Bags made by The Wren

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