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A Beautiful Introduction
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Watercolor Blouse
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Pink Petals
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Exquite Details Everywhere
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Sophisticated Yet Simple and Sweet
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Zang Takes a Bow
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Sibby and Susan (2 of the S's) with Beth Smith Post-Show
Wow! Combined with "oohs" and "aahs," that was the word I heard most during Thursday night's "Ballet Babe" runway show by Zang Toi in support of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia's "Fashion Week on Sea Island." Arriving in The Cloister Ballroom, you could immediately tell this would be a different kind of fashion show than what we typically see in the Golden Isles. The lights were dimmed, except for the brightly-lit runway lined by two rows of chairs. Photographers and videographers were set up at the end to get the best vantage point of the models entering from behind the white curtains and strutting down the catwalk.
The show began with a classical violinist on the runway setting the mood with a masterful touch. A later break in the show presented the magic of a Russian male ballet dancer who jetéed and pirouetted down the runway. Yes, this show was very different.
The models displayed look after look that ranged from chic shorts or pants and blouses and sweaters to jackets with impeccable detailing. Black, light blue, pastel pink. As evening gowns appeared, the shimmer and rustle of silk was tantalizing. Zang combined tailored looks with sophistication yet kept soft, feminine elements for a hint of sweetness. The effect was dazzling.
As my role for the evening was to share the event via social media, I sat with other bloggers in the back row toward the end of the runway. I struggled to get good photos with an iPhone in the stark lighting, content to leave the task of capturing the images of the show to a photographer and videographer attending for that purpose. The models strode quickly, passing in a blur, but clearly displaying the brilliant work of this master couturier. Watercolor-like print that swept the inside of a floor-length jacket, a sparkling sequined jacket with a surprising and gorgeous cut-out back, fabric flower petals adorning dresses and jackets . . . I could go on for days. It was all fabulous. The photos I took and shared on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook could never do justice to the clothing. I hoped only that the caught the ambiance of the room and the feel of the show. It was incredible!
The post-show reception was a fête of all involved in putting together Fashion Week on Sea Island. Rave reviews were shared enthusiastically, and the "4 S's from St. Simons," Susan Imhoff, Susie Salvatore, Sharon Flores, and Sibby Gruber had every right to beam as brightly as they did. Steve Moore and the entire Evelyne Talman team, the effervescent Ally Urquhart, and the queen mother of fashion shows, Dottie Ann Smith, did such an amazing job working Zang Toi and the models to pull off this spectacular occasion flawlessly. The Cloister at Sea Island provided the perfect setting. We can only hope this is only the first of more New York Fashion Week quality events at Sea Island.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
**To watch a video clip of the highlights of the fashion show, click here or view the attached video link. Our photos from the event will appear in the May issue of Elegant Island Living.
