Approaching the undulating shoreline, with the open ocean as a catalyst for new reflections. Toast's Spring Summer 2023 collection, Open Water, explores the rhythm of the tides and the expansive nature of the sea.
TOAST began with loungewear and nightwear, designed in a farmhouse in Wales. The collections reflected a sense of ease and a slower, more thoughtful way of life. Today, TOAST creates and curates simple, functional, beautiful clothing, homeware in modern, easy silhouettes and quality fabrics to ensure they last. They celebrate the work of artisans and often collaborate with artisans from around the world to create original fabrics and handmade pieces.
TOAST has shops throughout the UK and can be found in concept stores across the US and Europe. With studios in both London and Swansea, TOAST continues to design and develop all collections in-house and is proud to be one of the few fashion brands with its own full pattern room – lined with calico toiles and full of pins, papers, chalks and spools of thread, it is a true place of making.
EMMA WEARS ORGANIC INDIGO DENIM JACKET & ANNIE SIDE BUTTON DENIM
EMMA WEARS COTTON LINEN KNITTED TOP, HEMP COTTON PAPER BAG TROUSERS, AND CLERGERIE NELIO SANDALS.
“This season we explored our connection to water as a source and resource,” says Head of Design Laura Shippey. “Starting with early 20th-century mariners, navigating by the stars, we wanted to bring a sense of adventure and pioneering spirit to our womenswear.” Patchworked sails, knots and the ebb and flow of the tide inform the silhouettes, patterns and fabric choices. Soft workwear and smocks in calico cotton canvas are reminiscent of pieces worn by mariners and shades of deep indigo reflect the night sky and depths of the sea. “We echoed details such as knots, drawcords and ropes and considered navigational tools to create unique print designs,” Laura says.
Fluidity comes through in the adaptability and easeful movement of pieces, with dip-dyed silk in inky blues and vibrant greens. Artist, sailor and maker Valentine Schlegel further informs the season with a vibrancy of life at the shoreline. Later in the season we evoke the salty windswept beach and a sense of gathering together as the sun dips below the horizon, with shades of shell and coral and windswept dresses and blouses. “Valentine’s attitude to her art as an extension of her way of life – sailing, fishing and creating a space to commune on the beach – was a stimulating starting point for our designs.”
EMMA COTTON HALF SLEEVE TEE, STRIPE WOOL COTTON KNITTED TANK, MARINER SKIRT & GRAVITYPOPE BRIA LOAFERS.
TOAST Encourages garments from their collection to be worn and coveted for years to come. Garments can be repaired by local tailors, through TOAST Repair, if you can make it into one of their UK stores, or repair it yourself with great visible mending techniques from artisans like Bookhou.
Additional photos via TOAST (Jo Metson Scott)
