From 15 -17 October, lifestyle brand TOAST hosts its first virtual 'Creative Residency'. Last year, TOAST gathered a group of its collaborators to host a series of talks, workshops and live demonstrations at the Paper Mill Studio in Islington, London. This year’s virtual three-day Residency, inspired by the Autumn Winter collection ‘Flux & Flow’, aims to give time for pause. Offering a programme of virtual events, the weekend will include creative workshops, panel talks, studio tours with makers and more.

Image: TOAST Autumn/Winter lookbook 2020.

As part of the Residency, TOAST partnered with Crafts Council to invite an artist in residence to showcase their work. Kate Owens was chosen following an open application process. Join Owens for a free live performance of her unique practice combining block printing with choreographed movement. During the event she will use an innovative print-block-shoe technique to walk across fabric, using her body weight to transfer ink to the cloth. Through this printing method, the textiles will become an intimate record of the physical making experience.

Video: The Shadow of Your Shadow, Kate Owens, was developed as part of a project by AIR in response to a recently closed textile factory in North London. Five dancers perform a short choreography across a roll of fabric wearing purpose made print-block shoes.

Other highlights include the talk Craft of Use: Confronting consumerism through how we dress with Kate Fletcher. Join Fletcher, Research Professor, Author, Consultant and Design Activist as she leads a talk exploring our ongoing use of garments. In this evening event, she will explore how we might dress in our uncertain, climate-changing times, with lightness, imagination and principle. A Q&A will follow the talk. Talks, workshops and events will take place online via Zoom and are priced separately. Free to attend events include the option to make a voluntary donation to Crafts Council UK or Textile Arts Center, New York. 

The TOAST Creative Residency 15 - 17 October.

Tickets for individual events can be booked via www.toa.st/residency.