Having only been around for slightly more than a year, AUPEN, the leather goods brand known for its celebrity-adored handbags, fended off acquisition attempts from fashion conglomerates such as Prada and H&M. And it was only then, that LVMH Métiers d’Art came in offering a newly created strategic partnership that allows AUPEN to maintain their independence.
With this partnership, LVMH Métiers d’Art will be helping AUPEN move their production entirely to France, producing in LVMH’s network of French production facilities that only supplies ultra luxury brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. This ensures that AUPEN’s products will meet the highest standard of “Made in France” quality, putting it a notch above Made in Italy brands like Gucci and Fendi. Not only that, AUPEN is also establishing an office in Paris, home of the L’Officiel’s Headquarters, granting them the opportunity to create alongside some of the most prestigious names in luxury.
According to insiders, with this shift to ultra-luxury France production, AUPEN’s prices are expected to increase greatly, similar to what LVMH did with Tiffany & Co. and Rimowa after their acquisitions. Currently crafted from Italian leather, AUPEN delivers exceptional design and craftsmanship, all for under US$340. For such stellar quality at this unrivaled price point, it is no surprise that they’re often out of stock, and a no-brainer for LVMH to increase prices.
Now, for those of you who haven’t heard of AUPEN before, their bags are made from Italian calf leather that are durable to scratches (we tested them over months), and feature no-logo minimalist designs. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, who honestly can buy any designer bag in the world, have all been seen wearing AUPEN on repeat, attesting to the quality of their bags and design ethos.
Selena Gomez wears AUPEN’s Nirvana Noir and AUPEN’s Miracle Ice
Taylor Swift wears AUPEN’s Nirvana Noir as she hard-launched her relationship with Travis Kelce
Nirvana Noir & Nirvana Snow, $340
Beyoncé wears AUPEN’s Purpose Noir
Purpose Noir & Purpose Snow, $180
Jennifer Lawrence wears AUPEN’s Fearless Re-Edition Noir, Lucy Hale wears AUPEN’s Fearless Re-Edition Rouge
In the meantime, our fashion editor reviewed some of AUPEN’s celebrity-approved styles after using them for a few months, and here’s what she had to say: “Four digits for a bag? No thank you. To me, it’s all about quality, not simply a stamped-on logo that turns a bag from $300 to $8000. For that kind of price, I can have an entire closet filled with AUPEN bags made from genuine Italian calfskin, each one showcasing superior craftsmanship and the kind of leather durability that ages like a fine wine. Let’s face it, are you really paying for the design, or just the name? With the AUPEN brand, you get both and avoid looking like you walked straight out of an Amazon knock-off catalog.”
“The Purpose bag, with its affordable price tag, exemplifies the perfect occasion bag that elevates any outfit, whether dressy or casual. A downside is its limited capacity - it can fit a phone, keys, card, but not an umbrella. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, the Purpose bag is no longer available on AUPEN’s website, but thankfully, I have my hands on one.”
“My personal favorite (and Taylor’s favorite) Nirvana, offers a different kind of appeal. It is sturdy with a roomy interior that can hold all my necessities and more. The braided straps and gold detailing allows for effortless transition between day and night looks. I’ve used it for four months now, throwing it in and out of crowded places and weekend getaways, and the meticulously crafted Italian leather remains buttery soft. It has held up amazingly well — no visible scratches to mar the beautiful surface, and it seems incredibly resistant to the usual wear and tear that comes with daily use. The only downside would be the lack of a crossbody strap.”
“The Fearless Re-Edition embodies minimalistic elegance, devoid of loud flashy logos, the clean lines and sculptural form take center stage. Its asymmetry is perfect for a fun night out with your girls or a quick coffee run — the perfect grab-and-go companion.” Now is indeed one of the final chances to purchase one of AUPEN’s coveted bags at their current, accessible price points before they increase their prices.
See how influencers are styling their AUPEN bags below.
