Founded in San Francisco in 2013, Trie Designs handcrafts unique and custom-made accessories using environmentally friendly and re-purposed materials.

Although there may be different variations of some designs, each is constructed on a one-off basis, with individual detailing and care to make your product unique.  Materials are locally sourced, and consist predominantly of natural and biodegradable fabrics, animal friendly and recyclable vegan leather, and re-purposed scrap leather.  Products with internally integrated electronics use only RoHS compliant, lead-free components and rechargeable batteries.

Designer/Founder 

Our founder, Hope Johnson started sewing clothing and accessories at a very young age, and has always enjoyed creating unique items for friends and family. During her 15+ years living in Los Angeles, she has worked at various times creating costumes for theatre productions, and independent and high budget film projects, as well as continuing to designing and construct clothing.  After completing a PhD in Neurobiology in 2009, she moved to Lisbon and traveled extensively throughout Europe becoming influenced by Moroccan-style hand-painted tiles, Medieval castles, old-world master artists, and the cobble-stoned streets of quaint villages.  During this time she was inspired to create a solar powered bag, combining her talents in accessory design and newly acquired knowledge of electrical circuitry.  In 2013 she returned to California, settling in San Francisco, drawn by it's renown sense of individuality and unique esthetics.  By founding Trie Designs she aims to create products that are beautiful, functional, and as unique as her customers.

The Trie Name 

The name 'Trie' (pronounced like 'tree') was chosen not only because of it's connection to nature, but also because of the connection to our founder's family and her journey.  Originating in eastern France, the Trie family immigrated to Minnesota in the late 1800's, in the process, dropping the final 'e' to be named 'Tri.'  Hope's maternal family, the Tri's, have always been supportive of her creative pursuits.  When she moved to Europe and started to initiate the business, she gave tribute to her family's roots by naming the company Trie Designs.