I was lucky enough to be invited to check out the Wren studio when I was in L.A.; situated in a nondescript neighbourhood, its factory-like exterior showed nothing of the riot of colour and brightness that was inside. Unfortunately the woman behind the brand, Melissa Coker, was in New York while I visited (doing bigger and better things - video to come in another post, love it!) but I still managed to ask her a couple of things about those awesome Minnetonkas I spotted in her studio:

Minnetonkas! Can you tell me what your inspiration was for the Minnetonka collection?
I grew up Lake Forest, Illinois, where we spent summers in Wisconsin. The highlight of each trip was a brand new pair of Minnetonka Moccasins.  These prized shoes would be worn into the ground year in and year out, gleefully replaced at the start of the next summer.

How did the collaboration came about?
As I began working on the fall 2012 line, still in my Minnetonkas after all these years, I started thinking what a perfect pairing this could be and what a great fit it would be, not only for Wren, but also for myself.  That sense of history and authenticity would make for a great collaboration.

The Minnetonkas are indeed very cool. Your line is known for colourful prints (which came up beautifully in the photos!). What attracts you about print, and colour?
The whole line usually is born from a favorite print or two.  It’s my key for the design process.  I know I’ve found something special when I see a print that gives me a giddy & excited feeling.  

Have you ever had an all-time favorite print and why?
My favorite print was a floral that looked like it had been hand painted & had a very brushstroke-y look.  It also has a vintage feel which I love.