Asia Society’s Inaugural “Runway To Asia” In Houston Is A Hit

Event Dazzles And Celebrates Acclaimed Fashion Designers Danny Nguyen And Zang Toi

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Wilson Parish and Annie Mulligan

THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel was the recent setting for a fabulous afternoon of fun, fashion, and philanthropy that also served as the inaugural event for one of Houston’s most respected nonprofit organizations. A dazzling crowd featuring several hundred of the city’s top community leaders, designers, fashionistas, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for Runway to Asia, the newest signature fundraising event of the Asia Society Texas Center.

THE VIBE: The cocktail-attired crowd featured a diverse array of fashions. In the crowd, one could spot bold colors, prints, and Asian-inspired ensembles. The result was a happy, festive, and welcoming environment for all who attended.

The festivities began with a champagne reception in The Post Oak Hotel ballroom foyer. Here, guests could grab a glass of bubbly or wine while mingling with friends old and new. Additionally, guests got to meet the afternoon’s featured designers, Zang Toi of House of Toi and Danny Nguyen of Danny Nguyen Couture. Nguyen’s dazzling designs of bold prints and vibrant colors were on full display in The Post Oak’s ballroom foyer for everyone to admire.

The action then moved to The Post Oak ballroom for the main program. While revelers enjoyed a delectable, multi-course meal including a perfectly prepared pan-seared red snapper, they were treated to words by organization and event leaders thanking them for their support for the inaugural event. After words from the event leaders, guests had time to socialize and visit with their tablemates while they continued eating their lunches.

Then came the afternoon’s main event, a 36-piece collection by acclaimed designer Zang Toi, of House of Toi. The stunning collection featured a mix of blues, greens, blacks, and whites, with many looks receiving applause and gasps of awe from the audience. After the presentation, each model took to the stage so guests could see the entire collection in all its vibrant, beautiful glory, capping off a beautiful day of fun and fashion that made its mark as one of Houston’s best luncheons and fashion shows in its first year.

THE NON-PROFIT: The inaugural Runway to Asia, co-chaired by Leigh Smith, Shazia Sultan, and Phoebe Tudor, raised funds for the Asia Society Texas Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Asia Society Texas Center’s program and education initiatives that fulfill the organization’s mission to advance cultural exchange by celebrating the diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and creating a better understanding of the interconnected world in which we live.