We're thrilled to introduce our collaboration with renowned artist Aleksandra Zee, whose work is deeply inspired by the raw beauty of the desert. Known for her intricate woodwork and designs that reflect the natural world, Aleksandra brings a sense of intentionality and timelessness to every piece she creates. This partnership marks her first foray into the world of leather bags, and it has been nothing short of a dream project for both of us.
Get to know more about Aleksandra and how this collection came to life—capturing her signature desert-inspired aesthetic and her dedication to meaningful, lasting design.
What made you decide to collaborate with MANDRN on this project?
I have been a fan of MANDRN for such a long time and my everyday bag has been one of their pieces for years now, so being approached with this opportunity was a total dream project. This is the first time I am collaborating on a bag and it is something I have always wanted to do! I love the breath behind the brand and everything they stand for, so working with them has been the dreamiest process!
What was the most exciting part of co-creating this bag with MANDRN?
Deciding on a piece that will get more beautiful with age, something that speaks to my personal design and style, and the custom inside of the bag has been so much fun to help create! It has been so much fun to also learn about what goes into creating a bag, from choosing the leather, the weave and every little detail has been so much fun! This team of magical women truly is a dream to twerk with and I am so inspired by them!
Why did you choose to make a limited-edition version of Atlas (instead of one of the other bags)?
I love the size of the atlas and what it holds. It is perfect for everyday and for traveling. I don't love cramming my things in a bag that is just a little bit too small and the Atlas fits everything I need perfectly. I also love the shape of the bag and the way it hangs, it is so beautiful and sophisticated. With our bag I cannot wait to see it age with time and just get even more yummy as the years go on. It is my hope that this will be a heritage piece that lives on for so many years to come.
What do you hope that this approach to design will change in the world?
That we can be intentional with the things we buy, not filling our lives with quantity but quality that will travel with you for the rest of your life.
What inspired the design within the bag?
Desert life for sure, from the colors to the textures the desert has always been my biggest inspiration and that is for sure what is behind the bag. My personal style has always included a leather bag, or leather boots, things that I love to really wear for a long time and break them in. Designing something that will be with me for years is also a driving force in the inspiration.
What was the (creative) process that brought the design to life?
We had lots of meetings around testing materials and colors and what will be ideal for this bag. It has been so much fun to see where we started and what we have arrived at. Every step of this process has been fun and I have felt so seen through it all which is so wonderful to feel my heart in the bag. :) We really wanted it to reflect myself and my art, wearable art and I think we achieved that!
How is your art impacted or inspired by your natural surroundings?
My work is very impacted by my life in the desert. From the colors of the sunrise and sunset, the textures of the boulders and the color of the sand it all plays into my work. The desert evokes a sense of calm and that is the energy I place into my pieces, and that is what I hope my viewer/clients receive when viewing my work as well.
Why is working with artisans and natural materials important to you?
As an artist that uses ethically sourced lumber in my work, it is always so important to me to work and support local artisans. When it comes to natural materials, that is what I love to work with and what I love to wear, and design with, the pairing feels so natural and true to who I am as an artist and designer. When working with natural materials we are reminded of ourselves and how refining a natural material is so similar to the inner work we do on a daily basis and being in a constant state of inner refinement as we get older.
