The Renner effect

Former fashion model Marjorie Renner believes that living in Paris — with its reverence for culture and delightful vintage shops — has filled her with inspiration to create her bag collection. Her line of minaudiere’s (under the eponymous label Marjorie Renner) can be found in stores in Paris, Monaco, Geneva, London, Warsaw, Berlin, Spain, Istanbul, Hong Kong, China and the US.

Ever a Filipina at heart, Renner chooses to work with indigenous materials, ably mixing wood, fibers and pelts. She has a penchant for working on otherwise discarded components such as termite-eaten wood (which forms unique patterns) and fallen leaves.

Renner’s bags are known for their classic lines with experimental touches. Like many international designers, Renner is familiar with the nuances of various markets. European buyers, for instance, enjoy subdued and classic designs that easily match classic dresses. They are partial to black, gray and earth tones and appreciate the “pochette” (soft pouch). In the US, women appreciate classic colors but are open to bright hues as well.

A noted women’s advocate, Renner, together with her Paris team, has trained mothers of sexually abused children on the process of making bags. The curriculum explored the entire manufacturing process from patternmaking, costing and sewing. Educational scholarships for the children were also given. Likewise, MR Paris continues to support a Paris-based journalist group called Pinoy Sojourners in their educational support to underprivileged children in the Philippines.

Renner shares, “Every time I see a woman, I look at her purse and I wonder — what’s in her purse and what is she like? The purse a woman carries is her identity that is why I try to create something that fits a personality — this is how I chose to start with bag designing. I am a Filipina and I believe in our craftsmanship. Our artisans can equal the world’s standards for as long as there is guidance and strict policy on imposing quality standards especially in hand-crafted products.”

(For more information on Marjorie Renner bags, visit  facebook.com/MarjorieRennerParis, www.MarjorieRenner.tumblr.com or follow @MarjorieRenner on Twitter.)

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Hair and makeup by RAZ RIMOR (0906-9673269)