This Season's Inspo with Toad Designer Helena

It’s Friday afternoon with a wide-open weekend ahead – why not pack a bag and get outta town? Our newest collection is all about the flexibility of packing for a spontaneous adventure and saying “yes” when opportunity knocks.  

Toad Designer Helena shared a behind-the-scenes peek at the inspiration behind the collection, her top picks, and the destination she’s packing her own bag for.

Toad: We are so excited about the new spring collection. Can you tell us more about it?

Helena: This season we're feeling all kinds of wanderlust. Inspired by spontaneity and whim, this collection is all about having a simple curated closet with clothes at the ready for every adventure – from a last-minute weekend lake trip to a great flight deal you can't pass up. 

Toad: We're feeling the wanderlust already. What inspired the new collection? 

Helena: We had fun playing with the concept of a last-minute weekend trip. It's Friday afternoon with a wide-open weekend stretching out ahead – why not pack a bag and take it on the open road? Or a last-minute flight? Mexico anyone? Camp trip! All of the above!

This collection is for the road trip die-hards, the weekday car campers, the international three-day weekenders, and anyone squeezing a little extra playtime into everyday life. We wanted to build a line that offers everything you need to pack in a bag for a last-minute adventure. It's full of pieces that are comfy, no-fuss, and offer fun and unexpected details, like the actual flies we snuck into the flyfishing themed print used for our Fletch Shirt this season! We love a cheeky detail in a print. 

Toad: What key things do you consider when designing pieces that are both great for everyday wear and practical for travel? 

Helena: There's a whole list of considerations! Fabric that doesn't wrinkle, dress up or down capabilities, the ability to easily wash in the sink and go (IYKYK), and zero-fuss comfort that moves with you... especially when running to catch a train or a flight.

I also love a hidden stash pocket, something that's concealed so you can't quite see the zipper but it's there when you need it. Our women's Sunkissed styles and Men's Rover Shorts are my favorite options with hidden secure zip pockets.

Toad: Let's talk texture. Why add it to spring pieces?

Helena: We love how texture can make even neutral pieces just a little more special and interesting. Texture also makes things all the more travel friendly; we love a shake-out and go type of situation. We’re on vacation – we’ve got places to go, people to see! No time to fuss with a steamer or iron. Our Tate Doubleweave fabric is perfect for this (coming soon ;)) and the Palazzo pants are a personal fave. 

Toad: Can you speak to some key trends this season that are also timeless staples? 

Helena: Yes! First, proportion play. In this collection you'll see lots of exaggerated proportions (think wide leg pants with a fitted top and vice versa). It's nice to balance something with fullness and volume to something a bit more fitted. For example, pair our new Chaka Culotte with the Foothill Pointelle Button Tank for full skirtiness on the bottom meets a slimmer tank up top. It's a proportions recipe that can't fail! 

Then we have the fun 90s revival trend. It's been in the mix for the past few seasons, and it's been fun to see how it's evolved over time. This season it's taking on a collegiate prep feel with everyday classics, like easy chinos and cotton sweaters. Think Mission Ridge and a Boundless Jersey graphic tee with some classic boat shoes and a ball cap, or Bianca Sweaters layered with floral midi dresses and skirts. 

And finally, 70s craft. This is all about novelty details and celebrating the art of handmade things. At the end of the day our clothes are made by people. There's a certain charm that comes from allowing the personality of a garment to shine through in details like chainstitch embroidery, a playful lopsided flower, or a vintage inspired patch. These are all things that echo the handcrafts of decades past. This is a trend I've been excited to see come into the fold and one that feels very true to the lighthearted and vintage-inspired Toad design ethos. 

Toad: Love all the different eras coming through – truly timeless! Can you tell us a little bit about the color palette this season? 

Helena: This collection has a really fun palette. We have a great assortment of rich and vibrant greens like Fern and Evergreen, and are introducing some nice everyday colors like Sundown and Partridge. In true Toad form, we always like to have a few funky colors to play with, this season we’re loving Olive Tree, Lantana and Sunset.

Toad: Any prints that are Design Team faves? 

Helena: The Mango Daisy Field Print is a clear winner... so much so we used it across both our Samba fabric and our Terrane fabric families (dropping soon ;))! I will definitely be ordering both the Birdie Skort and Terrane Longline Bralette in this print to wear as a set and as separates. It's perfect for long weekend versatility. 

My other favorite is the Persimmon Tulip Print (also dropping soon). It's such an optimistic color palette that's great for dressing up or down. 

I also love the story behind our Boundless Jersey graphic tees this season. The graphics were made using a combo of linocut blocks and cut-up pieces of construction paper. There's something about the character that handmade graphics take on that you can't replicate when drawing them out digitally. I'm a firm believer in starting designs the analog way. 

Toad: Any must have's this season? 

Helena: The Taj Hemp Tiered Midi Sleeveless Dress is so beautiful and easy to wear. She's the perfect all-day type of dress: wear to the farmer's market, over a swimsuit, or dress her up for dinner in the evening. Plus, she has hidden adjustable straps and pockets!

On the Men's side, I love the Airscape Short Sleeve Shirt lineup this season, especially the chest stripes. They're all great, easy to wear colors with just enough of an unexpected twist to still feel unique. 

Toad: Last question – where are you booking your next trip?

Helena: My partner and I just booked flights to Japan for this June – I can’t wait!