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Boutique Interview: Sienna Ray & Co.

Snapette paid a visit to the lovely Sienna Ray & Co., where we caught up with Founder and Creative Director Natalie. She has boundless energy and is just so much fun! With such a unique philosophy and joyful outlook on life, it clearly plays in to her handbags and footwear. We’re incredibly excited to feature her amazing brand on the Snapette app.
 
Can you talk about how the design process works for you?
It’s definitely grown over the years as I’ve been designing. Some would say it started at age four when I created a handbag out of yarn & staples. Years later the materials have grown into luxury leathers and amazing hardware. I receive a lot of advice from buyers and storeowners along the way. Many of my core concepts have come to me in the middle of the night. For example, this hands-free belt purse that’s practical but also cool (http://shop.siennaray.com/index.php/belt-purse/sunday-original-belt-purse-bedford.html). It kind of starts as a kitchen sink approach where I put everything in, and then cut out from there; I listen to my intuition. 
 
Tell us about a design you are most proud of.
Two pop into mind. The Bobbi, which is my first hobo bag that incorporates our signature versatile straps. I spent so long on it; it was my first time working with my current factory, and I had one of those “AHA” moments, when I presented them my leather prototype. They were throughly impressed that without any technical design background, I created a constructively sound and attractive handbag at the same time.  The second is the Prima. This bag incorporates a lot of inspiration that I receive from my friends, I always try to tell a story with every bag. Most designers start with a sketch, but I like to feel the leathers and textures in my hand. 

Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your handbags?
Movement in people. I’m a people watcher. I really love watching how differently people do things, even how they’re sitting or even how they cross the street. There’s a slightly fit element to my bags, so I always want my bags to be comfortable. There’s so much untapped potential everywhere. For example, when I look up at the top of buildings, it makes me stop and appreciate the finer details of design. 
 
What’s your mantra?
One of many: “Take risk, be confident…it’s free to ask.”
 
Do you have an overarching theme in mind when you start designing a line?
Autumn/Winter was inspired by the great “Big Apple,” and a bit of an international flair. I was starting to spend more time in New York during my design process, which was very eye-opening. It’s not that far away from my native Vancouver, but I was struck by how different fashion, mentalities, and lifestyles are. So it gave me confidence to be a little more creative. I experimented with distinctive leathers and bright gold hardware. In New York, if you believe it then you can achieve it.
 
With spring and summer approaching, what’s your top pick from the collection?
Babette, which is coincidentally one of our best selling styles, and can be often spotted on my shoulder. It is our mini cross-body, I call it my dancing bag! It holds more than meets the eye, and it’s made of a very light, soft leather.
 
The last five things you purchased?
A French Press coffee-maker for the office, an iPad (my big splurge!), six hats for $11 at the Chinese dollar store for my Easter bonnet contest, flowers for my little garden at home, and Haribo gummies.
 
How would you describe your signature style?
It’s all about the accessories! Going back and forth between New York and Canada, when I pack my suitcase, a quarter is clothes (jeans and tops), then scarves, jewelry, and shoes. I like a simple base and then layering on top of it. I love dresses, but [PR & Social Media Manager] Jaclynn says she’s never seen me in one! I guess I’m all about the jeans and booties. [Jaclynn] says that with my smile and bangs, I can conquer the world… it doesn’t matter what I wear!
 
What’s it like to manage a business based in two different countries (Vancouver, BC and the U.S.)?
Business and most sales are in the U.S. and Europe. I love traveling, I’m a good outsourcer, and I don’t necessarily need a physical location for my business—it’s very New Age gypsy!
 
What is your background prior to Sienna Ray?
I’m a mixed bag! I traveled the world after school, taught scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, worked at Cosmopolitan UK, and sold real estate in London, amongst other things. I’ve never been to school for fashion, but I always seem to carry off a personal style- whether it be in my clothing or home furnishings. I grew up as a playful tomboy, now I’ve transitioned into truly appreciating fashion, and getting extreme pleasure out of playing dress up in my closet. I’m all about taking an idea and running with it.
 
Any other cities you just love or have a personal connection with?
Lately, I’ve had a fascination with Asia. Last winter I did a big Southeast Asia trip, with stops in Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and Shanghai. It’s a huge culture shift between each of these distinct locations. I was on one of Thailand’s southernmost islands, and an intense calmness came over me—that’s what I get out of traveling. Really getting away, not having your phone and not having your Internet is needed once in a while. Sometimes life becomes too serious, but in that calm moment the correct path will open up to you. 
 
As you can see, Natalie is the real deal. All of her bags are carefully crafted, made from only the highest quality leathers. Check out her equally beautiful footwear line as well, which features cute sandals and flats that are perfect for summer. Sienna Ray will be part of a trunk show hosted by the Mulberry Project in Little Italy, followed by a sample sale in June with details forthcoming, so keep your eyes peeled! Until then follow @SiennaRay on Snapette.