#NYFW Zang Toi Fall 2015

How about a journey to somewhere romantic? For his fall 2015 collection at New York Fashion Week, designer Zang Toi took his fans to Venice. He traveled to the Italian city to immerse himself in his inspiration. The soundtrack was full of opera. The fabrics were the most luxurious cashmeres from Loro Piana, silks, and Fortuny-style pleated metallics.

The day looks involved impeccably tailored suits and fitted sheath dresses. The transition from day into evening was indicated with a briefly darkened runway like  the second act of a theater production. For regular Zang Toi fans, you know to get ready to gasp. Of course, he did not disappoint.

Zang Toi gave us a Venetian-themed fashion collection

Zang Toi's seasoned models know to take their time and truly show the beauty of the outfit they are wearing. Whether that is to swing a precious fur stole around the shoulders or to fan out a full cape or arch the body show highlight a dress silhouette, the artistry in modeling comes out on this runway.

Ms. Fabulous contributor Elaine Fioravanti always looks to Zoya's nail polish collection in the gift bags as the teaser for the season. The organic nail lacquer company offered up colors that reflected the key hues of Zang Toi's show in champagne, copper and black. (The designer joked that he was really calling this season "50 Shades of Bronze" backstage).

photos by David TW Leung

Wherever I sit during a Zang Toi show, I am convinced I am among his biggest fans. In the audience, fashion fans practically swooned when an intricately beaded silk cape depicting a Venetian city scene. When I am with fellow photographers, I hear them yelling "Yesss, Yesss!" every time a model takes a dramatic turn in a stunning gown. The photographer's pit is generally a stoic lot, but they gush about how Mr. Toi has the perfect lighting, feeds the shooters and casts the best models.

It's rare that someone in his position has managed to generate such good will among so many segments of the industry. His staff seem fiercely protective of him, have stayed with him for years, but the most helpful for those who make an inquiry. Even former staff have only great things to say about him.

Once again, fashion designer Zang Toi has managed to elevate the New York Fashion Week experience for everyone involved. The beauty of his collection makes all the crowds, waiting, sweating and previous egos worth it.