It's not often celebrities wear accessible and affordable items that us normies can shop. So when they do offer that rare opportunity, we recommend you run to purchase. That's the case with Aupen, the sustainable bag brand that's quickly become Hollywood's accessory of choice. Everyone from Gabrielle Union and Hailey Bieber to Zaya Wade and Olivia Rodrigo has been seen carrying purses from the Brooklyn- and Singapore-based designer, known for its asymmetrical designs crafted with vegan leather. The lineup of uniquely shaped bags costs anywhere from $120 to $490, with most celebrity-favorite styles falling in the middle of the range.
Back in November 2022, Union and Kylie Jenner were some of the first celebrities spotted with Aupen's Fearless bag, a baguette-style purse with a crescent curve. Since then, others have followed suit. At Rhode's UK launch party in June, Bieber accessorized her sequined silver dress with a sleek Purpose purse, while Selena Gomez chose the flashier Purpose Ice design for her "Single Soon" music video in August and again at a VMAs afterparty. Most recently, for her first public outing with Travis Kelce ahead of their surprise "Saturday Night Live" cameos, Taylor Swift completed her casual outfit with the Nirvana, which features a slouchy body and braided strap.
While stars have reached for the emerging brand's Purpose, Nirvana, and Fearless styles in black colorways in particular, Aupen's offerings also include more sculptural designs and a variety of bright colors. The handbags are inspired by fukinsei, a Japanese aesthetic concept that celebrates asymmetry and irregularity.
Ahead, see how stars like Swift, Jenner, and Union styled the midrange bags, and shop their exact items. They may not be inexpensive, but they're certainly more affordable than the usual celebrity-loved designer items that cost more than your monthly rent.