In the dynamic world of fashion and design, few leaders embody a philosophy as deeply rooted in art, craftsmanship, and sustainability as Suzie de Rohan Willner, CEO of Toast. Growing up immersed in a creative environment, de Rohan Willner cultivated an innate appreciation for the intricate dance between form and function, a sensibility that profoundly shapes her innovative approach at Toast.
Her journey is one of continuous discovery and reinvention. A pivotal moment came with the introduction to artist Lee Krasner, whose audacious confidence and willingness to deconstruct and transform earlier works resonated deeply. For de Rohan Willner, Krasner’s artistic courage mirrors Toast’s unwavering commitment to extending the life of materials. Through pioneering initiatives like Toast Repair, Renewed, and Reworn, garments once deemed damaged or unwanted are reimagined as canvases for visible mending, creative alteration, and thoughtful reuse, challenging the linear model of consumption and waste. This ethos is a testament to de Rohan Willner’s broader fascination with craft, experimentation, and unearthing fresh possibilities within the familiar.
Suzie de Rohan Willner’s Creative Compass: Five Enduring Inspirations
Join us as Suzie de Rohan Willner unveils the artists, architectural marvels, and personal influences that continue to refine her unique perspective, alongside a glimpse into Toast’s latest projects.
1. Anni Albers: Weaving Art from Craft
Anni Albers’ revolutionary transformation of textiles from a traditional craft into a revered art form is a profound source of inspiration. Albers championed direct experimentation with materials, famously asking what the material itself desired to do before dictating its aesthetic outcome. This philosophy of material-led design is a cornerstone of de Rohan Willner’s creative thinking.
2. Ruth Asawa: Sculpting the Unseen
Ruth Asawa’s captivating looped-wire sculptures possess a unique ability to imbue an industrial material with organic softness and ethereal lightness. De Rohan Willner is drawn to this compelling tension between strength and weightlessness, marveling at forms that appear delicate yet possess an undeniable resilience.
3. The Glass House: Architecture in Dialogue with Nature
Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architecture and landscape. Its transparent walls foster an uninterrupted conversation between interior life and the natural world, serving as a powerful reminder that the most exceptional design often serves to frame and enhance the beauty that already exists.
4. Isamu Noguchi: The Polymath’s Unbound Voice
Sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s remarkable ability to traverse diverse disciplines—from stone sculpture and furniture to paper lanterns and public gardens—without ever compromising his distinct artistic voice is deeply inspiring. De Rohan Willner celebrates this refusal to be confined by a single medium, advocating for creative fluidity.
5. The Sculptural Doors at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: A Personal Legacy
A deeply personal influence comes from William Mitchell, de Rohan Willner’s stepfather. A passionate pioneer in the artistic application of concrete, Mitchell’s brutalist, tactile, and craft-led aesthetic left an indelible mark. His meticulous research into a place’s historical resonance, coupled with a bold, juxtaposed modernity, created breathtaking works. Mitchell’s unwavering courage in his artistic pursuits remains a guiding force.
Toast’s Creative Endeavors: Echoing a Philosophy
A Shared Table in Wales: Community, Landscape, and Collection Launch
Last spring, Toast returned to its Welsh birthplace to launch the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “A Shared Table.” Amidst the picturesque farmland surrounding Llansteffan Castle, a locally sourced luncheon brought together members of the Toast community. The wind sweeping across the hillside underscored the profound connection between landscape and community, as guests found comfort wrapped in Toast blankets – a tangible expression of warmth and belonging.
A Lightness of Being at Somerset House: Experimentation and Freedom
To celebrate the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “A Lightness of Being,” Toast convened its community at London’s Somerset House. The event featured a series of evocative installations exploring themes of weightlessness, the boundless opportunities in experimentation, and the liberating joy of play. Dancers Francesca Matthys and Masumi Saito, adorned in pieces from the collection, performed a captivating piece that beautifully articulated the interplay between clothing, creativity, and gesture.
Toast Renewed by Meta Struycken: Artful Repair and Renewal
The launch of the inaugural “Toast Renewed By” capsule collection showcased the exquisite work of Dutch textile artist Meta Struycken. Known for her exploration of miniature garments, Struycken masterfully designed eight full-size pieces using returned and damaged Toast items, alongside fabric remnants from her studio. This collaboration powerfully demonstrated the creative potential inherent in repair and renewal, utilizing traditional handcraft techniques like embroidery, appliqué, and quilting to extend garment life and elevate mending into an art form.
Marking the Turn: FW26 Collection – Rituals of the Seasons
The Fall/Winter 2026 collection, “Marking the Turn,” delves into the ancient rituals and rites that signify our passage through the seasons, particularly those centered around communal gatherings. Each piece in the collection thoughtfully translates the language of folk traditions through intricate handcraft techniques, carefully curated color palettes, and forms that subtly reference the simple, enduring functionality of the past, celebrating the cyclical beauty of nature and human connection.
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