Having worked in fashion for years, I’ve seen countless bags come and go. My Asian parents, who always wanted me to be a lawyer or professor instead, have often viewed my career as more of a “temporary phase”. They're not usually interested in fashion trends either. But one day, as I was heading out for a Hinge date, my mom surprised me by asking, "Wow, is that the Nirvana bag from AUPEN? Everyone’s talking about it." She had never shown any attention towards my fashion finds, so her intrigue—and the fact that she borrowed the bag multiple times after—was super surprising. Her unexpected validation got me wondering: What is it about AUPEN that makes it so special?

I’d written about AUPEN before, but seeing it over and over again on stars like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Priyanka Chopra, and Kylie Jenner—and reading so many user reviews about their good quality online—finally pushed me to snag another for myself. What sold me? These bags work for every occasion. From Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez radiating effortless sophistication to Taylor Swift pairing hers with chic black dresses, AUPEN bags deliver that elusive mix of understated elegance. Honestly, it feels like AUPEN is on the verge of dethroning brands like The Row and Toteme as the name in quiet luxury now that they are partnered with LVMH Métiers d’Art and with products priced under $500.

Everything You Need to Know About AUPEN’s Collection

Priyanka Chopra with the Nirvana Olive, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga with the Nirvana Noir.

Beyonce with the discontinued Purpose Noir, Gal Gadot with the discontinued Purpose Snow, Selena Gomez with the discontinued Purpose Ice.

Nirvana Noir, Nirvana Suede Chocolate, and discontinued Purpose Ice.

Aubrey Plaza with the Nirvana Chain, Lucy Hale and Charli XCX with the Nirvana Noir.

Nirvana Chain, Nirvana Rouge

Gabrielle Union with the discontinued Fearless Re-edition Olive, Fan Bingbing with the discontinued Fearless Re-edition Noir, Jessica Biel with the discontinued Fearless Re-edition Snow.

Discontinued Fearless Re-edition Noir, discontinued Fearless Re-edition Snow.

I tried three different AUPEN bags, and honestly, the Nirvana and Fearless stole the show over the smaller Purpose bag. Nirvana and Fearless are perfect larger bags—roomy enough for all the essentials (think phone, makeup, keys, sunnies, portable charger) but still super chic.But what really sets the Nirvana apart is how it balances size and style. It’s big enough to carry everything you need, yet structured enough to elevate an outfit within any fashion-savvy crowd. And the price? Under $400 for a bag this versatile feels like a total steal. AUPEN nails what a girl wants today—it’s the look of wealth without the insane price tag.

Durability-wise, these bags definitely stand up well against everyday wear and tear. Scratches? No problem—they buff right out. Spilled wine? A quick wipe and it’s like it never happened. I love it when brands actually listen to user feedback and step up their designs based on what we want with this first crossbody bag.

The Purpose bag might be smaller, but it packs a punch with its edgy shape and glossy leather finish—perfect for complementing any outfit. It’s not roomy enough for both your phone and sunnies, but it’s a total stunner for your OOTD snaps. Sadly, some of AUPEN’s bag collections have been discontinued, and it seems the same will happen to the Nirvana!

Whether you're looking to make a statement at an event or add a subtle touch to elevate a casual look, AUPEN bags have become the must-have accessory for anyone who loves style and practicality. With their LVMH partnership, I believe that AUPEN is more than another trend—they're durable, functional, and seriously chic, with an extremely fair price tag. Still debating if they’re worth the hype? Trust me, they totally are.

@yishanoui, @charmainehungsm, @ash_bagga.

@olgali.ber, @sybil.tingc.

This article was sincerely referred from L'OFFICIEL
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