Zang Toi is a celebrity fashion design famous for this undying creativity talent. The below summarized Zang Toi’s interview in Malaysia.
WAS it all for fame and nothing else when Zang Toi decided to make his move to New York City? Having celebrated his 20th anniversary in the international fashion scene last year, Toi did not see himself coming this far but knows that he definitely owed it to his passion for creativity in fashion.
When asked if he held any extravagant events to celebrate the passing of his fashion career’s 20th year mark, Toi’s reply was, "I want to wait until it is 30 years. Then, we will have a big celebration."
For one who has made it big in one of the top fashion cities in the world, many would have relaxed a little to reap the fruits of labour. Not for Toi, not just yet.
"I never thought my fashion career would come this far as fashion wasn’t what I initially did when I was studying in Canada. I didn’t like it there, and I was looking for any options at all to get out of there.
However, I liked art, so when I was recommended to take up fashion, I wasted no time although I didn’t know what was ahead. Off to New York I went, enrolled into Parsons School of Design and never looked back since," said the Kelantan-born Toi, 49, during a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the Malaysian Official Designers Association’s (MODA) 20th Anniversary.
When the economic crisis hit the world last year, businesses of all sorts faced a decline and designers were no exception. Known for his over-the-top but yet elegant dresses that cater to high-end tastes, Toi managed to slip through the downturn without suffering much losses.
"I’m very grateful that I have always maintained a balance between both creativity and my financial stability. I never had to limit my creativity due to budget constraints which is why you would notice that all my collections are made with the finest perfection. I am of course very thankful that my taste in fashion and creativity have spoken to many and these are the people who have contributed to my success today," said Toi.
"Seeing other businesses beginning to close down or stop operations, I knew I had to do something before it was too late. Whether it was a designer’s ego I had to overcome or pride, I decided to cut back on production to stabilise the situation then. It may have not been a happy thought, but I did not regret my decisions," added Toi.
When 2010 arrived, everyone was looking forward to a better year. Toi’s latest Fall 2010 collection, which was showcased not too long ago, saw a rise in sales at several major department stores in New York. It was unexpected, but definitely rewarding, knowing that he had in his own way contributed in stabilising the economy in the fashion industry.
In the midst of his hectic schedule, endless trunk-shows and charity fund-raisers, Toi would never miss his time off work. His schedule could be filled with travelling all the time, some may rate it as tiring, but Toi views them as the "the best life education".
"Travelling has taught me so much – by just observing people, learning about the culture and just understanding how each city’s citizen operates inspires me. These are experiences which you would never be able to gain by just sitting in your room.
"My favourite country to visit is Paris. I love the food, the culture and colours and just everything about the city. I have great friends there and they treat me just as an equal," said Toi.
Apart from his constant strive to produce two major collections in a year, Toi is at the moment building his shoe line which was first launched sometime in 2008 and further plans to grow his home collection.
"I would say that I have conquered the fashion industry, so now, I’m hoping to step into the lifestyle arena with expansion plans of my home line. Not only wanting to decorate homes, I’m looking forward to make hotels and resorts beautiful as well," said Toi.
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