a good balance.”

As for the Zang Toi Spring 2009 collection, it was signature Zang Toi – elegant and beautiful, with a generous spirit. Showing 26 looks, Zang Toi opened with an ivory silk shantung sheath dress, thus making him truly within the trends at Bryant Park where shades of beige is a favorite color among designers this season.

Then the pink silk damask ensembles followed. Sweet and sophisticated, a young debutante and her mother can actually wear as matching outfits!

Experimenting with new materials, Zang Toi used thin plexiglass as a trim. With the usual embroidery work and sequins laid out as the New York skyline, Zang added rectangular pieces of very thin plexiglass giving it a very futuristic feel. Believe it or not, the look gelled.

Saving the best for last, Zang Toi sent out a sweeping white silk organza floor length cape with the Gotham skyline in black sequins. Paired with a black evening jumpsuit, it was dramatic, and rightfully gained a round of applause and standing ovation from the audience.

And another note for the background music – Julian Fleicher and his band, who has been described as ‘the human iPod’ provided live music for the show. Julian actually sang his own jazzy rendition of ‘I Will Survive.’ This is the second time I’ve heard this song this week.

[MARI DAVIS]

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA