'I do what I love' — How Inés Morey Rohland shapes Mallorca's upcycling fashion with Wild Bag

'I do what I love' — How Inés Morey Rohland shapes Mallorca's upcycling fashion with Wild Bag

In a small workshop on Mallorca, somewhere between the hum of the sewing machine and the smell of coffee, bags with character are created. Inés Morey Rohland turned a passion for handicrafts into a business: she founded the label Wild Bag in 2019 and since then has been sewing new companions from worn-out jeans — shoppers, bucket bags, wallets and sometimes even patchwork jackets.

The starting materials are often unremarkable: faded seams, worn knees, pockets with stories. Instead of throwing them away, Inés cuts the jeans apart, combines fabrics, adds leather handles and decorative elements like carabiners or 'tiger teeth'. At least 70 percent recycled materials go into each piece, she says — an approach that fits the island, where space is limited and awareness of resources is growing.

The bags are not mass-produced but unique items. Some have long fringes, others large fabric appliqués or unusual cuts. The models carry names that spark curiosity — such as 'Summer Dream', 'Texas Bucket' or 'Denim Rockstar' — and the label is proudly displayed on the outside like a signature, placed where you would expect a classic jeans tag.

What began as a hobby sewing outfits for dolls later became a profession. Inés, born in Leonberg near Stuttgart, worked for a long time in a clothing shop. When that shop suddenly had to close, she used the opportunity to give sewing priority. At first she made children's accessories, sewing many items by hand until a sewing machine became necessary. Today she sells online, has a strong presence on Instagram and regularly appears at island markets: Wednesdays and Saturdays in Santanyí and from May to October on Sundays at the night market in Cala d'Or; her path echoes stories such as From the Conference Room to the AI Canvas.

The scene there is familiar: market stalls and string lights, vendors calling out, the murmur of visitors — and the Wild Bag stall where people look at pieces, feel the fabrics and ask questions. Such markets are for artisans like Inés not only a place to sell but also a stage and a place for advice. They connect local production with guests and residents who value authenticity.

Sustainability for Inés is not a buzzword but practice. Instead of relying on mass production, she focuses on care, repairability and the individuality of each piece. Working as a single mother fostered courage: the decision to become self-employed was risky, but it pays off. Her products show that creativity and economic survival can go hand in hand — if one combines perseverance with an eye for detail.

This has positive effects for Mallorca: local crafts strengthen economic diversity, markets enliven communities like Santanyí and Cala d'Or, and sustainable products reduce pressure on resources; at the same time, boutiques in Mallorca are ordering significantly less, so local makers help fill changing retail patterns.

If you're curious, you can visit Inés at her market stalls or browse online; you can also find related local projects such as the Mercadona green tote DIY that show other creative approaches to reuse.

Conclusion

Wild Bag stands for a clear promise: creating something new from the past with care and craftsmanship. On Mallorca this is not just fashion but a way of life — and an example of how passion can turn into a sustainable, local business.