Celebrating a Decade of Our Lydia Dress

This season we are celebrating ten years of our Lydia Jersey Shift Dress, one of our most enduring styles. Imagined by our designer Gabi D’Amico for our SS13 collection, it has remained an integral part of our loungewear range to this day, realised in washed indigo and washed black. “I designed it as part of my first season at TOAST,” says Gabi. “Initially it was going to be in a woven fabric, but then we decided to make it in a weighty indigo jersey that felt really modern – the style worked so well in it.”

On joining TOAST, Gabi was tasked with designing pieces with easeful, contemporary shapes. “I followed my taste and intuition on what could make a woman feel comfortable and feminine.” The result was the Lydia dress, which we return to again and again, due to its simplicity and versatility. Contrasting corozo buttons run down the back of the style, a defining feature. “Initially we thought about having mother-of-pearl ones, but the natural corozo felt less dainty and looked great,” she says.

The style is a favourite for our store teams and our customers. Bee Gregson from our Marlow shop, considers the Lydia dress to be one of her favourite TOAST pieces. “It's just so easy to wear, super soft and is so flattering,” she says. “It hangs on the body really well and the pockets add a more casual, slouchy look.” Maria Teninzhiyan, Repair Specialist at TOAST Notting Hill, pictured above right, says it is her favourite summer holiday dress. “I always travel light and take it with me because it's very versatile.” While Alyssa Campbell from our Bath shop, pictured in the top image, believes the Lydia to be a must-have staple for any wardrobe. “The easy, simple shape moves seamlessly with my body, allowing me to flow into any situation,” she says, “whether I am pruning roses in the garden or meeting friends for an early dinner.”

TOAST customer Janet Mills, above left, has worn the Lydia dress for many years, and is pictured wearing it in Bordeaux, France. “It’s timeless and can be worn anywhere any time of the day – what’s not to like!” Elizabeth Page, pictured above right, also reaches for the dress each year. “The slubby cotton and simple shape make it a casual staple,” she says. “The low back and buttons lend it a feminine elegance and it looks great with a loose white shirt over the top, too.”

The shape has since been updated to a Lydia Jumpsuit rendition. This season, it has also inspired a new dress and jumpsuit, both with a soft V-neckline and chest patch pocket, which sit alongside the original dress in the collection. The first Lydia dress sample still belongs to designer Gabi, who returns to it each summer. “I still get stopped every time I wear it," she says. "It’s a testament to our timeless design that it continues to feel modern year after year.”

Shop our Lydia Jersey Shift Dress, Lydia Jumpsuit, V-Neck Cotton Jersey Dress and V-Neck Cotton Jersey Jumpsuit.