Singaporean designer Nicholas Tan debuts solo exhibit in Manila

Singaporean bag designer and artist Nicholas Tan has launched his first solo exhibition in Manila, which runs until August 30 at 125 Projects.

Known as the founder of fashion brand Aupen, Tan told GMA News Online that staging his maiden exhibition in the Philippines feels like a homecoming.

"I used to swim a lot in Manila, so it's kind of like coming home," he said, referring to his years as a former Singapore national swimmer.

At the heart of the exhibition is a recurring sculptural form inspired by the silhouette of Aupen's signature Purpose bag, which has been carried by global style icons including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Highlighting the exhibit are two Manila-exclusive purple Nirvana bags, including the signature Nirvana model famously carried by the "Opalite" hitmaker during her first public date with now-husband Travis Kelce.

One of the purple Nirvana editions is limited to just 125 pieces worldwide and is available for purchase at 125 Projects.

125 Projects is located at NBS Park in Mandaluyong City.

—MGP, GMA News