Zang Toi, the High Roller Written by Jamie Sharpe Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

Zang Toi and Model Deborah Fenker

Perched high above 57th Street sits Zang Toi’s lair. Meeting a living icon is a humbling experience, and it’s not because Toi puts on airs. Quite the opposite, Zang Toi is one of the most likable and approachable members of the fashion community. Upon speaking with Toi, you can just see the wheels of his fashion-forward mind working overtime. Creativity just flows out of this man, and his love of all things beautiful is readily apparent.

Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas	Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas
Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas	Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas
Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas	Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas

Toi’s showroom is a direct reflection of his personality – it is charming, whimsical, and highly dramatic. These qualities carry through to his recent Resort and Spring lines. The collections are tight with color palettes that focus primarily on black and cream. Everything is well thought out with unexpected details that really define the clothing.

During this shoot, model Deborah Fenker sported the Zang Toi line as well as pieces from Toi House. Every stitch of clothing as well as Fenker’s exquisite hair (courtesy of hair guru, Eiji) was all-out glam. Toi said, “This is my high roller collection, inspired by the lady who doesn’t need to look at prices.” The refined elegance had a James Bond quality, and the pieces screamed ready, set, jet. You could just imagine jaunting off to St. Tropez in this travel-ready clothing.

Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas	Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas
Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas	Photo Credit Krisztina Fazekas

The cardigan wrap has long been a staple in Toi’s creations, and it is a prominent member of the high roller inspired clothing. As the name implies, this accessory drapes around the body just perfectly, and it is the ultimate indulgence for the it-gal on the go. Toi said the cardigan wrap directly contributed to his success. “All of my ladies love it, and we will make it in any color that the lady wants.”

French music softly played in the background as ruffles, hints of lace, light weight knits, silk, and the most adorable Toi House tee-shirts rounded out the collections. The tailored pieces and exquisite use of beading was taken from Toi’s life experiences. “I’ve done a lot of inspirational traveling, and my goal is to make women look and feel beautiful. I want my ladies to smile when they wear my clothing.”

Indeed, everyone smiles when Zang Toi is present. His boundless energy and commitment to fashion is beyond impressive. As the day wore on and Fenker changed dressage, it was Toi who personally attended to the details of his muse. This playful perfectionist ensured that the details of every shot were spot-on. The life of the haute monde might deeply inspire this fashion mastermind, but it is Zang Toi’s beautiful spirit that makes his clothing sparkle.

Adorable Fashion Slave Children
(AKA Zang's Assistants: Nana; JJ; and Gigi)