In a world where many people are frustrated by the rising costs of food and necessities, here is a select group of fashion designers that had a prosperous year celebrating luxury, lavishness and loyalty. 

Zang Toi, a Malaysian fashion designer who dresses everyone from members of the Trump family to Patti LaBelle, claims, “2023 was an excellent year. It was my best year in sales in my 34 years in business.” International clients travelled to Toi’s private trunk shows and studio for one-of-a-kind gowns with detailed tailoring. His upcoming February New York Fashion Week show will be dedicated to his clients. 

I asked him why he is enjoying such success when so many indicators point to a slow fashion year in 2024. “Wealthy clients love the finest things in life,” Toi says. “They adore uber luxe, finely crafted fashions, and personal attention. They admire my work ethics and kind personality combined with timeless and the ultra luxurious products I spend time scouting out internationally.”

Toi added that his clients love his “timeless pieces that are seasonless. They invest in pieces that they will wear over and over again for years to come, which makes it sustainable fashions! It’s all about quality vs quantity!” 

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist and fashionista, considered by many to be this generation’s Babe Paley, has a cult following who can’t wait for her daily posts of gowns and gloves. I asked her about today’s luxury fashion trends, and she said, “Style and fashion are of great interest to many people, including me. I am passionate about both fashion and style.

“Fashion is a form of art. Being well dressed is generally admired in social and business circles,” Shafiroff  says. “Luxury fashion will always sell, and there will always be a market for it. Like other industries, the luxury fashion business has its ups and downs.

“People often forget that the fashion industry employs millions of people worldwide.  Without the fashion industry, millions of people would not be employed. I love all fashion and style but especially love ballgowns and have a large collection of them that I will donate to a museum one day. Some of my favorite designers include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Carolina Herrera, Victor de Souza, Gucci, B Michael and Malan Breton. There are so many wonderful designers. Of course, it is hard to choose.”

I first met Frederick Anderson shortly before COVID and was amazed how he took advantage of the shutdown to create amazing video fashion shows and build a fanbase after 25 years in the business.  His fun and flirty approach in designing appeals to a new generation of women who appreciate well-made clothing and impeccable luxe fabrics, including celebrities like Priya Chopra and Natasha Bedingfield.

I asked him why he thinks his brand is so popular and selling.  He stated, “First of all, luxury is a lifestyle when we discuss clothes. It’s not a trend. My clients know I understand their needs and though I push fashion and trends change… I'm always thinking about what they need and where they are going. I also live in the same world as my client so I understand their needs.”

Anderson describes his customer as a strong, independent woman who understands luxury… real luxury not perceived luxury. They also demand quality and the need to effortlessly remain current in a time where high end clients are separating themselves into private clubs and their luxury is not for everyone.”

Anderson expanded his business into The Blue Jacket Fashion Show. Now, in its eighth year, it has become a fashion event for men to discuss health concerns, specifically around Prostate cancer.  One in eight men will be affected.  This year it’s on February 1st.

Brand new to the luxury scene is Caitlin McEachran, of Seam New York. A model, she now designs leather coats and hats. When asked about the transition to designing, she said, “”Designing is the construction of an idea from the mind into reality, while modeling is presenting that idea in its finished form to an audience.

“I am a business owner and fashion designer from Michigan who has lived in New York for over 10 years. I have experience in product development, design, and production at major fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, and other marquee designers. My brand combines the innovative essence of urban luxury with the comfort and warmth of midwestern living to elevate women while encouraging them to present their best.

Here is how McEachran describes luxury. “Luxury in my view is about the captivation of the mind and body, with the ability to step above the everyday. Luxury should be about providing comfort, confidence, and security in the fact that its offering is something unique at the highest level. When providing luxury, you're providing an experience that is tangible, indescribable, yet universally known.”

Everyone interviewed agreed that consumers are craving better quality garments and a personal relationship among designers, personal shoppers and stylists that should help the fashion business, especially retail, re-emerge.

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Cindy Grosz is an award-winning media personality, brand ambassador and Jewish activist. She is the host of “The Jewess Patriot” radio show on WGBB Radio and through Jewish Podcasts out of Jerusalem. She ran for Congress in 2020 and was a Jewish advisor for the National Coalition for Trump.