Malaysian fashion icon Zang Toi at NY Fashion Week

Despite the bone-chilly winds that have been hitting New York City for days, Malaysian fashion icon Datuk Zang Toi could still attract a packed auditorium.

He presented French motifs under the theme "Courchevel Chic" in his latest collection for Autumn 2016 at the New York Fashion Week at the Pier 59 Studios.

Speaking to Bernama, Zang explained that he had derived his inspiration for the French designs from his recent trip to the La Chabichou ski resort in France.

Moved by Paris attacks

Moved by the November 2015 Paris attacks, which shocked the world, Zang designed the "Courchevel Chic" collection as a tribute to the City of Light, and to the strength and resilience of the French people.

Zang was in Paris just 13 days after those horrifying Paris attacks. He felt that one could not simply be frightened away by the perpetrators of the attacks and it was not a time to abandon the Parisians who were undergoing a difficult phase of time.

Thus, the idea of the "Courchevel Chic" was born while he was at one of his favourite restaurants in Paris, Le Grand Vefour, which has had leading historic French personalities as guests since the late 1800s, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

Zang's gesture was appreciated by the Parisians who were moved and they thanked the Malaysian fashion creator for persisting with his trip and not cancelling it.

Toi's collection

His most precious item in the latest collection was a necklace, beautifully designed and embellished with red-beads and shaped like a heart.

Indeed, the Paris attacks had motivated Zang to design the heart-shaped necklace to show his love and support for the City of Light. Zang called it his "Love for Paris".

Zang's "Courchevel Chic" collection included stark black and charcoal colours, with a sprinkling of red and grape for the cocktail and evening group.

He revealed that he had used loro piana silk, linen and wool, couture silk Ottoman and geometric floral silk brocade as fabrics featured in the collection.

"It is all about texture this season; I am using different fabrics and beading technique to achieve this effect. I want to make a bold yet stunning statement," said Zang.

Taking cue from Yves Saint Laurent

Zang also took cue from his 'hero', Yves Saint Laurent or YSL, who used to present a full range of designs each season. Zang’s own "Courchevel Chic" presented a collection of tailored suits, polished sportswear, and exquisite gowns.

"This is also a contrast to my last collection presented in September 2015, which had been inspired by my visit to Greece and its beautiful islands," he said.

His last collection, "The Splendor of Santorini," was inspired by the Greek island getaway that he had travelled to as the country went through an economic crisis.

Zang collaborated with BeautybyRudy to create a glamorous and striking look for the runway show, using make up from Ubati New York and products from Macadamia Professional, Eiji Salon will create a movie star chignon.

The collection also featured combat boots and stilettos by Zang Toi Heels, which has been among the best-selling shoe collections in Malaysia.

Some of the high-profiled personalities, attentively watching Zang's collection during the catwalk, said they were "deeply impressed" by his "imaginative designs and presentation skills".

Marie St. Claire, one of the knowledgeable fashion-conscious spectators, told Bernama that "Zang does pretty well on the red carpet… after all, Eva Longoria, Jordin Sparks and others have worn his designs and am sure he will win additional fans in the future."