Monday, January 21, 2013

Talking Labels: Zang Toi for Harper's Bazaar Malaysia

I have great respect for this talent.

He is a kampung boy made good in the Big Apple. In a world where people become rich and famous because they are famous and/or rich, his success is well deserved for his gift for glamour and staying power. Over twenty years of hard work, the dream is still alive.

I believe in the Law of Attraction so I am putting it out there that it would be an honor to interview him, and perhaps on my return to New York, visit his atelier and who knows, his gorgeous Upper East Side home.  I will bring Satay and my own Thai Green Curry!

In the meantime, he will be featured in Harper's Bazaar Malaysia's 10th Anniversary Edition. It is incredibly nice that he still supports home town media. And if the initial pictures popping up on twitter are anything to go by, that anniversary issue will be da bomb! 

Look out for it!

On a break from the shoot
All pictures © Zang Toi
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Opinion: What Not To Wear If You Are An Anti-Gay Pastor

OK.

I am not going to politicize my Style Journal.

I have always said: I want my blog to be a positive thing. Even if on the surface, it doesn't look like it. I believe you can always learn through every experience. You know, don't judge a coat by its lapels, look at the label and it could be Burberry.

So, Anti-Gay Pastor Lawrence Khong from Faith Community Baptist Church in Singapore is dressing up for his crusade. Anyone who has kept with the news knows that he raised a ruckus by involving a senior Singaporean politician in his tirades against gay people.

Basically, he wants the Government not to repeal an ancient  law inherited from British colonial times that criminalizes sex between men. This law was raised during the Human Rights Commission inquiry into Singapore's human rights ranking.  Singapore has denied enforcing it, but has also refused to repeal it.

Thanks to haters like the Pastor.

I do not want to publicize his words of hate, but it is important to place things in their proper context. You can read his statements here:
WTF

Well, he is of course entitled to his opinions. Even though, as a man of God, it is love he should be expressing, and not encourage his flock to hate.  That is my opinion.

It is also my opinion that I think he is offensive on another level. His fashion sense totally hurts my eyes. He needs a makeover and I am sure I can help him out with that.
Tolong Lah Mister. Leather? Bondage? Really? You sure you are not 'family'?
What he looks like. But without the muscles and the good looks.
Seriously, Mr Khong. The Mad Max look is not only unbecoming for a pastor, it is also SOOOOOO 80's.

Why don't you learn from the ex-CEO of the SMRT who was carried into a party by a few hunks, dressed as Cleopatra? Aiyoh mister, pictures online live FOREVER laaaaaahhhhh. Roll eyeballs.
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Stuff Envy: Prabal Gurung for Target!

FEBRUARY 10 PEOPLE!

Mark that date down because fashion is about to get another dose of democracy. High fashion is reaching the masses once again with a collaboration so exciting it is making me salivate. The last time this sort of thing really got me going was Missoni's deal with Target, and Versace's collection for H&M.

Frankly, those collaborations seemed a tad mmmmm compromised. When you look at the products, you get a sense that they were licensed versions rather than conceptualized by the in house team. Of course this is probably furthest from the truth, and their respective design teams had to work on strict price points and budgets. Still, some of the products looked like they were Made In China bags with the brand just slapped on for good measure (think Givenchy for Singapore Airlines and you will get the drift).
Prabal Gurung's collection however, is divine. At least in pictures. It is not the first time he has worked with Target. This time though, he is headlining the marquee.

80+ pieces.  The most expensive item is a very pocketbook friendly US$199. Most items are below US$50.  I am already scheming to have the products shipped over. This is one of those many times fashion forward guys would look at their female friends and envy at how lucky they are to be able to buy treasures such as these.

Take a look!
I am a shoes and bags person.

Guilty. Proud of it. Eyeball my shoe closet and please wipe your mouth liquids on the floor as you leave.

PG's collection for Target makes you want to do a Shatzie from the classic New York movie, 'How to Marry a Millionaire'.

"I'll take that and that, and that and that and that, and that and that. And charge it please."

Take a look:
Life can be so unfair for guys, fashion wise. Especially if you look at the BAGS!
PG is hot hot hot in fashion right now. And it helps that he is so easy on the eyes.  Woof!

Globally, he has been lauded as 'Singapore Born', which makes me proud, but we all know his design genius is not the result of being born or even being in this little red dot (pun intended). Still, international media has tied his name to this country of millionaires, and I hope to be one of the first few to welcome him when he opens his first standalone luxe shop in Singapore, hopefully in ION Orchard. Location lah. Very important.
The thing that is so great is that Target has again partnered with an Asian designer (just as they did with Jason Wu), and when a giant retailer does that, it sends a message that design is truly universal and Asian design makes commercial sense.

The next step is for Asian designers who've made it big in the West to get the investment to move East, where serious money can be made, and not just through licensing their lines.

We are waiting Prabal Gurung! Let Asia experience you in a real way and not just via seeing Ellen Degeneres' cousin, Kate Middleton wear your creations!

Click on the Dot to go to the Official Site:
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