Zang Toi follows his own advice and disregards fashion editors.
Age: 38Birthplace: Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia. One of six children in an ethnic Chinese family. Came to the U.S. at age 20.
School: Graduated from Parsons School of Design, New York, in 1985.
Price: Less than $2,000 for ball gowns, $800 for a typical jacket, and $55 to $60 for signture T-shirts.
First fashion-related job: "I was a part-time sample cutter with Mary Jane Marcasiano during my senior year at Parsons"
Consumer: The new guard.
Celeb Toi Clients: Ivana Trump, Whitney Houston, Madonna.
What it takes to make it in the business: "Hard work and dedication."
Year he became imdependent and why: "I've always known I would be my own boss since I was 13."
Seed money: $50,000 from a silent partner.
Design Philosophy: "Classic, well-tailored with a fresh twist."
Biggest regret: "I do not believe in regrets."
Biggest triumph: "Surviving the fashion jungle."
When did you know you made it?: "My first big feature in Vogue after being in business for only 8 months."
Time spent designing: "I do all my designing at night."
What's next: "Setting a trend for women who pursue their individual style without being fashion slaves."