Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lawrence, and Hailey Bieber have all been spotted with bags from this sustainable brand – yours for under £300
It bag status achieved

If you’ve been paying attention to A-listers’ autumn/winter style, you will have noticed Gigi Hadid sporting a micro JW Pei shoulder bag, or Kate Middleton styling her ultra-chic Tusting handbag.
However, if like me, you’ve been obsessed with Taylor Swift’s recent street style whilst rendezvousing with her new beau or Jennifer Lawrence’s chic strolls around New York City, another bag might have piqued your interest – an asymmetric style from none other than New York-based brand, Aupen.
A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial)
A photo posted by on
The brand, which was first spotted on Kylie Jenner in November 2022, has since garnered an impressive A-list fanbase. The designs themselves are chic, structural, under £300, and sustainable. A complete and utter It bag in my eyes.
The small brand prizes sustainability and craftsmanship above all when it comes to their bags, choosing purpose without compromising on luxury and timelessness. All pieces are made from circular materials and have already earned several certifications from the likes of Amfori and Control Union.
Think sleek shoulder handbags, elevated by extra-special detailings that give them a one-of-a-kind feel. From Taylor Swift’s favourite style, Nirvana, which features braided detailing at the handles, to Jennifer Lawrence’s curved go-to, the Fearless Re-Edition (the repurposed version of Kylie Jenner’s bag).
Gen Z It girls Hailey Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo have both been spotted wearing the brand’s most popular piece, the Purpose handbag. This bag is sleekly structured with an asymmetric finish. Celebs like Selena Gomez and Ashley Park have opted for its glamorous sibling, the Purpose Ice, which features a unique crystal fringe with a bedazzled exterior.
As often seen with celebrity-approved It bags, certain styles tend to come and go, which is why I champion handbags that will be wardrobe staples for many years to come, from brands with a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
All the more reason why Aupen continues to be on my radar – and several celebs'.
Sofia Piza is the Fashion Writer at Marie Claire UK. With extensive experience and a degree in Fashion Journalism, she covers runway trends, shopping picks, celebrity fashion, and industry news.
Throughout her career, Sofia's work has ranged from in-depth interviews with industry experts and high-profile celebrities to creative production for editorial cover shoots and red-carpet coverage. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia's multicultural upbringing has fed into her interest in international markets, leading her fashion week coverage across London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.
When she's not sourcing inspiration from social media, you will find Sofia anywhere from a local vintage market to busy central London streets, people watching to make sure she brings you the latest trends, from the best denim pieces to the must-have investment bags- the possibilities are endless.
-
The viral White Lotus theory could actually have a subtle second meaning - and it makes a lot of sense
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
These are the chic yet comfortable sandals our editors are already investing in for Spring
It's never too early
By Sofia Piza
-
Andrea's It List: 7 key travel essentials for fashion month
The most useful investment pieces for fashion month from Marie Claire's Editor In Chief Andrea Thompson
By Andrea Thompson