APRIL 2017 24 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM {fashion in the philanthropy lane} GIVING IN STYLE Zang Toi’s happy demeanor was evident from his pleasant manner to the cap he wore and referred to as his “happy hat.” The Malaysian designer was involved in not only the Fresh Start kickoff event last October, but also the gala in February of this year. At the 2017 Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Gala, Zang shared his collection in an extraordinary style with a beautiful installation in the center of The Phoenician ballroom, allowing guests the opportunity to have an up- close, 360-degree view of his most recent masterpieces. Zang was a natural match for this, as his own philosophical beliefs align with that of the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. He, too, believes that every person deserves a bright and safe future. Zang came from humble beginnings, growing up atop the grocery store his parents owned. He was the youngest of seven and while his family was tight-knit, they were like most families in Malaysia and had few extravagances. Zang left Malaysia for New York City 36 years ago with only $300 in his pocket to attend the famed Parsons School of Design, where he honed his craft and became the couture artisan he is today. Zang Toi’s fall 2017 collection was one that brought his family, namely his mother and sister, to his favorite hotel in his favorite city in the world, Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris. Having the hotel to themselves for three full days before the venue opened to the public, Zang and his family were able to leisurely enjoy the beautiful results of the four-year renovation project. Zang was drawn to the decadent décor and particularly to the brilliant royal blues in the hotel’s furniture. It would be this alone that inspired his most recent collection, the same collection that was generously shared at the 2017 Fresh Start Gala. ZANG TOI Couture Humanitarian Tyler Butler | SOCIETY AND FASHION WRITER Famed fashion designer Zang Toi visits Phoenix, in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, to support Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.

APRIL 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 25 But Zang is much more than couture fashion and decadent design. At his core he is a crusader for those who are less fortunate or perhaps insecure in following their own path. For years Zang has leveraged his fashion shows to bring attention to the Human Rights Foundation. Putting his talent to good use, he would auction off photos of his past designs to raise funds in support of this cause. And through his recent partnership with Papyrus he not only launched a fabulous collection of beautifully designed greeting cards, but he was also able to support a close model friend and her charity focused on building and restoring water wells in the model’s native village in Africa. Just last year Zang joined forces with Saudi Princess Reema Al Saud to draw attention to several charitable causes. Most notably of these was the Zahra Breast Cancer Association. This organization actively participates in efforts to fight breast cancer with Saudi Arabia in an effort to provide future generations with the opportunity to lead peaceful lives unthreatened by this disease. As Zang explains, “fashion and philanthropy are a perfect fit together.” Zang believes that the glamour of fashion should be leveraged to raise money and awareness for causes. And so Zang revealed exclusively to Frontdoors that he looks to launch his own foundation in the years to come. He will focus on drug abuse and empowering youth to just say no. Having spent years working in fashion, he has been acutely in tune to the abuse of drugs in his industry. His message will be simple and meaningful: “You don’t Photo credit: Haute Photography GIVING IN STYLE CONTINUED