Road Trips, Rainbows and Strawberries: The Inspirations Behind Our Spring Collection

Aside from actually booking a plane ticket and heading somewhere sunny, flipping through our spring lookbook is the next best thing to warm us up during the New York winters here at Madewell HQ. We can’t wait to get our hands on all the retro-cool, wallpaper-inspired prints, looks-like-vintage denim everything and breezy throw-on-and-go dresses. In the meantime, we chatted with our head designer, Joyce, to learn about her favorite pieces and where she imagines wearing the collection.

What was your inspiration behind the new spring collection?

Textiles from around the world—India, Morocco, the desert—and as always, travel. I like to nod to colors and textures from my favorite adventures and incorporate them into everything we make.

Tell us about a few standout pieces you’re most excited about.

The rainbow stripes! The shirt and skirt can be worn together for a bold head-to-toe stripe vibe—or they look just as great separately, paired with laid-back jeans or a simple tee.

There’s a lot of small, special details throughout the lookbook—any in particular that you’re obsessed with right now?

Yes, I adore the styles with embroidered strawberries—they’re so nostalgic and playful.

We can’t help but dream of warmer weather this time of year. Where are you traveling with this collection next season?

With all the rich, earthy tones throughout, I picture wearing these looks on a road trip across the country. I love driving through the desert in the Southwest and watching as the landscapes change.

Wanna call dibs on some of our spring pieces extra early? You’re in luck—pre-order your faves from the lookbook here.