What Wendy Wore: Zang Toi’s 25th Anniversary Show

Last night, I went to my designing friend Zang Toi’s Spring 2015 runway show at Lincoln Center. The show was also a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Zang’s line. That’s a long run in fashion! You have to multiply fashion years the way you would dog years. Like, 25 years in fashion is at least 100 years in another industry.

There were some big shots at the show, including former Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley and New York Times style photographer Bill Cunningham. I caught the two of them chatting.

They both have very distinctive sartorial style. Kind of anti-fashion fashion.

As the show started, someone in the audience yelled out, “Happy anniversary!” and the whole crowd applauded. (Some fashion shows end with applause, but I haven’t been to too many of them that started with applause.)  Zang, who grew up in Malaysia, called his new collection “The American Dream,” as a tribute to his adopted country.

I liked the sporty pieces that started the show, including the way they were styled with socks and heels. That’s a sex-ay combo.  In fact, I’ve had a socks-and-sandals photo from Beyonce’s Tumblr sitting on my desktop since April.

Beyonce’s foot swag. Click for source.

If you’re not bold enough to do knee socks with your sandals, Zang’s ankle-sock style with booties is a little less intimidating.

Striped outfit with matching socks on Zang’s runway.

A coat with a hand-painted “25th anniversary” lining was a hit.

But Zang’s gorgeous gowns are always the highlights for me. The “Palm Couture” shirt-waisted gown with silver accents is something I could easily see myself wearing.

This flowing orchid-printed halter gown moved beautifully.

The black-and-ivory, hand-beaded “All American Stripe” strapless gown really brought the drama.  Hmmm … I think this is my favorite. I think I want this!

Jacqueline Zenn, who saw the photo above on Instagram, fell in love too.

I like your style, Jacqueline!

I always wear a Zang Toi design to Zang’s show. This time, I wore a green dress from his Spring 2010 collection.

What Wendy Wore
Dress: Zang Toi (2010, first worn here)
Shoes: Prada (2010)
Jewelry: My own designs
Lipstick: Instigator by MAC
Big-ass updo: Julie Matos of Warren-Tricomi

You can see my hair better in this post-show photo with gorgeous model Deborah Fenker.

I love the fingerless net gloves Deborah wore with her Zang dress. So Madonna!

It was nice of Deborah to crouch down for that photo in order to make me look less midget-like. But, because I’ve previously posted a photo of us with the height difference on display, I think I should make that kind of picture a tradition.

LOL! Where’s Wendy?

Imagine how short I would look if I didn’t have two hairpieces piled on top of my head!

You can see a number of the looks from the show in my video of the finale. Watch till the end to see photographer Richard “Totally Cool” Renda chase Zang up and down the runway to present a cake and lead the other photographers in the singing of “Happy Anniversary.” Zang has an exuberant personality, yet he also can be very shy. Normally, at the end of shows, he’ll go to the end of the runway to take his bow — seeming totally comfortable in front of the big crowd — but he’s really anxious to get backstage. I thought Richard was going to have to pick Zang up and physically carry him back to the photographers! It was a great moment.

Congratulations to Zang Toi on 25 successful years and best wishes for at least 25 more!

UPDATED TO ADD: The combination of my reading glasses and strapless dress entertained several people, including my dear friend Debra.

Click to enlarge.

I really have to become more adept with my new-ish contact lenses!