About the brandFounded by Wendren Setzer in 2008, The Wren Design is a Cape Town–based studio with a mastery for turning the unexpected into the essential, transforming humble, often overlooked materials into beautifully considered pieces.
Wren’s signature material began with Wendren’s curiosity while watching cement bags on a passing truck, prompting her to wonder if paper could be made as strong as ballet shoes. Through experimentation, she developed ProtectPaper™, a durable, flexible fabric created by bonding recycled paper with cotton, transforming origami into something both practical and wearable.
Working with their innovative ProtectPaper®, Wren creates a considered range of bags, sleeves, and everyday storage, alongside artist-led collaborations and limited collections that bring an expressive edge. Each piece is lightweight, durable, and quietly distinctive, practical yet full of personality.
Rooted in sustainability and years of experimentation, the studio has evolved from a single bag into a refined, purpose-led practice guided by collaboration and curiosity.
Wren doesn’t just make products - they offer a different way of thinking about materials, encouraging a slower, more conscious approach to the things we choose to live with. And somewhere along the way, they made carrying your essentials look effortlessly cool.
Founded by Wendren Setzer in 2008, The Wren Design is a Cape Town–based studio with a mastery for turning the unexpected into the essential, transforming humble, often overlooked materials into beautifully considered pieces.
Wren’s signature material began with Wendren’s curiosity while watching ce...Show more