Image Credit – Instagram of Ashna Mehta
If you have been anywhere near the internet these past couple of weeks, you may already be aware of Gen Z’s latest obsession – the Labubu dolls. Those wide-eyed, mischievous characters from Pop Mart have become the IT charm to have. The craze is so real that grown adults have been fighting in stores just to get their hands on the trending accessory of the season. Want to hop onboard the bag charm trend without having to battle the circus? Fret not we’ve got you.
If you have tried scoring one of these gremlin dolls, you’ll know it’s no easy feat. Between blind boxes, resale markups, and instant sell-outs, scoring one can feel like winning the fashion lottery. Good thing there are tons of alternatives you can look into!
Before the likes of Rihanna and Lisa made Labubu dolls a must have, we had fashion icons like Jane Birkin, who famously covered her Hermès bag in personal keepsakes and keychains, and the Olsen twins, who treated their designer totes like charm-adorned mood boards in the 2000s.
If you haven’t guessed by now, the bag charm trend is back – and its bigger than ever. As per Pinterest, searches for “bag charms” have jumped over seven times from last year. Even luxury brands have been hopping onboard the bandwagon, with Miu Miu and Coach showcasing charm-stacked bags on their Fall/Winter 2024 runways. It’s safe to say, this is more than just a micro-trend.
Here are a few ways you can elevate your bag game with cute charms:
Key chains
A go-to for streetwear lovers, keychains on bags are perfect for adding an edge to your look. They not only look trendy and help you showcase your life mantra, but they also jingle nicely, announcing your presence anywhere and everywhere.
Leather Animals
Coach has quietly been releasing an entire zoo of adorable leather critters—from dinosaurs to unicorns—all perfectly clip-on ready. They’re polished, playful, and surprisingly versatile.
Dazzling
If they are good enough for Isha Ambani, they sure are good enough for us! While not everyone has the budget to bedazzle their bags with real natural diamonds, customized American stones and crystals should do the trick too.
Handmade Charms
Crochet strawberries? Felt frogs in hats? Tiny embroidered ghosts? The indie charm scene is thriving, and platforms like Amazon or even Instagram shops are full of handmade treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
