Unless you had read his line sheet, Zang Toi’s Spring 2011 Collection was somewhat perplexing.  It was his tribute to the 1956 Oscar-winning film, Giant.  A parade of pale pinks, blues, and printed frocks was a throwback from the late 50s, celebrating Zang Toi’s peculiar fantasy with cowboys and heiresses.  As the first cowboy-hat-wearing male model emerged shirtless, wearing fringed suede pants, I was certainly scratching my head trying to understand when Zang Toi’s theme would become clear.  Was it the black suede and cowhide or the big skirted chiffon debutante gowns and bouffant hairdos.  Well, obviously he was recreating the Oscar-nominated costume design of Giant.  Zang Toi’s tribute, though 55 years late, brought to our attention the wardrobe now made available for months to come in a retail outlet near you.  Where I was sitting, I was privy to muffled snickers as his show started.  But the audience toned themselves down a bit once the cowboy theme transitioned to couture.

In all fairness to Zang Toi’s efforts, his garments were impeccably constructed, as they always are.  And there were a few pieces that did hit.  He catered to Texans with those floor length cinch-waist coats and tailored wide legged pants—they were quite appealing.  He played it smart for spring with his non-black color choices, which worked well with the tailored skirt and pant suits.  (Honestly, his cowboy theme belongs in a rodeo, not a runway.) But this collection had a few pieces that definitely appealed to the couture side of things as a late 50s early 60s throwback.  Heck, I half expected the female cast of Mad Men to sport a few of his Spring 2011 pieces next television season!  To say the least, Zang Toi’s collection is befitting of its muse, Giant, and should appeal widely to urban cowboys, cowgirls, and heiresses alike!

View Zang Toi’s Collection.