Earlier this week, Jenna Ortega casually took to the streets of New York City with a $100,000 Aupen bag that’s every bit as stunning, perfect, and gorg as you’d expect of a six-figure accessory. But, considering the pochette is more than most people’s annual salary and a literal one-of-one piece, it’s not like you can just toss it in your online cart cause Taylor Swift and Cosmo editors say you should.
Howevs, it also doesn’t mean owning a handbag that costs more than a luxury car is entirely out of the realm of possibility! I’m not even suggesting you marry for money or embark on a high-level heist to steal it straight off Jenna’s shoulder. Aupen is releasing an exclusive $60 mystery box that contains new silhouettes in Nylon, Denim, Crochet, Calfskin, and ahem, Himalayan crocodile skin. Worst case scenario?? You get a classic Aupen bag for $60 (a steal considering their OG styles run $400+), or best case, you get a $100,000 Aupen bag for $60.
So, how exactly does it work? The official Rouxe drop is going down *checks watch* right now on Aupen’s site—this is basically just the perf excuse to cancel your plans and stay in to shop. Chance at a $100k bag >>> rando dance floor make out. There, I said!
Your design will arrive in a mystery bag (this feels veryyyy Labubu-coded), and for a lucky few, there might even be a golden ticket inside (now we’re in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory territory). The brand described this Easter egg moment as “a secret layer of the experience that remains under wraps,” so while we don’t know the fullll context of what the golden ticket means, we do know that someone is getting Jenna’s bag. Do with that info what you will!
Deets on the other styles included remain relatively under wraps but based on the IG content I’ve seen they look like a slightly more compact version of Taylor’s favorite bag. And considering Jenna’s was inspired by the Purpose silhouette—which was made famous by fellow A-listers like Hailey Bieber, Beyoncé, and Selena Gomez—I’d bet the rest of the mystery lineup fall in that same family.
Now, in case you’re unfamiliar with the brand entirely (are you not a Swiftie? Is this enemy territory??), I’ll fill you in. The Eras Tour icon, as well as fellow final boss cool girl, Charli XCX, are stans of the luxury designer label known for its asymmetrical styles.
Cosmo editors have dubbed the best-selling Nirvana design the perfect little black bag (or LBB™️). “The quality and construction of this bag are very high. It holds its shape with nothing inside, the zipper glides very smoothly, and all the hardware has a luxurious weight and finish to it,” Senior Commerce Director Rachel Torgerson raves. “This bag is perfect for a night out. It beautifully holds the essentials (wallet, keys, phone, lip gloss) and then some while still being able to close.”
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have very important business to attend to. Just don’t be surprised when I step out with a bag that costs more than the mortgage I don’t have.
Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.
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