Zang Toi Spring/Summer 2011 Runway

Inspired by Lone Star cowboys, glamorous Texan debutantes, and the epic Oscar-winner Giant, Zang Toi's Spring 2011 runway show was the most lavish ever to hit the Wild Wild West. Toi presented brash, sexy Texan belles with teeny-tiny wasp waists and big saloon hair--luxe dames that would have made Elizabeth Taylor proud. The tan, shirtless cowboy who opened the show didn't hurt either.With a front row that included a wide range of celebrities (from renowned ballerinas Irina Dvorovenko and Maxin Beloserkovsky to Housewives Ramona Singer and LuAnn de Lesseps) the House of Toi's spring 2011 presentation was divided into two parts. The first half showcased "ruggedly handsome" cowboy looks: slim, James Dean-esque jackets and tailored wide-legged pants; tailored denim suits over intricately detailed sweaters; and one mean, lean, outlaw machine in hot pants and a floor-length black trench. Perhaps a little sexier than the open range has ever seen, but it's sure to make a statement in any tumbleweed town.The second portion was an ode to the far more feminine Texas rose, with a series of Toi's signature, over-the-top gorgeous gowns. One strapless number featured a romantic floral print with a sunburst pleat overlay, but the real showstopper was a pink silk organza gown, covered with soft, cascading rose petals: a far more interesting take on the flowery inspiration than previous, more literal dresses. At times, Toi's cowgirl couture sometimes verged on the costumey; a black-and-white cowboy scarf-print dress was perhaps too wrenched an interpretation of Texan glamour, and the use of "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" as soundtrack elicited more than a few rolled eyes.

But all in all, Toi consistently delivers luxury--if you're a lady on the lookout for glamour and sex appeal, Zang Toi's got it in spades. 

Photo source: George Chinsee