With the theme "Africa ... The Land of Great Beauties" Zang Toi, Dubbed the Crown Prince of Glamour, presented his latest spring fashions in high Style at this year’s 2006 Olympus Fashion Week in New York City.

In some looks utilizing ruffles the size of dinner plates and invoking a kind of Modern Victorian meets African cocktail party, Toi reminded the fashion forward crowd (which included multiple Tony Award winner Tommy Tune and Emmy winner Lynn Whitfield) that fashion is an artistic statement that one wears. His African-themed show, full of exotic extravagance, was a highlight of the week.

Zang Toi dreamt of Africa this season and took his audience along with him. As lions roared through the speakers, uplifting and exciting safari music poured forth, providing a fabulous underscore for a genuine fashion safari. The models became African warriors and descended down the catwalk in safari inspired suits and dresses. Toi's collection, particularly his eveningwear, was an opulent feast for the eyes. The best gowns worked two themes - African queens and gowns dripping with lush, African orchids and butterflies. Most notable was a floor length beaded desert caftan embellished with the elaborate detail for which Toi’s dramatic evening gowns have become known. The Designer succeeded in taking the tribal and incorporating it into wearable clothes for his glamorous clientele.

For the African queen gowns, Toi sent black, empire-waist gowns with voluminous cocoon shapes floating down the runway, brightened by gemstone-studded African ceremonial necklaces and bibs. One stunner featured a sparkling red underskirt that picked up the fire of a ruby-studded African ceremonial bib around the neck.

Of course, wearability is important, too. Not many women have the occasion or the diva presence required for Toi's creations. So, who wears him? He’s a favorite with both older and younger glamour queens, including Ivana Trump, Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Patti Labelle, Farrah Fawcett, Angela Bassett, Kirstie Alley, Jennifer Tilly and Meg Ryan. "I love the idea of a woman wearing something spectacular that makes her feel and look spectacular." Toi has said.

Year in and year out, fans of Toi know they can count on the designer for one thing: pure, unadulterated glamour. The Malaysian designer (who was made a Knight of the realm in his native country in 1997) helps women young and old to feel like the only woman in the room with his dramatic, often finely embellished gowns, dresses and separates, as well as sophisticated but feminine suits. With The Look being always bold, beautiful, sexy, dramatic and glamorous, Toi is one designer determined to remind us that fashion is wearable art.