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What was the biggest turning point in
your early career?
I was the first Asian-American designer
championed by American Vogue editor
in chief, Anna Wintour. She featured one
of my gowns in the magazine, and that
basically put me on the fashion map.
What was the best piece of advice you
were given?
To do my own thing, create my identity
and to never follow trends blindly.
You celebrated 25 years of the House of
Zang Toi last year – howdid youmark
themilestone?
We created a collection that pays tribute
to America, my adopted home.
What is ahead for the House of Zang Toi?
We just signed a partnership with Papy-
rus. There will soon be Zang Toi greeting
cards!
When you get to visit Malaysia, what do
you enjoy?
Oh the food! In my opinion, South-East
Asia has the best cuisine. When I’m away,
I miss the
nasi dagang
, the
kuih, ayam
percik
…the list goes on.
The designer had humble
beginnings – his family owned a
grocery shop in Kelantan
Zang takes to the stage
at the end of his runway
show to celebrate 25 years
of the House of Toi
The designer had humble
beginnings – his family owned
a grocery shop in Kelantan
Although you are nowbased in the
US, do you still feel a connectionwith
Malaysia?
Very much so. My family still live in
Malaysia; it will always be my home.
What advice could you offer young
people keen to follow in your foot-
steps?
The single recipe to success is hard
work – I cannot emphasise that enough.
What has been the biggest surprise of
your career so far?
The biggest surprise of my career is that
not only have I survived, but thrived in
the highly competitive industry as an
independent designer.
Whathasbeenyourproudestmoment?
To receive my Datukship. I am fortu-
nate that I got to celebrate that with
my mother and late father.
Tell us something not many people
knowabout Zang Toi…
Zang Toi is actually a quiet and shy
person. I love being on my own – that
is when all the creative ideas come
flowing into my mind.
Did You Know…?
Zang Toi’s celebrity
clients include Eva
Longoria, Heather
Graham, Jordin Sparks,
Sharon Stone and
Devon Aoki.