Prene Bags is a proudly Australian owned and operated accessories label, designed in Melbourne.

Known for signature lightweight, machine-washable and vegan friendly neoprene designs, since launching in 2015, Prene Bags has amassed a cult following, stocked in over 400 local and leading retailers worldwide.

From humble beginnings as a side project created in the bedroom of a 20 year old university student, Prene has achieved global success, with one of the label’s proudest achievements being chosen to collaborate on the 2019 and 2022 Australian Open, creating a sell-out custom bag for the tennis tournament, which was also worn by some of the world’s most premier competing sporting identities.

Prene’s design ethos is simple: uncomplicated, classic and practical pieces, designed for on the go.

Fusing fashion and functionality, Prene is proud to offer a vegan friendly product range that fits seamlessly into every diverse lifestyle.

"The story of Prene came about in 2015, I had given my mum a sample bag to carry out to dinner one night thinking very little of it... funnily enough, it stole the show that night. I watched as people asked my mum where she bought her bag from and how they could get their hands on one. I could see then that there was potential for what I thought could be a little side venture whilst I was studying my first year of business at university. Little did I know that it would explode beyond my wildest expectations — and result in the brand you see today.

That following year, I launched from the bedroom of my parents’ house and through Instagram alone managed to completely sell out the first run before it had even finished production. Using the family garage to store and pack the bags, I enlisted the help of mum and dad as we worked around the clock to keep up with the demand that was growing day by day.

It didn’t take me long to realise that running a business and working for myself was what I was passionate about (I’d like to think I’ve always had an entrepreneurial flair — from making and selling Justin Bieber t-shirts at the peak of his fame, to reworking and up-selling clothes I’d find at markets on eBay) and so I dropped out of university to devote my full attention to Prene.

With that came the wave of “firsts”, receiving stockist requests from local stores being one — at this stage I didn’t even know how to make an invoice (so much for my business course!) I am incredibly thankful to my dad who helped guide me through the foreign territory that comes with running your own company while imparting his invaluable knowledge.

Another first that I quickly learned was how to wear many “hats”. From designing to marketing, accounting, packing, customer service, social media and anything and everything in between. Soon, I was learning all aspects involved in operating both an eCommerce and wholesale business – fast (and I loved it.)

The feedback coming through from the retailers was beyond my wildest expectations, they’d sell out as soon as they’d receive deliveries, some even had customers fighting over stock and pre-order waiting lists were becoming the norm. It was truly unreal — equal parts exciting and terrifying at the same time.

I began expanding the range by designing styles that quite simply - I wanted to carry. As a consumer, what I sought in a bag was something uncomplicated, classic and practical. Crafting the bags from perforated neoprene gave these elements a very unique and cool look. This aesthetic really resonated with our customers and has now become our signature style.

Today, we are proud to have over 400 stockists worldwide, regularly see our bags carried by some of Australia’s favourite personalities and work in partnership with major companies on custom projects. From our design collaboration with Bec Judd, to working in partnership with L’Oréal, Brown Brothers and The Australian Open, I sometimes have to pinch myself that the bags that once originated from a little garage in suburbia, are being recognized by iconic names and brands that I have admired and grown up with.

Although it may sound like Prene’s journey has been something of a dream, no business is smooth sailing and there have undoubtedly been obstacles to overcome — but that’s all part of the journey. It has been incredibly hard work, but very rewarding, and I wouldn’t change a minute of it. I really do love what I do. I love creating, I love using the bags every single day, and I hope you fall in love with Prene the way I have. We are proud to be an Australian owned, female-run company, and hope to continue sharing the Prene love with as many of you as possible."

Tammy Green
Founder