I’m not ashamed to admit the influence Hollywood’s biggest names hold over my sartorial choices (they’re dressed by some of the business’ most talented stylists, after all).
While many of their fashion staples are often well above my budget, on rare occasion someone is spotted in an affordable luxury or mid-range piece that becomes an instant sell-out that I, too need to own.
Recently, however, there’s been an exception to the luxury rule.
Seemingly overnight, accessories brand Aupen has swept through the celebrity set, seen on the arms of not just one or two stars, but an exhaustive list that reads like a Met Gala rollcall.
First, it was Kylie Jenner with the label’s asymmetric, minimalist Fearless bag. Then, came Hailey Bieber, who has been donning the sharp and angular Purpose style regularly. And, who can forget Taylor Swift, stepping out on date night with beau Travis Kelce wearing the Nirvana bag.
The list didn’t end there. Selena Gomez, Olivia Rodrigo, Dakota Johnson, Gabrielle Union, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Karlie Kloss, Rita Ora and more (yes, there’s more) have since been seen with an Aupen bag under their arm.
Naturally, I had to get my hands on the now cult label. As I said, easily influenced.
The Singaporean-American brand clearly knows the gravitas of a first impression, because when the bags (plural, because I’m an indecisive Libran who wanted to see my top three colour options in person) arrived, they did so with all the fine touches of a luxury purchase; a sleek matte black box, velvety soft dust bags for safe keeping and gold hardware meticulously protected from scratches.
The leather felt so soft and supple I was surprised to learn it’s sourced using 100 percent traceable food byproducts and each stunning colourway exceeded expectation.
While the black is a timeless classic, I loved the soft touch of the Snow colourway (white can be a tricky bag colour to pull off without looking cheap, but this nailed the luxury brief) as well as the Rouge, that wasn’t obnoxiously bright but still brought an on-trend pop of red to my wardrobe.
The true test came in the mirror while styling my outfits over the weekend. The asymmetric shape made every outfit feel instantly cooler, inching me fractionally closer to emulating one of Hollywood’s it-girls. As for space, I easily fit everything I needed (phone, keys, wallet, multiple lip glosses) and more within the petite yet roomy shape.
Aupen’s Nirvana carried me from opulent Friday night dinner to quiet Sunday brunch with ease, somehow adapting to my mood and striking that perfect balance of looking luxe yet cool, casual yet elevated. In summary, I’m utterly obsessed and while I’ve completely committed to the Rouge…I may just keep all three yet.
Nirvana Bag
$532 at Aupen
Sustainably crafted, Aupen’s Nirvana bag is the accessory every wardrobe needs, effortlessly complimenting any look you pull together.
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