Runway

_{by
andy diaz

It was the night of Friday the 13th, in fact the 3rd day of New York Fashion Week and Venezuelan
Socialite Gladys Miro and I were running to make the Zang Toi show before the doors closed. Well, we barely made it. As I
dragged Gladys down the ice covered block of West 52nd street to the Touch Nightclub in her little grey silk dress, floor
length fur and her turquoise suede pumps the door man intercepted us and told us we were too late. “The list is closed
and no one is to be let in”. Refusing to take no for an answer we were eventually let in, but not able to take our assigned
seats in the main area where the show was to take place because the models were already lining up and ready to walk. We were
rushed upstairs where it seems like all of New York City’s fashionistas came out to view the latest creations of celeb
favorite Zang Toi.
It was a packed house and everyone was anxious to see the line. The award winning designer
Zang Toi wanted to make a big statement with the color purple inspired by the 80’s mega hit Purple Rain by Prince which
was the music of the night. Despite the crowded venue the show had an intimate feel. It felt as if each model was walking
just for you. One by one, they walked out very sexy, seductively and with a whole lot of attitude. The designer did not disappoint.
The line was amazing. Full of rich beautifully crafted mohair blended silk cocktail dresses, pant suits, and evening gowns.
Some adorned with hand beaded embellishments, necklaces that extended off to the side and draped off the shoulders, luxurious
furs, and even some were paired with fedoras.
The two stand out pieces of the evening that got the crowd going was a
long black velvet coat with a fur trim collar that stretched down to the floor and had a the most stunning purple silk lining
you have ever seen that was visible as the model walked. It was worn over the daring shirtless model that was draped in 9
layers long necklaces that met you waist line and a choker that caught the lights from the photographers flash at the end
of the catwalk. The model also wore a comberbon over a pair of black velvet slacks and pumps, but the key accessory was custom
ordered black fedora that was made in Italy especially for Zang Toi.
Now the pièce de résistance was a
black satin Opera coat with over the top puffy sleeves, giving it a Spaniard feel which had individually hand stitched purple
sequin in the shape of flower blossoms, and let’s not forget the bridal gown like train that covered the ground behind
her. This collection exudes opulence and is sure to command attention where ever it goes.
For more information on Zang
Toi’s collection visit}_{www.houseoftoi.com}

_{A metal bath of vibrant contrasts dazzled New York, courtesy of Custo Barcelona. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
New York was once again the setting for the presentation of the designer's new autumn-winter 2010-11 collection.

Sparkling metals melted into pure lines to form new volumes that contrast with the warmth of fur. Bryant Park tent provided
the backdrop and an attentive audience of more than 800 people from all over the world, including actresses like Gossip Girl's
Connor Paola, One Life to Live's Tika Sumper or Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, attended the
show.

Under the name 'Hairy Metal', Custo Barcelona presented a collection where the indisputable protagonists
were metallic sparkles. New York saw a strong, energetic and contemporary collection, in keeping with a new era. Bronze,
steel, gold, black and rust comprise a new colour palette which is mixed with graphics inspired by mercury, melted silver,
red hot iron and tin.

The cold of metal is contrasted with fake fur, which has been developed in every imaginable
form. Hairs of different lengths and colours have been mixed together to create new graphic effects that are sinuous, geometric
or crossed. Different types of furs have also been mixed with wools to match the colour graphics and produce volumes that
create new depth.

A primitive looking collection that brings cold and warmth face-to-face. Of contrasting
looks. Of melting metals. A veritable ode to the periodic table of elements. An invitation to experiment. A mysterious
and spectacular show courtesy of Custo Barcelona, who has managed to surprise us once again.}