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379537
Mon, 09/07/2015 - 08:03
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Malaysian Fashion Icon Continues Mainstream Fashion Business But Expands To Other Lines

By Manik Mehta NEW YORK, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- To stay competitive and also create 'product synergies', as marketing gurus tend to describe the synergies generated from combining one product line with another, Malaysia's fashion icon Zang Toi is also looking at other product lines that would complement his mainstream fashion business. After the successful launch of a shoe business in Malaysia, Zang Toi, often referred to as Malaysia’s best known face in the United States, has been looking to add products and services that will go well with his mainstream high-fashion business for which he has built an exclusive clientele. "I am entering into a partnership with the Papyrus paper and greeting card company to launch a series of greeting cards and note cards. "The launch is set for autumn 2016. The cards will have the Zang Toi designs inspired by my fashion and lifestyle," Toi said in an interview with Bernama in his office. The greeting cards and note cards will reflect everything Zang Toi stands for in the fashion world – from his early years as a designer to his most recent collections, with some cards having motif inspired by the style of his exquisitely-designed apartment. Toi revealed that many of the cards would be embellished with fabrics, jewels and feathers. His large fan base said that combining Papyrus' quality card construction with Toi’s designs would certainly be as "special and unique as Toi's clothing". Toi will make a special runway show presentation of his 2016 spring fashion creations on Sept 11 in New York, which will be followed by a similar show at the Tampa Art Museum in Tampa, Florida on Sept 19. "This is a good venue because of its cultural and historic significance,” he said. However, the high point of his series of presentations will be his involvement in a charity event organised by Saudi Princess Reema Al Saud who is active in supporting charitable causes. Toi has been designing special fashionwear for this family since 1996. His creations will end up at the Fashion Week Middle East to be held in Dubai in November this year. Princess Reema founded Alf Khair, a social organisation, whose vision is to embrace the infinite opportunities in Saudi Arabia, celebrate productivity and promote creativity, hard work and contemporary design to build a generation of responsible, mindful and innovative Arabian talent. Alf Khair’s first of its awareness-creating and education activities is working for the benefit of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association. Toi, whose creations have been appreciated by Hollywood stars and other prominent personalities such as Sharon Stone, Gong Li, Eva Longoria, Heather Graham, Ivana Trump, Melinda Gates and the late Farrah Fawcett, has captured the attention of the fashion world with his precocious aptitude and business acumen. Indeed, Kirstie Alley, a Hollywood star and a friend of Toi, had done the catwalk some years ago during the New York Fashion Week held at New York’s Lincoln Center, wearing a stunning blue gown created by Toi, which fetched rave notices from fashion critics. Given the economic uncertainties caused by the chaotic stock market conditions in China, consumers in the United States have become cautious with purchases slowing down as a result. However, this general trend applies mainly to the general consumers of low and medium-end products. "Since my creations are big ticket items and I cater exclusively to the top one per cent of society who want exclusive products, I am – not yet – affected by the uncertainties noticeable in the market. "Nevertheless, there is a feeling of unease amongst all the companies, including those who cater to such an exclusive top clientele as I do," Toi admits. Asked to comment on the fashion trends in the US market and the preferences of his customers in terms of designs and colours, Toi replied that the trends were diverse. "There is no single trend that can be identified. But one clear trend among all designers is to make women look beautiful and elegant in the dresses they wear," he said. --BERNAMA

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