Stepping into Zang Toi’s apartment in New York is akin to being transported to Paris. From his all-white interiors to the ornate moldings and antique chandeliers, it’s hard to imagine you’re anywhere else but the City of Lights.
Born and raised in a small village in Malaysia, fashion designer Zang Toi made his mark in the fashion industry globally more than 30 years ago. Known for his timeless silhouettes and immaculate tailoring, Zang’s label remains a classic in a world full of trends.
It’s no surprise then to discover that Zang is still in love with his French-inspired abode after 17 years. After all, it is a true reflection of his personal style.
Like his daily black and white ensembles, the award-winning designer’s Upper East Side apartment is decked in the same colors. The minimalist color palette is indeed the perfect backdrop to allow the chrome accents like polished nickel hardware and silver-leafed antique furniture to pop.
The pièce de résistance of Zang’s elegant one-bedroom apartment has to be the life-size portraits of his muse, Marie Antoinette, flanking both sides of the main fireplace.
The larger-than-life artwork may feel like they belong inside a museum. But, perhaps the best way to admire the portrait of the final French queen is by taking a seat on Zang’s neoclassical-style chair and feeling the warmth of a custom-made fox fur rug underneath your feet.
Just as his design philosophy is to make the ladies look and feel beautiful, Zang has applied this very principle to his own home. His apartment not only looks exquisite, but it makes him happy.
It is, ultimately, his Parisian sanctuary in the heart of New York City.
Follow Zang‘s journey on Instagram or Facebook.
Photography by Anastassios Mentis.
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Name: Zang Toi
Location: Manhattan, New York
Type of home: Apartment
Years Lived In: 17 years
Rental / Owned: Owned
How would you describe your home style?
I designed my apartment to look like a pretty black and white photograph of a Louis XV-style apartment.
What inspired your home decor?
My love of glamorous Parisian style.
What do you think makes your home you?
It is a space that I feel very very comfortable in.
As a fashion designer, how did you apply your personal style to your home?
The apartment was designed with the hallmark of House of Toi GLAMOUR, which also serves as the perfect backdrop for my clients to enjoy and display their Zangs whenever they visit.
Did you renovate your home?
The apartment went through a major renovation under the very capable hands of a great contractor, Peter Dimitropoulos. He finished the renovations at the record time of four short months. When it comes to design, I designed the apartment myself. I have never understood why a designer would hire someone else to design his/her design?
Tell us about your favorite room or element in your home.
My favorite element is the timeless beauty of this apartment that stands the test of time.
What is the best investment you’ve made for your home?
The GORGEOUS French antiques that I re-finished in white and silver-leafing that’s uniquely Zang!
Did you do any DIYs in your home?
No…I know exactly what I want visually, but I can’t put a nail on a wall or change a light bulb to save my life. LOL!
Do you have any home regrets?
No regrets… still loving it after 17 years!
Where do you shop for furniture and home decor?
Paris, New York, and New Orleans.
What is your next home project?
I am currently updating my mirrored massage room. I’m switching the floor-to-ceiling mirror panels to black cotton velvet with black lacquer panels, which will hopefully make the room even sexier.
Any advice you would like to share with others?
Create a home that is YOU, one that makes you happy to come home to every day.
What do you love most about Zang’s Paris-inspired Upper East Side apartment? Let us know in the comments below!
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