Some collaborations feel inevitable.
Like paths that were always meant to cross.
When Zimbabwean designer Farai Wallace first encountered Wren at Design Indaba 2012, she was drawn to the raw beauty of paper, bold patterns, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Years later, that inspiration became reality in a Bespoke Branding collaboration that blends African storytelling, conservation, and thoughtful design.
Farai’s Pangolin and other African animal print, inspired by basket weaving, traditional motifs, and a deep love of wild spaces, carries a powerful message: design has the power to protect, conserve, and connect. In this conversation, she shares how her mother’s creative legacy, her personal connection to wilderness, and her belief in “design for positive change in Africa” continue to shape her work and this collaborative venture with Wren. Read our interview with Farai below.
We are honoured to have worked with Farai and to see her beautiful prints brought to life on our Wren Products.
How did you first discover Wren, and what drew you to our brand?
I first discovered Wren at Design Indaba Expo 2012. I was immediately drawn to the kraft paper; it’s one of my favourite aesthetics, and the clean, black print of the patterns. Most importantly the environmental impact consciousness.
When it came to creating your custom products, why did you choose to collaborate with us?
It was one of my goals as a designer, from the moment I first saw Wren I wished to apply my designs to such a unique and brilliant product. It works well with my design ethos and my style.
You’re a dream collaborator for us because of your design eye and attention to detail. What did you enjoy most about the process of bringing your print to life on Wren products?
It was very exciting for me as it had been a dream of mine for so long, so a dream to become a reality is extremely rewarding. The actual process was smooth and easy and made me feel really happy. Production can often be a bit tricky and being able to work with people who have the same attention to detail as I do was blissful. I am a graphic designer so I understand the process of artworking for print and templates etc. But quite often I have been let down by the final product. Not with Wren, when the products arrived they were fantastic. It was all just great!
Why is it important for you that your designs are connected to sustainability, wildlife, and African storytelling?
I wrote my thesis on ‘Design for positive change in Africa’. I believe as designers it is our responsibility to be aware of the impact what we design has on the environment and use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials/practices wherever possible. Personally, I have been extremely lucky to spend a lot of time in the wilderness in Zimbabwe. That is my happy place, my source of inspiration and motivation, my place of peace, and if I can help create awareness and conserve our wild places, I feel my life has purpose.
Last year Wendren mentioned reaching out while planning a road trip through Zimbabwe and how helpful and welcoming you were. What role does place, travel, and community play in your creative work?
Yes, coincidentally, Wendren and I both celebrated our 40th birthdays exploring the same route through Zim. I believe travel inspires most people. Personally, taking breaks in the wilderness, quiet time with no technology, early mornings looking for animals, the sound of birdsong and the trees!!! This is critical for my creativity, to declutter my mind and revive my motivation. From experience, I have been more creative when living in a more competitive community, but I would rather live in Vic Falls, closer to nature than in a bustling city for now.
Your Pangolin print is powerful, both visually and in its message. Could you share what inspired you to connect basket weaving, African motifs, and pangolin conservation in your design?
It just happened naturally, a process of simplifying and combining visual aspects of the natural pattern of the pangolin scales (linear and overlapping), traditional African aesthetics (Chevron and basketry) and applying this to my mission to create awareness and educate people about the importance and value of healthy ecosystems, fauna and flora and wild spaces.
What excites me is that they are kind to the natural world, they are unique and durable. They start by using material that would otherwise be discarded, the initial impact brings attention to the health of our planet, and they get better with age.
