Anyone who has cast the briefest glances towards Taylor Swift’s blossoming love story with NFL star Travis Kelce would have also noticed her (second) choice of arm candy during one of her date nights of late: a black, curvy asymmetrical handbag with a braided handle adorned with gold hardware. Lo and behold, the Nirvana — one of the most signature bags from AUPEN, an accessory brand that has taken the world by storm with its timeless yet unique designs.
October 15, 2023Taylor Swift arriving at SNL Afterparty with Travis Kelce in New York City carrying AUPEN's Nirvana Noir
Photo: Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images
It is not the first time Swift has been spotted with AUPEN’s Nirvana: she also stepped out with the bag to attend Jack Antonoff’s wedding rehearsal in August. This leaves the question: who is behind Tay Tay’s new favourite bag, and how do we get our hands on one?
Taylor Swift carrying AUPEN's Nirvana Noir
Photo: Courtesy of AUPEN
Within the walls of its studios in Brooklyn and Singapore, AUPEN is brought to life by a collective design team who “ideate and experiment with interesting concepts together”. The result? Sleek, asymmetrical silhouettes crafted from animal-free and eco-friendly materials that distinguish the brand from the rest.
“Influenced by art and architecture, we wanted to move away from the idea of perfection and embrace irregularity and to appreciate beauty with its flaws present in our everyday day,” AUPEN’s collective design team tells Vogue Hong Kong. In particular, the brand’s sculptural Brooklyn is inspired by the architectural characteristics of the Brooklyn Bridge, making for an evening purse that lends an urban twist to any outfit.
The Purpose is, quite literally, the edgier sister of Swift’s Nirvana bag, also boasting an asymmetric body characterised by its sharp angular shape. One of the first bags released by AUPEN, Purpose counts fashion’s favourite it-girls as its loyal fans. Notably, Hailey Bieber completed her classic white tank and low-waisted jeans looks with the Purpose in Noir and styled the same bag with a silver sequinned column dress for her Rhode Launch Party in May 2023.
July 09, 2023 Gal Gadot attends the World Premiere of "Barbie" at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on in Los Angeles, California carrying AUPEN's Purpose Snow
Photo: Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images
September 13, 2023Selena Gomez leaving VMAs After Party Hosted by Diddy wearing AUPEN's Purpose Ice
Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images via Getty Images
When Barbiecore took over the world this summer, the Purpose in Snow was spotted in the hands of Gal Gadot at the premiere of Barbie: The Movie. And when the Purpose received the glam treatment to become the Purpose Ice – a second iteration of the bag adorned with a silver metallic fringe – it immediately found its way onto the arms of Ashley Park, Selena Gomez and more.
Kylie Jenner and Fan Bingbing wearing AUPEN's Fearless Re-edition
Photo: Courtesy of AUPEN
From the Purpose and the Brooklyn to the Fearless Re-edition purse (a sell-out that made a comeback on the arms of Kylie Jenner and Fan Bingbing), AUPEN’s bag styles are versatile and minimalist. Still, each is characterised by a distinctive feature that makes it one of a kind. So, what is next in line to be released? “We are very excited to launch experimental concepts under a new division featuring our exploration with jewellery and other surprises,” the team reveals. Will Taylor Swift go on a date in an AUPEN necklace next? We’ll just have to wait and see.
