About a year ago, I discovered bags made by The Wren (which is based in Cape Town). Unlike alot of bags out there, these bags are made from interesting materials and are very original. I really like them.
Most recently I noticed the above Wren laptop bag. It is made out of unused Pretoria Portland Cement paper bags (yes, really). Pretty cool, hey?
Anyway, I decided to interview Wendren, the designer behind The Wren, and find out a little more about her bags. Here is our little interview….
Why and when did you start designing bags?
I was not enjoying my desk job as a surface designer at all. To keep my creative juices alive during the day I would feed them with inspirations from blogs (I had a very long favourite list). At the same time I discovered etsy and had just made myself a hand bag (because I could not find one I like enough to buy). It didn’t take long for me to decide I couldn’t keep living as I was and needed to give something else a try and starting Wren was just that.
Why did you choose the name “The Wren”?
I drew the bird for a freelance job but I liked it more than the person wanting the finished the design so I got to keep it. This is now my logo.
The name ‘Wren’ came about when I was searching for a name for the bird (or of a bird). Jeremy suggested ‘Wren’ and it was just too perfect: It looks like the bird I drew and it is very similar to my real name: Wendren.
What inspires you when you design your bags?
I get excited when I see a project coming together and that motivates me. I think I work more with motivation than inspiration. One idea becomes the next and it is a fun journey.
Can we expect any new bag designs for winter 2010?
At first, I thought…ah, not really. The PPC Bag was a huge project and the response has been so fantastic my feet still haven’t touched the ground since I first showed it. However, I have just looked around my room and yes, there are three new projects that are going to happen – just slowly because they are only in parts and no where near completion so I think it might be a bit keen to say they will be ready for winter 2010.
Where can people find and buy The Wren bags?
- Number one place: www.thewrendesign.com and click on the Wren Shop link.
- Artvark in Kalk Bay, Cape Town
- Africa Nova in De Waterkant, Cape Town
- Lim in Kloof Street, Cape Town
They’re great bags. Does Wren have a line for men too?
Good question Richard, I’ll find out :)
Well, some of them are unisex (like the PPC laptop bag)
:)
They are really awesome bags, I love the “real” factor :)
Great post Brazen, as always!
It’s very original. I like the 149 Organic Coffee Sling bag a lot!! :) The bags are ‘green’ in all ways and that makes it even better!!
:)
Have a great day! I’m still recovering from eating too much easter eggs! ;)
x
Big fan of Wren Bags, you should have a loot her Etsy shop for the clutch bags that come with moleskin notebooks, amazing!
I’m going to try get down to their shop this coming weekend to have a look around, the style definitely grows on you..
Love it!!!
or you try her Etsy shop, gives write-ups on each bag detailed photos… http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewren
Nice Karen, didn’t realise she had an Etsy shop, thank you!