PETALING JAYA: After social media users called out US designer Ralph Lauren for “copying” a work of Datuk Zang Toi, the Malaysian couturier coolly responded by calling it “a form of flattery”.

       “That a giant brand name company such as Ralph Lauren would copy a small-town boy from Malaysia is a high form of flattery.

       “It is proof that you are good at your craft when someone copies your work,” the Kelantan-born fashion designer told The Star when contacted.

       Toi’s fans and social media users had earlier called out Ralph Lauren for its gown worn by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys at the glitzy Met Gala 2022 – themed “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” – at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Monday.

       The design included a cape featuring the New York City skyline, which resembled a work by Toi that he had put out on the runway during his autumn/winter show at the New York Fashion Week in 2020.

       In fact, the New York-based Malaysian first unveiled the creation in 2009 and has included the design in his collections several times over the years.

       “There is a fine line between being inspired by another designer, and outright copying where everyone notices it immediately,” he said, adding that it would not make a difference even if the brand had credited him.

       The 60-year-old added that he felt the outpouring of love from those who had sent him messages of support.

       “I was touched to know how many fans out there were calling him out! I truly take it as a compliment to have an iconic US brand copying a boy from Kuala Krai.”

       Social media users did not hold back with their comments.

       “As soon as I saw that, I screamed. Yours was much better anyway. Best form of flattery. We all know who the original was,” said a Facebook user.

       “I was there at your show... You did better...,” said another commenter on Instagram.

       There were also plenty of others who said they were puzzled why someone would replicate another person’s work.

       Toi was only 20 years old when he first landed in New York City to enrol at the prestigious Parsons School of Design.

       A year after founding his atelier House of Toi in 1989, he caught the eye of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and was featured in the magazine – which later helped spur his business in the United States.Incidentally, Wintour is noted for having chaired or co-chaired the Met Gala since 1995.

       Nevertheless, Toi has never forgotten his roots and is seen celebrating Malaysia in certain collections.

       There is a possibility he will release a Kuala Lumpur skyline design in the future.

       “I have already done the New York skyline in 2009 and 2020 and the Venice skyline in 2015.

       “The contrast between the modern Petronas Twin Towers and the majestic train station building will be stunning,” he said.