Pop OFF

Fresh off the unveiling of an exclusive capsule collection between bag brand Aupen and Vogue Singapore, creative director Skye Tan chats about sustainability and the future of fashion.

- BRYAN HO

Every few months the fashion industry sees a new brand erupt onto the scene, typically charged by the buzz from a popular celebrity sporting its latest products. With its eye-catching handbags seen on the likes of Kylie Jenner and Gabrielle Union, Aupen is the newest brand in the sustainable handbag space that is set to make waves this year.

At the helm of this up-and-coming bag brand is fashion photographer Skye Tan, current creative director and head of product design. “Aupen started quite organically actually. I never thought I would have my own brand,” admits the Singaporean fashion photographer. Currently based in New York City, Tan works with PS169 Sunset Park School, an institute in Brooklyn that specialises in individualised education programmes for children with special needs. Through that experience, he has gained a profound understanding regarding topics surrounding mental health.

This led to Tan’s eventual interest with how shapes and colours affect a person’s psychology, specifically for the better. Having lived through the recent pandemic, surrounding oneself with beneficial mental health stimulus seemed to be at the forefront of mind. He explains: “I started toying with feel-good colours and asymmetry for our first collection, and I’m so happy with the response so far.” As a result, Aupen was born in Brooklyn. Its name is a combination of the words ‘authentic’ and ‘open’.