TOAST x Robert Mackie
We were delighted to welcome the TOAST team to our mill in Stewarton, Scotland, and to share a glimpse of the people, processes and craftsmanship behind our work together.
Photography by Richard Gaston
Founded in Wales in 1997, TOAST began with nightwear and loungewear inspired by the surrounding landscape and a slower way of life. Today, the brand creates simple, functional pieces designed to be worn and cherished for years to come.
Their approach to design is rooted in longevity, natural materials and a thoughtful relationship with clothing. TOAST works with skilled makers around the world to create original fabrics, prints and homewares, celebrating the distinctive qualities that come from time-honoured techniques and human hands. These shared values made their visit to our mill particularly special. Walking through the factory, the TOAST team saw their pieces at different stages of production, from yarn being knitted on our modern machinery to the careful finishing work that follows.
One memorable moment came when a freshly knitted glove was lifted from a machine. It was recognisable as a finished glove, but still looked quite different from the piece that would eventually reach a customer – slightly shrunken, with loose threads and a soft, unfinished appearance. From there, it passed through a series of traditional finishing processes: trimming, washing, steaming and pressing, before being carefully inspected and labelled. It was a lovely illustration of the balance between technology and skilled craftsmanship that sits at the heart of our work. Modern knitting machines allow us to create each piece precisely and efficiently, while the final character and quality depend on the experience and attention of the people who finish it.
The visit also offered the opportunity to meet some of the people behind the making. Across the finishing department, skilled machinists and team members worked together on scarves and gloves, checking each piece and making those small, careful adjustments that ensure it meets the required standard. There is a real sense of continuity in the mill, with generations of local knowledge and experience alongside newer approaches to production and sustainability.
For TOAST, this connection between people, materials and making is central to their philosophy. Their collections are created with the intention that they will be worn for years, while their Circle initiatives explore ways to care for clothes and keep them in use for longer.
Our partnership reflects this shared belief in making things thoughtfully and well. We are grateful to the TOAST team for taking the time to visit us, for their continued partnership and for capturing our mill and our people so beautifully. Their images offer a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes and celebrate the people and processes that bring our shared collections to life.
A warm thank you to TOAST for the visit, the partnership and these beautiful images of our mill. Read more about the mill visit at TOAST Magazine.
Photography Credit: Richard Gaston
www.to.ast