Cindy on Style: 'Trump Designer' Zang Toi Takes Us Backstage At NYFW

Remember the scene in the movie Sex and The City, where Carrie Bradshaw states something like this, “Women leave their “fluish choices of their past behind and look forward to the future. This is known as Fashion Week.”

One show continues the glamour of excitement to be fashionable in an audience and spikes the anticipation every season is the Zang Toi collection.

And, luckily for you, Zang Toi takes us on the journey from initial thoughts threw the closing applause of the most elegant show and hottest ticket each season.

Zang Toi has over thirty years of experience designing for both women and men. Born and raised humble beginnings, Toi was born and raised in a small village, Kuala Krai in Kelantan, Malaysia. He was the youngest of seven children of a local grocer. Zang landed in New York City at the age of 20 where he studied at the Parsons School of Design. In August 1989, he opened his atelier and soon after, U.S Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, featured Zang in March 1990 issue and Zang became one of the first Asian designers the doyenne championed. From there cane award after award and international clients from socialites, to supermodels and even a presidential first family, The Trumps.

But what goes into the fifteen-twenty minutes of actual showtime?

Zang Toi sat down with me and gave me an exclusive interview the day after his fashion show.

Cindy: Your Autumn-Winter 2020 collection featured the theme New York, New York. Tell us why?

Zang: I wanted to share the love I have for this city, and the love and passion I poured into in creating this collection as a love poem to NYC.

I decided months ago I needed to pay tribute to the city that I fell in love with the very first day I arrived in NY 38years ago

C: How long does it take for you to create a collection?

Z: Each collection takes 8-10 months to create.

C: Who decides what goes into a collection and production of an actual show?

Z: I make all decisions in every steps in designing the collection, personally selecting each fabric, hiring each model, and choosing music, backdrops and the swag bag goodies.

C: At each show, you give your guests exclusive Zang Toi Papyrus cards. Coincidentally, I received another card at Spring Studios with another Zang Toi design. What is your relationship with papyrus?

Z: I have a great relationship with Team Papyrus. Diana Ruhl and her talented team are the most wonderful and professional team to collaborate with. The collaboration is a huge successful...so far we have sold over 750,000 Zang Toi by Papyrus Greeting Cards in 3 short years.

C: Who are some of your favorite front row celebrities? This season I saw Marla Maples, David Webb and Tom and Deneen Borelli.

Z: I can’t remember all of them. Many, like Patti LaBelle and Carol Alt have become dear friends. Some of favorite front row celebrities are Kimberly Guilfoyle , Donald Trump Jr., Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Ivana Trump, Judge Jeanine Pirro and Bill Hemmer.

C: It is no surprise that The New York Post just labeled his latest show, “A Republican Caucus.”

Zang proudly wears that label, although many of his clients are registered Democrats who have decades of dedication to his exquisite tailoring, and intricate detailing on each garment.

Toi smiles and adds, “I worked HARD to create a special relationship with each and everyone of my supporters. They have become my family.”

C: Where are you clothes sold internationally if they can’t visit your salon?

Z: My collection is sold through trunk show special order in 20 doors of Saks Fifth Avenue across the country and high-end boutiques like Gus Mayer, Julian Gold and Barbara Jean.

C: Any favorite NYFW show of yours? Why?

Z: F2019 🇺🇲AMERICA🇺🇲 Runway Show. It was an honor to create a collection that pay tribute to a country that I LOVE!

Coincidentally, it was my favorite collection as well, as I loved the flag gowns and I also had the unexpected opportunity to get photographed with DTJ and KG which ended up published.

C: You just celebrated 30 years in the business. What changes have you seen?

Z: In the 30 years, I have seen tremendous change in the lower end fast fashion where most consumer purchase online, however, the high-end fashion still remain the same...the well to do ladies still prefer to shop in the store with experienced sales associates helping guide them with their selections. Honestly, it has been going through a chaotic phase since it left the Lincoln Center venue.

C: You make no secret about supporting President Trump and dressing members of his family. How has that affected your business?

Z: It was an extreme honor to dress the Trump family for their visit and meeting with the Queen of England. It affects my my media coverage, but sales has increased thanks to President Trump and the ladies that love him. It also helped sell copies of the tuxedos the President, Donald Jr. and Eric wore. Maybe we need to get President Trump to Make NYFW Great Again!

Zang Toi, as always, it as been a pleasure to be apart of your show and share lasting memories with a great friend and gifted artist.