The Affordable AUPEN Bag, loved by Taylor Swift, is finally back in stock for possibly the last time

Dec 5, 2024 by Jasmine Ong

With the announcement of the closure of AUPEN’s design collective earlier this year, there has been concerns regarding the future availability of the much loved Nirvana Bag, especially when its debut collection comprising the Joy and Purpose bags are no longer available.

Worn by celebrities from Taylor Swift to Hailey Bieber, Blue Ivy, Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez, and, most recently, Olivia Rodrigo, the accessories brand is the stuff of quiet luxury, a status symbol for sure thanks to these high-profile associations, but with minimalist designs just understated enough to not call (that much) attention to themselves. Where high-end designer scream wealth and prestige, AUPEN whispers “iykyk” — with accessible price points to boot.

[Click on the images for more. Images courtesy of aupen.]

Despite the lack of restocking updates, the beloved Nirvana Bag is currently restocked in limited quantities, with new fabrications available for a limited time only. This, however, does mean that you should get your hands on the Nirvana Bag now as it could be discontinued in the future.

Above: Beyoncé with the discontinued AUPEN Purpose Noir, Jennifer Lawrence with the discontinued AUPEN Fearless Re-edition Noir, Kylie Jenner with the discontinued AUPEN Fearless Noir, and Hailey Bieber with the discontinued AUPEN Purpose Noir. Image courtesy of AUPEN.

Since becoming the IT bag for the stars after AUPEN’s Nirvana Bag was spotted on several Hollywood big weights which include Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Queen Bey herself, it has always sold out whenever it drops online.

With that in mind, we decided to take three of AUPEN’s coveted shoulder bags for a spin, in order to test out their function, durability, and more, and to answer the singular question that’s been on our minds since spotting them everywhere in tinseltown: are they worth the hype? Read on to find out.

Above: Taylor Swift with the AUPEN NIRVANA NOIR (US$340). Image courtesy of AUPEN.

In addition to its status as the must-have bag of all-time, the AUPEN Nirvana Bag is also known for its affordability, ranging from US$340, which has made it a more accessible option in spite of its sculptural design and high craftsmanship that showcases a similar aesthetic to ‘quiet luxury’ brands such as The Row, Khaite, and Loro Piana.

While I did not understand the initial hype around the AUPEN Nirvana Bag, as I am more of a large tote bag kind of girl, I had to admit that there was something special about the bag, especially in its contemporary shape which offers a softly structured silhouette that gives it this timeless design that will never go out of style.

Above: Emily Blunt and Selena Gomez with the AUPEN NIRVANA NOIR; Taylor Swift with the AUPEN NIRVANA NOIR and Olivia Rodrigo with the unreleased AUPEN crocodile leather strap bag; Lady Gaga and Charli XCX with the AUPEN NIRVANA NOIR. Image courtesy of AUPEN.

I like that it has a slouchy feel too which is complemented by its scooped asymmetrical shape, and this braided handle which has now become an iconic accent that is automatically associated with AUPEN.

I am not fully a convert to small bags just yet but I can safely say that the AUPEN Nirvana Bag is the only exception for me.

Even though the impending discontinuation of AUPEN’s classic icons might be a cause of concern for fans of the brand, it does not mean that there are no new products that they can look forward to — now that the brand has formed a partnership with LVMH Métiers d’Art.

LVMH Métiers d’Art headquarters in Paris, France. Image courtesy of AUPEN.

Following plans to shift some of its production base to France, the partnership that was formed in July this year would allow AUPEN access to the best-in-class LVMH production facilities which include Tanneries Roux, the oldest French tannery synonymous for its work for luxury brands like Hermès and Louis Vuitton.

AUPEN has since begun product development with wholly owned LVMH entities Tanneries Roux for its leathers, and Jade Groupe, whose list of clients include CHANEL and Schiaparelli, for its hardware. A quality control system had also been implemented for AUPEN to ensure that the attention to detail is guaranteed for future designs.

The AUPEN Nirvana Bag is priced from US$340 and is currently restocked on AUPEN.COM for a limited time.

This article was sincerely referred from NYLON
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