Gal Gadot at the Barbie Premiere with the AUPEN Purpose Bag. Courtesy of AUPEN

As a fashion editor, I try a lot of different brands. One look through my wardrobe, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. But even when tons of new bag brands are popping up, I’m currently obsessed with this new brand called AUPEN. If you have yet to hear about it, it’s the latest accessories brand that has been worn by the likes of Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, Gal Gadot, Dakota Johnson and Hailey Bieber. Their endorsements alone were enough to pique my interest to find out more about the brand.

Upon landing on the website, I started to understand the hype around the brand. Every style is unique and easily universally loved, and together their minimalist style brought cohesiveness to the overall brand. With upcoming summer parties and vacations, I found myself at their checkout page with 4 different styles thanks to their USD180 and upwards price tag and decided to test-drive them through different moments of my socially packed week.

Dakota Johnson (top) and Hailey Bieber (bottom) with the AUPEN Purpose Bag. Courtesy of AUPEN

AUPEN’s Purpose Bag

COURTESY OF AUPEN

Purpose was my first pick as it was seen on most of the celebrities, and I was initially drawn to this sleek design. I took this bag out with me on a girl’s night with friends and it could fit all of my go-to essentials, an iPhone pro, cards and keys. The bag is also extremely lightweight, which was so convenient for me to take from one venue to another that evening. I was initially concerned by how it would sit on my shoulders, with the chain strap. 

However it was surprisingly comfortable, and didn’t leave any marks on me or slip down my shoulders while carrying it. This is definitely not a bag for someone who needs to put a lot of things in their bag, but a must-have accessory for a party night out. Styled with a simple dress, it immediately gave off that cool girl edge.

COURTESY OF AUPEN

AUPEN’s Nirvana Bag

Selena Gomez with the AUPEN Nirvana Bag. Courtesy of AUPEN

The second bag that caught my eye was the nirvana bag. I first saw it on Selena Gomez, and I had never seen a style that looked soft, yet structured. There is a super cute asymmetrical seed that hangs from the edge of the bag that gives it that luxurious touch. The design is fresh with the braided handle and asymmetrical cut, and the leather is extremely soft to the touch.

I was initially drawn to their colorway in green (my favorite color) - but found out that it was already sold out – and never coming back because the brand sources each material meticulously – so they do not always restock sold out colors. Since this bag cannot fit a laptop, it isn’t suitable for daily office setting, but I found myself taking this bag to run errands, work lunches and to the gym.

I liked the comfort and softness of the of the bag, and I honestly got stopped multiple times by strangers asking me where I got this bag. My one wish is for AUPEN to have this bag available in bigger sizes so that I can put more things in it that I need throughout the day, for example an IPad.

Wearing my AUPEN Nirvana Bag in Earth out for a lunch meeting

COURTESY OF AUPEN

AUPEN’s Fearless Re-edition Bag

Kylie Jenner with the AUPEN Fearless Bag. Courtesy of AUPEN

COURTESY OF AUPEN

The Fearless bag was first worn by Kylie Jenner a few months ago and was the moment where I first noticed AUPEN. Recently, they re-launched the Fearless with a few changes. The Olive Fearless Re-edition bag was an instant check-out for me since I was eager to get a bag in any shade of olive green. Being the largest out of the four bags I am reviewing, I took this to work and I have to say it ticks all the right boxes as an understated, functional and stylish work bag.

I like how the new version has no more logos. I also feel this style is the most practical out of the others. It is structured, has no logos, and is scratch and stain resistant as it rubs against the bodies of people on a busy subway morning. The bag is also very light, which I like, because bags can start to be heavy as you bring too many things around it and carry it as a top handle instead of over your shoulder. The Re-edition version has a thinner shoulder strap, which is great because the strap doesn’t slip off my shoulder anymore. There is also a new sleek design on the edge of the bag, making it even more unique in style. 

Wearing my AUPEN Fearless Re-edition in Olive

COURTESY OF AUPEN

AUPEN's Brooklyn Bag

COURTESY OF AUPEN

My second most used bag after the Nirvana would be the Brooklyn bag. I was initially deceived by its size, but this bag actually fits quite a few things – and does a great job at keeping its shape. I decided to put it to the test and it managed to fit in all of the same items (minus the water bottle) as the Fearless Re-edition bag, which by the way is approximately double in size.

This Brooklyn Bridge-inspired purse has an edgy design that could stylize any outfit from work to night. Because of its functionality, it has become my go-to vacation bag since it can fit all of my daily essentials and match with almost every single outfit. Some cons I would say is that I wish that it had an adjustable shoulder strap or an additional cross body strap so I could sling it across my body too.

Wearing my AUPEN Brooklyn bag for an evening out.

COURTESY OF AUPEN

Having been a fashion editor for years in the industry, I am amazed by the quality and affordability of AUPEN’s bags. Originality is an important criteria for me, and I love that not many people have an AUPEN bag yet. Their US$180 - US$490 price tag is also well worth the price. I saw that other shoppers on AUPEN’S social media accounts were also loving their designs. One reviewer said that the bags are “super cute, unique and great for the price”, and another commented on that quality of the material, saying “The stitching, finishing and durability of the bag is comparable to Loro Piana and The Row.”

With a slew of hit designs already coming out, AUPEN is definitely not a one-hit wonder kind of brand. I’m believe the brand will be here for a long while and I am excited to see what they have in store next.

This article was sincerely referred from Harper's Bazaar China. You may view the original article here.