Fashion Week: Zang Toi spring 2012 show report

Malaysian designer Zang Toi is perhaps best known for creating mature, dramatic evening wear worn by women who embody those same qualities (Sharon Stone, Patti LaBelle, Ivana Trump, to name a few).

Inspired by North Africa, Toi’s theatrical spring collection was set to the sounds of Sting’s "Desert Rose," during which models strutted out in dark jewel-encrusted coats, silk and cashmere sweaters with sapphire beading, and gold-bordered “goddess” coats trailing sweeping trains.

The collection had the audience — heavily comprised of good customers, we’d wager — cheering throughout. The most spirited cheers came at the end, when a nearly unrecognizable Kirstie Alley closed the show in a gown and floor-length coat.