Zang Toi's Benefit for The Livestrong Foundation at Restaurant Daniel 60 East 65th Street, New York September 11, 2008 Written by Wendy R. Williams Photographed by Ciao! Opposite Photo: Miss USA, Chrystle Stewart, and Miss Teen USA, Stevi Perry - Both Wearing Zang Toi

Designer Zang Toi is an ardent supporter of Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong Foundation and the Livestrong Challenge, a bicycle race that is held every October in Austin, Texas (October 25-26 in 2008). Zang travels to Austin ever year to ride in the race and he has entered into a personal challenge with Armstrong: If Zang's Team Toi can raise $500,000 for the Livestrong Foundation; Armstrong will wear one of Zang's signature kilts in his next bike race.

Zang is well on his way to meeting his goal and on September 11, 2008, he made even more progress. With the help of Chef Daniel Boulud, Zang hosted a benefit for the Foundation at Restaurant Daniel, an "old world" splendor located at 60 East 65th Street in New York City.

The event began with a cocktail hour which featured delectable hor d'oeuvres from Restaurant Daniel. The group then entered the dining room for an auction and fashion show. The auction featured high dollar items, everything from a two year lease on a Mercedes Benz to a night on the town in a $341,000 Maybach motorcar to bikes autographed by Lance Armstrong. To date Zang has raised raised $100,000 from the silent and live auction, $88,000 from ticket sales and $160,000 from contributions for a total of $348,000. Team Toi is well on its way to be-kilting Armstrong.

The group was then treated to a fashion show with musical accompaniment by multi-talented singer Julian Fleisher. Zang is known for using celebrity models and on this day Dianna Ross' daughter Chudney and Gregory Peck's grandson Ethan walked the runway. Zang showed the more formal part of his collection, a fitting choice for Daniel's neoclassical architecture. The clothing was elegant, feminine and fun. Of special note were the cape printed with the New York City skyline and the stunning strapless sheath embellished with the skyline. The skyline sheath looked like an stunning art deco vase.

P. S. For a peak at Zang's youthful designs for the hot-to-trot set, look at the photo of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA at the top of this article.

Click here for New York Cool's coverage of Zang's Luncheon for The Real Housewives of New York City, which was filmed by Bravo for the show's upcoming season and covered by New York Cool.

Zang Toi, Jill Zarin of The Real Housewives of New York City
and Actor Ethan Peck, the Grandson of Gregory Peck

Alissa Smith Wearing Zang Toi	Lucia Hwong Gordon Wearing Zang Toi

Yaz Hernandez and Zang Toi	Kevin Christensen

The Real Houswives of New York City's Jill Zarin, Zang Toi
and Model Beverly Johnson

Delaina Dixon of OK! Magazine	Zang's Assistants Nana and Miemie
Model Backstage	Model Backstage

The below photographs of the fashion show are courtesy of Zang Toi.

Model Chudney Ross	Model Ethan Peck