Runway to Asia

Schedule | About the Designers | Tickets and Tables

Runway to Asia is an exciting new initiative from Asia Society Texas that honors Asian and Asian American innovators on the global fashion scene while showcasing fashion designers from Texas. The inaugural event at the Post Oak Hotel will spotlight the visionary talents of international designer Zang Toi and Houston’s own Danny Nguyen. Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch and a fashion experience blending cutting-edge designs with a celebration of artistry, passion, and incredible journeys.

This event will support Asia Society Texas’ performing art and cultural offerings that showcase the vibrant diversity of Asia through thought-provoking live art, film, and food experiences.

Leigh Smith, Shazia Sultan, and Phoebe Tudor will serve as Event Chairs.

For sponsorship information, please contact Saleena Jafry at [email protected] or 713.496.9939.

Dress for this event is festive spring luncheon attire.

Schedule

Thursday, May 8, 2025
11 a.m. Registration and Reception
12 p.m. Seated Luncheon and Runway Show

Paid valet parking available from the Post Oak Hotel.

About the Designers

Zang Toi is a renowned Fashion Designer who has built a tradition of elegance for over 30 years. Coming from humble beginnings, Zang was born and raised in a small village, Kuala Krai in Kelantan, Malaysia. He was the youngest of seven children of a local grocer. Zang landed in New York City at the age of 20 where he studied at the distinguished Parsons School of Design. In August 1989, he opened his atelier and soon after, U.S Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour featured Zang in March 1990 issue and was one of the first Asian designers championed by the renowned editor. In 1990, Zang was awarded the Mouton Cadet Young Designer of the Year which recognizes the top, young, U.S. designer of the year. In a Newsday article published in 1991, Frank De Caro enthusiastically noted of the Malaysian-born designer and his success, “If anyone is THE NEXT BIG THING, it’s him.”

Since that time, Zang’s work has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, and Financial Times. He has dressed Hollywood celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Farrah Fawcett, Eartha Kitt, Gong Li, Eva Longoria, and Devon Aoki, along with philanthropists and royalty including Melinda Gates and Saudi Princess Haifa Bandar Al Saud.

Along with his passion for glamorous fashion, Zang has been an avid supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG) and was recognized by the foundation in 2008/2009 with the Lance Armstrong Foundation Top Fundraiser Award.

Zang’s continued success was recognized by Vivid Magazine where he was named as one of the Top 8 most influential Chinese Americans. Today, the world continues to recognize Zang’s passion for timeless beauty as he builds on a strong tradition of elegance.

Danny Nguyen, a visionary haute couture designer hailing from the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, embodies the epitome of artistic excellence and cultural fusion. Born in the bustling streets of Saigon, Vietnam, Danny's journey to prominence is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of the American dream.

As a post-Vietnam War immigrant, Danny's arrival on American shores was imbued with hope and determination. Armed with a passion for fashion and a legacy of craftsmanship inherited from his family's business, he embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine the landscape of haute couture.

Drawing inspiration from his Vietnamese heritage and the dynamic energy of his adopted home, Danny's designs transcend boundaries, blending traditional elegance with contemporary flair. His creations have graced the runways of the world's most prestigious fashion capitals, earning him international acclaim and a dedicated following of fashion aficionados. Through his work, he not only celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience but also inspires others to chase their dreams relentlessly, regardless of their origins.

Ticketing and Table Sponsorship

Join us for this special afternoon! Return your completed form to Erin Elwin, Development Manager, at [email protected]

Download the Form

For more sponsorship information, please contact Saleena Jafry at [email protected] or 713.496.9939 with any questions.

Tickets

Single Seat (General): $600
Single Seat (VIP): $1250

Purchase Tickets Now

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.