INTERVIEW WITH NAANA B.

Hi Darling,

I'm noticing that there are a lot of African or African descent designers arriving at our shore better yet knocking down the barriers for them to be viewed and heard. And I love it.

It amazes me to see talent from all over the world but it touches my heart to see designers that bring the African heritage way of dressing to the fore front.

Finding out about this line called Naana B. fell into my lap. An email was sent to me by the showroom that holds the collection informing me that the line will have a sample sale. So I said to myself, this will be a great way of finding out who is behind this amazing African inspired line called Naana B.

The sample sale was this past Saturday and not only did I get a chance to view the entire line. I was greeted by the designer as soon as I entered into the showroom. I was introduced to her twin sister and friend. I felt the love between them all and I felt the love that was given to me.

It was so nice to find out that I was right about this line. Naana B. is crafted from pure love of its amazing West African heritage that Naana B. loves so very much.

I had the opportunity to interview the amazing person behind this fashion line.

Taiyon's Image - What are your signature designs?

Naana B. - My signature designs for the spring season are a fun, flirtatious ruffle gown (flamenco inspired) which come in evening length gowns and mini dresses. I believe that every woman needs "that dress" in her closet that makes her feel youthful and free.

Taiyon's Image - What is your favorite piece from any of your collections?

Naana B. - My favorite piece from my collections would have the be the Python clutch handbag from the "Vixen Collection". Made from real python skin, it's that luxe item that can translate well, in the woman on the go's closet.

Taiyon's Image - How would you describe your work?

Naana B. - Being a visual artist myself, who studied painting and sculpture, my work is inspired by Pablo Picasso and the cubists of that era. It's extremely bright, bold with lots of geometric prints.

Taiyon's Image - What's your ultimate goal?

Naana B. - My ultimate goal is to continue to support the Rural Community Empowerment Centre, a non-profit in Ghana where the collection is made. http://naanab.com/charity.php

Taiyon's Image - What inspires you?

Naana B. - Ultimately, art - and certainly, the clients that wear my pieces. I love the uniqueness that every women brings to work. I have many fashion muses.

Taiyon's Image - Can fashion still have a political ambition?

Naana B. - Fashion certainly does. Now more than ever designers are coupling their work with world causes - Fashion for Food, Haiti, President Barack Obama's Campaign. It's all inter-related.

Taiyon's Image - Who do you have in mind when you design?

Naana B. - Colors and pop art - I would love to design a line centered around Frank Lloyd Wrights work. I love architecture.

Taiyon's Image - Is the idea of creative collaboration important to you?

Naana B. - Yes-Creative collaboration is so important. When I travel I get a lot of inspiration. I meet a lot of artists who inspire my ideas.

Taiyon's Image - Who has been the greatest influence on your career?

Naana B. - My mother-she's one of my chief inspirations. She's a truly fashionable and elegant -and her life is a great creative spring board for my line.

Taiyon's Image - How have your own experiences affected your work as a designer?

Naana B. - Travelling all over the world, and experiencing different cultures and people has had tremendous effect on me as a designer.

Taiyon's Image - Which is more important in your work: the process or the product?

Naana B. - The process - Like any artist, I enjoy the making of each piece, from conceptualization to realization. It's like painting a canvas.

Taiyon's Image - Is designing difficult for you, if so, what drives you to continue?

Naana B. - Designing is not difficult. I think every designer has ebbs and flows. Sometimes ideas don't come as easily, but then on takes a break. I think a lot of designers would say, if it's not something you love, why do it? I love fashion and that love affair will never fade.

Taiyon's Image - What's your philosophy?

Naana B. - Be inspired and never compromise.

Taiyon's Image - What is the most important lesson you've learned?

Naana B. - The fashion business is tough. I've learned that you have to believe in yourself and always remember who you are and what motivated you to come into the industry.

TAIYON'S IMAGE INTERVIEW WITH ZANG TOI

Hi Darling,

In 2005, I heard a name that I will never forget. It was mentioned in an email I received from a photographer friend telling me about a fashion designer. My friend stated that she received an invite to this designer's fashion show and that I should attend. She was going on and on about this fashion line until I finally ask her what is this designer's name and she screamed with excitement by writing in all caps - ZANG TOI.

I asked my friend who is this Zang Toi and why haven't I heard of him. At this time, I was breaking into the fashion scene as a fashion stylist. It was my first time attending Fashion Week, my schedule filled with shows, and I did not want to miss any of them. Therefore, I did not want to take a chance on a designer that I never heard of before. I wanted more information about the "House of Toi" but I had very limited time to do research on the line and also try to get an invite because the show was the next day.

The day of, I ran into my photographer friend at the Tents and she stated that she was on her way to the Zang Toi show and that I should try to make it over. I told her that by me being in the Tents all day, my feet are killing me, I want to head home, and that his public relations crew will never let me in. I will never forget that day because I missed something that could have been the beginning of a love affair with the beautiful clothes created by Mr. Toi and me.

Fast forward, to his fall 2010 ready-to-wear collection. The collection is glamour, beauty, a classic, and filled with strong detail. The color purple is all throughout the collection (the song - "Purple Rain" by Prince played while the models walked the runway). There is a soft mix of black and purple. Each price is captivating and each piece is a staple piece as well.

Zang Toi is clever and very creative, he is aware of the recession and aware that consumers want fashion that are staple pieces that they can afford, keep, and mix and match the pieces when needed. You can tell that Zang Toi loves women and that he treats them like a beautiful flower by the way he designed his exquisite gowns in this collection but he also knows that we are strong as an ox by designing strong tailored suits.

Today, I court up with Mr. Toi to have an online interview to find out the beginning of it all.

First off, congrats on an amazing fall 2010 ready-to-wear line.

• Taiyon's Image - Is it true that you left your native country Malaysia at the age of eighteen to head to Toronto?

Zang Toi - yes.

• Taiyon's Image - Was it because of fashion or love? You here so many times that people relocate because of a mate more often than a career.

Zang Toi - I was shipped to Toronto by my parents to study grade 13 there.

• Taiyon's Image - Ok, a year later you landed in the Big Apple. Why such a short time in Toronto?

Zang Toi - As a creative spirit, I felt like a bird in a cage in Toronto.

• Taiyon's Image - Are you an Alumni of Parson School of Design or Fashion Institute Technology?

Zang Toi - Parson School of Design

• Taiyon's Image - You have gained a lot of achievements but the one I find the most interesting is your award in 1997 in March if I'm not mistaking, the "Knighthood" by the Sultan of Malaysia. How does one gain "Knighthood" by the Sultan of Malaysia?

Zang Toi - The year I was knighted, I was the youngest and one of the very few that are not government servants or business tycoons...I believe it was my achievements in the US...ALMOST LIKE HOMETOWN BOY MADE GOOD!

• Taiyon's Image - At what age did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

Zang Toi - 19...Guess I am a late bloomer. Lol

• Taiyon's Image - What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

Zang Toi - For my first collection in August 1989...a bright orange handloomed cotton knit mini dress attached with hot pink silk chiffon empire circle dress, which was featured in Nov. 1989 Vogue.

• Taiyon's Image - When was your first major break?

Zang Toi - When Anna Wintour featured me in the New Face of 90's featuring an outfit from my second collection of the opening of the story in Vogue March 1990.

• Taiyon's Image - What does fashion mean to you?

Zang Toi - Fashion means a GORGEOUS article of clothing that puts out a smile on a lady!

• Taiyon's Image - What events in your life have made you grow as a designer?

Zang Toi - Non-stop traveling across the country doing the trunkshow...My ladies thought me to grow to be a smart designer designing clothes that women would happily pay full retail for.

• Taiyon's Image - What matters to you most as a fashion designer?

Zang Toi - That I am independent, and lead my own path.

• Taiyon's Image - What is your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?

Zang Toi - I am completely immersed in my own world...what a GORGEOUS & FUN place to be!

• Taiyon's Image - What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

Zang Toi - A smart design crafted from the finest fabric and workmenship!

• Taiyon's Image - Last but not least - Where can readers buy your clothes? In addition what are the price points?

Zang Toi - My collection is available at Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Ave., Nordstrom, speciality boutiques, and Zang Toi boutiques in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The price starts at $500 - $30,000.00.

photo credit -Weston Wells

video courtesy of the House of Toi

Zang Toi Fashion Week 2010 from Zang Toi on Vimeo.