*This post was written by guest blogger Autumn Newell
An excited crowd filled the room in anticipation of Zang Toi’s Spring/Summer 2013 show. Edith Piaf played in the background as everyone settled into their seats. When the lights dimmed, the sounds of birds chirping softly led into music, and a foggy mist billowed out from backstage onto the catwalk, transporting the audience across the Atlantic to the scene of a French Riviera sunrise.
A handsome young man took to the runway first, wearing an ivory silk dupioni suit and velvet suspenders over a bare chest with a jacket slung over his shoulder. As he exited, a female model in an exquisite ivory silk pleated ruffled gown with hand-beaded flowers entered and the two paused for moment to notice each other, igniting the romantic energy of the show.
An elegant combination of soft silk gazar, shantung and taffeta dresses with French lace and beading details, and strong wool suites and separates made for a well-rounded collection by Zang Toi. Solid hues of icy lilac, pink, yellow, black, and ivory dominated the dressy evening attire. Incorporating more color into his collection this spring was uncharacteristic of Toi, who usually loves to work with black, white, and ivory. My favorite silhouettes in the collection included the dramatic backless dresses, the tailored jackets and dresses that were nipped in at the waist, the bell shaped trains, and the exaggerated sleeves, which were smartly paired with pencil skirts.
Zang Toi’s celebrity fans in the crowd included Kirstie Alley, (who served as a model in Toi’s Spring 2012 show), Ivana Trump, and The Real Housewives of New York City’s Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, and Alex McCord (who was accompanied by her husband Simon).
I was lucky enough to score a seat in the 4th row and left with a gift bag filled with Zoya nail polish in shades of Julie, Piaf, and Gei Gei-all of which were inspired by the collection.
Check out this brief video for a look at all of Zang Toi’s designs.