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’.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heritage REIMAGINED
Burberry's Outerwear 2024 campaign unfolds as a tribute to its illustrious heritage, showcasing reimagined classics tailored for the modern fashion maven.
The Spectrum Of Beauty
In an industry where neurotypical is the default, how do neurodivergent individuals navigate their relationship with beauty? Vogue Singapore investigates.
Reunited and It Feels So Good
The joy of a return is palpable for K-pop star Sandara Park, who's back on stage as a member of 2NE1 for the Welcome Back tour— the group's first headlining concert since eight years of inactivity.
AP
As 2024 draws to a close, Grammy- and Tonynominated actress Ashley Park reflects on her most transformative chapter yet.
Blue HOUR
Meet the whisky of the moment the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet. Released in partnership with luxury skiwear brand, Perfect Moment, it is a fashion-forward ode to the allure of après-ski culture.
MEETING of MINDS
A long-standing patron of arts and culture, Chanel is making its mark in the world of literature with the Literary Rendezvous at Rue Cambon, imagined by house ambassador and spokesperson Charlotte Casiraghi. The series' next writer of focus? Acclaimed French author Colette.
The WORDSMITH
Singaporean author Amanda Lee Koe's books defy definition-as does their maker.
MAGIC Show
Cartier has unveiled The Power of Magic, its latest exhibition dedicated to the enchanting powers of its creations. Vogue Singapore's watches and jewellery editor reports from Shanghai and speaks with the director of the Cartier Collection.
Rebel REBEL
A surprising team-up for the ages: Japanese pearl jeweller Mikimoto collaborates with uber-cool Hollywood luxury label Chrome Hearts.
Glorious MOVEMENT
Seeing an athlete at the top of their game can be awe-inspiring, a sense captured in the RM 07-04 Automatic Sport by Richard Mille.
