Zang Toi Fall 2019 - God Bless America

Yep, God Bless America is not a happy, carefree statement anymore. Zang Toi, accomplished designer, immigrant, is wonderfully proud of the opportunities he has had. Zang Toi's Fall 2019 collection was a celebration of that in an elegant display of red, white and blue. As always, the clothing was an unapologetic display of luxury for all the guests to dream of.
Sadly, even aspirational, beautiful fashion, and someone who is showing pride for the country that he loves is now a contentious political matter. Sitting front row of this show was Marla Maples and Donald Trump Jr. I know some guests and photographers had decided not to attend because of that. Donald Trump Jr's and everything he represents, all of the disgusting, evil things his father and administration have done churns my stomach. You know what? All of those things have NOTHING to do with the fashion show in front of me. I was there to support an accomplished Asian designer who has shown only support for a diverse bunch of photographers. Zang Toi is a generous, sweet soul who casts the most striking models of all ethnicities, many of whom are also immigrants.
Sumptuous silk velvets dramatic capes and ballgowns, super-luxe denim for daytime. What says American style more than a pair of jeans and sneakers? Season after season I fall in love with a collection that ignores the ugliness outside and creates an elegant ideal for how many people would like to see instead.
The showstoppers were the draped American flag gowns that held an air of World War II pinups and patriotic posters. The hair and makeup were all about vintage Hollywood glamor. If Rosie the Riveter were on the runway this season, her headscarf would be luxurious silk, and denim jumpsuit would be tailored to all of her curves.
I wish fashion could be only about art and beauty, but the country is always in danger of losing both now. Zang Toi's Fall 2019 is taking a stand not to let that happen.

All photos by Mariana Leung

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4th of July DIY

It's Independence Day! Party at home, BBQ and indulge in some stylish 4th of July DIYs.

For a great round up of nail art inspired by the red, white & blue, I love to check out Pinterest for patriotic nail art.

American flag prints often look cheesy if they are not designed well for clothing.  However, this painted denim short from Brit & Co has that lived-in, American look that is perfectly hipster:


One of my favorite lifestyle sites is SheKnows.  If you are looking for a patriotic jewelry project, try these beaded hoop earrings.  Simple, doable, you can make them in time for strawberry shortcake.

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Flag Fashion - Happy Birthday America!

In the U.S. and feeling patriotic? There are certainly designers out there that feel the same...

In the Garment Center's Sidewalk Catwalk exhibit, Tommy Hilfiger eschewed traditional fashion for his mannequin and opted for an artistic sculpture. His entry into the outdoors fashion/art show was a flying flag made from fluid plastic.

The flag motif knitted sweater has been a Polo Ralph Lauren signature for years now. Older versions are collectible, and the brand issues variations on this motif every year. This season, the flag is on a t-shirt and several sports-themed knits.

For shoes, Guiseppe Zanotti has created some cute peep toe pumps with a vintage flag print, hidden red platform and wooden heel for $296. A little more budget-friendly is the tongue-in-cheek Icon Women's Glory mule for $162. It features a repeated flag print with the now classic "Yes We Can" slogan.

Sidewalk Catwalk photos by Adam Weinstein

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