Latest news with #bagcharms
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Fashion fans run to Lidl as supermarket releases its answer to Labubu handbag charms
CELEBS and influencers alike have all been getting in on the mega bag charms. Fashion fans have been queuing round the block to get their hands on viral Labubu charms. The half-baby-half-monster dolls are causing a worldwide stir, having been used as handbag accessories by the likes of Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even Kim Kardashian. Now Lidl is getting in on the act with its own accessories to rival the plush toys, created by Hong-Kong artist Kasing Lung, who created the characters in 2015. With the likes of Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Gucci all releasing their own, bag charms are a trend that just keeps hotting up. According to research by Lidl, they've seen a huge 400 per cent rise in searches since 2024. Its new bespoke bag charm collection includes six joyful trinkets that celebrate the supermarket's most iconic items, which shoppers can get their hands on for free. Kicking off the charm selection is the award-winning and best-selling all butter croissant. Fresh from the Lidl in-store bakery and onto the handbags of queens across the nation. For those keen to add a splash of colour, the juicy trio of Oakland tomatoes brings the fresh produce aisle to the catwalk. Taking the Middle Aisle to the middle of Vogue, shoppers can secure a replica of the lovable Lidl Bear, the supermarket's Christmas icon. And, for those Lidl-lovers looking to dress for a charm offensive, the ultimate cult-favourite Leopard Print Kettle has also been reimagined in holographic charm form. Lidl is selling a £2.99 product beauty fans are racing to nab - you don't have to wear foundation AND it contains SPF50 Tying together the eclectic collection, the charm also features a stylish leather tassel in the supermarkets signature blue, red and yellow, alongside a squishy Lidl logo. The cheeky range comes following the success of Lidl's internet-breaking Croissant Handbag, which saw the statement piece sell-out in just two minutes. Fashionistas and Lidl lovers alike simply need to head to the website to be in with a chance of getting their hands on one of the limited-edition bag charms. And people are already going wild for them since spotting them on social media. One said: "A trolley token with your LOGO on would have been a great addition to this! But I still want one anyway!" "Would definitely buy this", insisted someone else. Meanwhile, a third cried: "We need one of these." 4
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bag Charms Are Booming: Why Is This Statement Resonating Now?
Heaven Mayhem and Freja NYC collaboration, Photo Credit: Courtesy of Heaven Mayhem and Freja NYC Call it nostalgia, self-expression, or a playful twist on everyday luxury — bag charms are having a moment. From whimsical plushies to refined, jewelry-inspired tokens, statement charms are dangling from purses everywhere. Women aren't just getting the bag — they're accessorizing it, too. Of course, this isn't an entirely new phenomenon. Fashion has long been known to sit at the intersection of practicality and play. It's also no coincidence that whimsical brands like Jellycat (which has exploded in popularity with adult collectors, amassing a devoted following on TikTok) are also earning their spot on designer handbags, with their food-inspired plush keychains. Before charms became high-fashion heirlooms, they were hanging from Kipling's signature nylon bags in the form of plush monkey keychains. Luxury brands soon elevated the concept. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Fendi transformed bag charms into status symbols. Fendi's Bag Bugs (or 'monster charms'), designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 2014, were plush, playful and priced in the hundreds — turning bags into characters and collectors' items. Now, in a post-pandemic world shaped by emotional dressing and nostalgic aesthetics, bag charms are having a renaissance. From Lububu dolls to Monchhichi revivals and fashion accessory brands blurring the lines between plush and precious, the trend reflects a desire for comfort, joy and individuality — especially in an era of 'trend burnout' and aesthetic overload. Fashion sourcer and founder of SourcedBy, Gab Waller, points to the power of belonging: 'I really think it all comes down to being part of an 'if you know, you know' type of community. Owning one makes you feel like you're part of something, and right now, community is at the core of what consumers are craving.' This rise in plush charms and toy-like accessories aligns with a broader cultural movement: the kidult trend. Adults — especially Gen Z — are embracing toys, collectibles, and playful accessories not just for fun, but for emotional comfort and expression. According to market research firm Circana, adults over 18 now account for 28% of global toy sales, with U.S. adult toy purchases exceeding $7 billion in the 12 months ending June 2024. Labubu plush toys have become a significant trend in the collectible market, with resale prices varying based on edition, rarity and demand. 'It's cheeky! I love it,' says Taylor Sade, founder of jewelry brand Vertigo (whose collab with handbag brand Liffner launches in late May). 'Ultimately, 'getting the bag' has always been about securing what's yours. Accessorizing speaks to that — it's no longer just about owning the status symbol, but about elevating it through personal flair.' 'We're seeing the rise of emotional collectibles,' adds Emily Austen, founder of PR agency Emerge and author of Smarter. 'From enamel pins to limited-run toys, there's a new category of accessory that doesn't just adorn — it affirms.' Austen continues: 'Charms sit beautifully between fashion and fandom. They borrow the collectability and drop culture of sneakers, but filter it through emotion and personal meaning. They're playful, affordable(ish), and portable — the accessory equivalent of a meme with main-character energy." Photo Credit: Courtesy of Smarter, Emily Austen That emotional connection is what inspired the collaboration between lifestyle and accessory brand Heaven Mayhem and luxury vegan handbag line Freja NYC. Together, they launched a limited-edition capsule of two bags and three charms, combining Freja's beloved Mini Chrystie bag with charms inspired by Heaven Mayhem's best-selling Julia necklace. The charms are visually cohesive with the bag color scheme yet striking with bold hardware. 'It only made sense to adorn the bags with a charm that represents Heaven Mayhem,' says Heaven Mayhem founder Pia Mance. 'They're a spin-off of our iconic Julia necklace, but reimagined for your everyday essentials.' 'The bag charms celebrate personal style and allow people to be unique in how they adorn their bags or keyrings,' she adds. 'They blur the line between functionality and fashion, and bring that playful element to everyday life.' Freja founder Jenny Lei echoes that sentiment: 'I started Freja as a work bag brand for women entering the workforce, because I couldn't find a tote that felt functional yet confidence-boosting. Our first tagline was 'bags that work overtime, so you don't have to.' Now, I think the act of accessorizing that bag symbolizes something more — women really owning their power. Not just trusting themselves and chasing dreams, but gaining confidence and having fun with it.' Waller agrees — and says her clients are responding to charms as a way to access luxury without the full price tag: "To be able to buy a Prada keychain or a Miu Miu bag charm, it's something my clients are gravitating toward because it's still relatively affordable. That charm makes a non-designer bag feel luxurious.' Vertigo's Sade adds: 'Whether your bag costs $100 or $10K, chances are you aren't the only one who owns it. Small accessorization opportunities, whether it's charms, scarves, chains, or whatever else suits your style, add a sense of individuality and originality that fashion, and many other industries for that matter, are really championing.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vertigo Laura Gabriele, a style expert and wardrobe curator, sees the charm boom as part of a larger accessories renaissance. 'We're in the ultimate era of accessorizing these days, which I love,' she says. 'With the rise of quiet luxury, ready-to-wear has leaned more minimal — so we're relying on standout but not necessarily loud accessories to make a statement. Items like sunglasses, brooches, statement cuffs, stacks of jewelry — and yes, bag charms — are no longer afterthoughts. In many cases, they're the entire focal point of a look.' Jewelry designer Adina Reyter also sees charms as an extension of something deeper — not just style, but sentiment. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Adina Reyter 'When we launched our bag charms, I wanted to create something lasting that could work on your bag or your keys,' Reyter says. 'When I was 16 and got my license, someone gave me a Tiffany keychain with my name engraved on it. Our bag charms carry that same meaning. You can pick your zodiac or an engravable Big Bead and add any color of the rainbow enamel beads to create this joyful charm that reflects your personality. Bag charms add joy to your bag, your keys — and it's those little moments that make everything better.' For Austen, the appeal is also emotional: "In a content-first world, your charm becomes part of your identity. It's like Taylor Swift's friendship bracelets — a visual code that connects us to others. It's an easy way for brands to create emotional products and for people to express themselves. At their core, charms are about personality. And there's always room for that.' Austen's own Smarter book charm, a tiny token modeled after her bestselling book, sold over 800 units in a quiet, invite-only drop. 'It sold out almost instantly,' she says. 'Purely through word-of-mouth and vibes. We didn't run ads. We gave people something they didn't know they needed — a charm that whispered 'you're doing great, sweetie' every time they zipped up their bag. It wasn't just merch — it was a mini manifesto.' Designer Julie Etienne, founder of the jewelry line Mademoiselle Jules, describes her charms as wearable energy. 'I wanted to take the symbolism and intention behind jewelry and reimagine it in a fresh, fashion-forward way,' Etienne says. 'We currently have three styles, each with a unique mood and meaning. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mademoiselle Jules "For example, our Talislove Charm features a big bubble heart, a mini gold heart, an evil eye, a cornetto (Italian horn), and a freshwater pearl — some of my best-selling symbols across earrings and necklaces. Each one represents protection, strength, and love. They're like modern talismans for your keys or your bag.' 'They hit the sweet spot between statement and sentiment,' she adds. 'In a world where people are curating their style down to every detail, bag charms are a joyful way to express who you are. After a few seasons of quiet luxury, we're seeing a return to personality and play — and bag charms are an easy way to add both, without overthinking it.' 'They remind us of the joy of personalization,' Etienne continues. 'Like sticker books or charm bracelets from childhood, but elevated. Each one speaks to something personal: a reminder to stay strong, a tribute to someone you love, or just a pop of color that makes you smile.' 'I carry a tote bag every day, and on it I have a pink Prada teddy bear and a Fendi strawberry,' says Waller. 'That combo is uniquely me." For Pia Mance, it's also about range: 'You can enjoy the charm's fun nature from a distance, on a keyring — or go bold and adorn your bag. It's personal flair, without the pressure of wearing something expressive around your neck or ears.' Photo Credit: Heaven Mayhem bag charm Or as Vertigo's Sade puts it: 'Sometimes a charm blends into your look. Other times, it's all about contrast. That's the beauty of it — you can switch it up depending on what you want to express that day.' 'I see bag charms as a staple,' Waller adds. 'The collecting craze might slow down, but the charm isn't going anywhere. They've become a permanent part of how we personalize and style our accessories — even on Birkins and Kellys.' 'I see accessories as more powerful than ever,' Gabriele explains. 'My clients are investing in timeless staples they'll wear again and again. They're proud outfit repeaters. But accessories are where they play. A plushy charm or bead stack can instantly make a formal bag feel less serious — and open up entirely new ways to wear the same look." 'I don't think this is a fleeting trend," Gabriele adds. "As minimal dressing becomes the default, charms become the twist — the wink, the personality, the way in.'
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
The Rise Of The LaBuBu And Friends: Why Bag Charms Are Taking Over Our Birkins
Sometimes your accessories need an extra oomph to stand out in a sea of competition. Chaotic customization is so hot right now. But the question is, is this more than just a passing fad? Spend a good amount of time on social media and you're likely to have come across a content creator whose bags are decorated with a chockfull of bag charms, or someone teaching you how to customise your old sneakers in new ways with beads, patches and laces. Welcome to the era of 'chaotic customisation'. The phrase – which was coined by trend forecasting company WGSN – encapsulates a reaction to how Gen Z shoppers have been actively finding new ways to customise their belongings. On TikTok, social media monitoring platform Traackr logged an increase of 438 per cent more mentions of the term ' bag charms ' in 2024 as compared to the year before. It also noted that there were 339 per cent more content creators talking about the idea of bag charms – from unboxing videos to how-to guides – to their millions of followers. 'I noticed a big spike in customers' interest in my charms back in March 2024, and since then, it's not waned,' says Sandra Williargo, the founder of KIKYO. The indie brand is very popular with Gen Z shoppers, with many flocking to snap up Sandra's handmade bag and shoe charms. Sandra reminisces how she first noticed the shift when she did one of her pop-up stores, and a limited run of bag charms sold comparatively faster than her once-loved necklaces and earrings, which were still available by the end of the pop-up. 'Customers are still constantly writing in to ask if we would restock our bag charms,' she laughs. The rise of chaotic customisation has also allowed many to get involved in the making of their own charms and accoutrements. There's a certain level of democracy that exists within this DIY-friendly movement, because you don't need expensive fabrics or sewing know-how to start making things. All you need to have are a handful of beads and a lot of creativity. 'I love customising my belongings because it's a powerful way of expressing myself, and it's a great conversation starter,' says Los Angeles-based content creator Connie Wi. Since late 2023, Connie has gone viral on TikTok multiple times for her tutorials on how to customise sneakers, often with the use of lace ribbons, ropes of pearls and even actual charms. 'In this fastmoving digital age, it's a meaningful way to slow down and breathe new life into pieces already in my wardrobe.' Over a conversation with us, Connie recounts that she's always been a fan of DIY. Her feed is a treasure trove on how her over 200,000-strong community of followers can also recreate Connie's nail art, jewellery stacks and her approach to personalising her pair of Adidas Sambas. 'The lockdown in 2020 motivated me to dive deeper into the world of DIY', she shares. 'With nothing to do, I turned to crafting as a way to boost my serotonin. I made bag charms, shoe charms, and press-on nails and documented my DIY projects on TikTok!' Connie is also joined by Singaporean fashion content creator Savina Chow. If you've followed Savina's content for a while, you'd know that she showcases different ways to incorporate bag charms into her outfits. Yet unlike Connie, whose style very much appeals to the younger generation with her penchant for uber-cute motifs and pastel colours, Savina has found a way to showcase the trend of chaotic customisation for an audience made up of more mature viewers. Savina tells us, 'In my opinion, this trend isn't targeted at just Gen Z-ers,' when asked if she feels that chaotic customisation is a trend that unwittingly leaves out certain groups of people due to their age. 'I think because I interact with my followers and am clear of their age group and profile, I know that they look to me to interpret these trends in a way that works for them.' And she does just that. Savina's take on the trend often feels more polished and elevated: less beads and pastels, and more luxe leathers and richer, deeper tones. On her social media feed, Savina can be seen toting her Birkin bags with an army of bag charms, keychains and tags. Even though it's a hot trend now, it's also not new. Since the dawn of time, humans have long sought to define their mark, to say 'I am here, this is me'. Ancient Romans had their names marked on the inside of the pottery that they made, while people in the Middle Ages often had their gifts personalised to the recipient as a sign of affluence and wealth. We've gone from customising our nails and handphone straps to customising our headphones and sneaker laces. In fact, the whole hype over bag charms came from the passing of Jane Birkin, whose namesake bag from Hermès first gave rise to the 'Birkin-fying your bag' movement that encouraged people to pile every bag charm they had onto their own Birkins. 'We've always been looking for new ways to customise things as an extension of self-identity and expressing our personality,' Savina reflects. 'It used to be notebooks when we were in school, or how we love to adorn our laptops with stickers, and still do. The only thing that's new about it is that it's now bag charms, but tomorrow, it could take on an entirely different medium. The intention still remains constant.' Savina also raises a good point: this isn't a trend that is fuelled by a specific look or item. Instead, it's all about the process that makes this trend resonate with far more people. The trend of leopard spots may only appeal to a few, but with chaotic customisation, it has a wider reach because of the way that it can look so different and unique based on who is doing it. There is a joyful nature and unbridled creativity that makes this act of customisation exciting to watch as it evolves from person to person. And it's likely not going anywhere, either. This S/S 25 season, chaotic customisation has already shown its effects. Bag charms are the clear go-to at Fendi and Stella McCartney, but why stop there, when you have glimmering Crocs embellished with hundreds of crystals from Simone Rocha, stickers all over a Coach bag and belts piled-on at Miu Miu? Quiet luxury be damned, this is the return of 'more is more.' 'I would go as far to say that the reason why us Gen Z-ers are in love with this is a direct generational response to the beige minimalism of the millennials,' declares Connie. 'We know that Gen Z are outspoken in challenging quiet luxury and minimalism, so it's no surprise that we've embraced full-on maximalism.' Savina agrees with Connie, and goes further to say that: 'fundamentally, it's in our human nature to want to express ourselves.' When discussing its staying power, she highlights that unlike other trends that include changing hemlines or new colours of the season, the act of personalisation will continue to prevail through time. 'Maybe it'll be different in the next cycle,' Savina says. 'Perhaps next time, it might be customising your perfume bottles or something else, but each generation will always have their own interpretation of the act of personalisation. That's what makes this trend feel so accessible right now – you're tapping into something that's bigger than you as much as you're showing the world who you are.' Imagery supplied. Lead Image: Large Andiamo Bag in Natural Light Wood, Dhs26,800; Summer 24 Odyssey Book Collection: A Collaborative Journey by Bottega Veneta and Matthieu Blazy, POA; Aviator Glasses, Dhs1,140, all Bottega Veneta. Glasses Case; Long Necklace in Grey Resin, POA, both Chanel. Triomphe Hair Cuff, Dhs1,950, Celine. Puzzle Fold Charm in Orange, Dhs1,350, Loewe; Brown Resin Bag Charm, Dhs830, Louis Vuitton; La Pausa Resin Brooch, Dhs1,100, Chanel; Tricolour Woven Leather Mule, Dhs990, Miu Miu, all available at The Luxury Closet. Passport Cover, Dhs1,370, Louis Vuitton. Lip Phone Case, Dhs130, Rhode. Lightening Connector Earpods, Dhs80, Apple. 'I Love Rich Boys' Badge; Miu Miu Strings, both Stylist's own
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Labubu bag charms are everywhere – here's where to get yours
Love them or hate them, there's something undeniably refreshing about the frivolity of Labubu bag charms. You may have seen these mischievous, slightly creepy-looking characters dangling from designer bags, sometimes teamed with other similarly colourful bag charms. The designer toy turned must-have fashion accessory was created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung in 2015, part of his whimsical collection of characters, The Monsters. Based on Dutch and Nordic folklore, the elf-esque figures are sold predominantly by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart. The latest is the "Big Into Energy" series (£17.50, which dropped in the spring. To give you an idea of scale, the toys are around six inches, about the same size as an iPhone 16. Ramping up the excitement is the fact that they're typically sold in 'blind boxes'. They contain a toy chosen at random from the series, so you won't know which one you've got until you open the box. In addition to regular designs, there are also so-called 'secret edition' Labubus, which are especially rare and sought-after. Leaning into maximalism, they're far from the blanket of boring neutrals across high street fashion this year. Bringing a pop of personality and fun to any outfit, it's easy to see the appeal. Their popularity can be traced back to Lisa from the K-pop band BlackPink, who was seen to be a fan. Having previously shared Labubus on her Instagram stories, the singer has confirmed her love of Pop Mart during blind box unboxing for Vanity Fair, and even referred to Labubu as her 'baby' when interviewed for Teen Vogue. Since then, Rhianna has been seen adorning her Louis Vuitton bag with a lychee berry Labubu, and Dua Lipa has also jumped on the trend. Now, the charms can often be seen dangling from Birkins and Mui Mui bags, lending them a fun and colourful twist (though, of course, you don't need to have a designer bag to partake in the trend). With a surge of interest in bag charms – such as Coach hanging cuddly toys from its bags at its New York Fashion Week show – the hashtag Labubu has appeared more than one million times on TikTok. It's unsurprising that the toys sell out at lightning speed. But if you're determined to find one for yourself, keep reading for what you need to know. Where to buy Labubus in the UK Pop Mart, which has an online shop as well as hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores globally, is the main seller of the toy, so Labubu figures can be bought from the Pop Mart platform. One of the newest additions to the range is Labubu × Pronounce wings of fortune figure, characterised by its dark purple fur and golden outfit (£31.50, And it's not just hanging charms, as the brand also makes pendants, figures (£31.50, bags (£28.90, and more, though, at the time of writing, they're all sold out. You might find you have more luck finding the toys at other sellers, which include StockX, Depop, eBay and the Pop Mart store on Amazon. However, you do need to be wary when shopping elsewhere, as counterfeit versions will be lurking on resellers' sites, so it pays to research the differences between the fakes and the real thing. There are also several shops in the UK, so if you'd rather buy your Labubu in person, you can head to locations including the Westfield London shopping centre, Hamleys on Regents Street, Oxford Street and others. Adding to the fun, they can also be bought from Pop Mart's vending machines, which are called 'Robo Shops', at a couple of locations.
Vogue
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Bag Charms Continue to Rule at Australian Fashion Week
Bag pendants continue their charm offensive Down Under. At Australian Fashion Week the hottest accessory is a tote dangling with charms galore. If accessorizing with souvenir keychains was popular last year, these days the most-wanted bag charm is a Labubu toy. In fact, these dolls might be the one thing that's hotter than a Birkin bag in 2024. Scroll through for the best bag charms in street style below. Sydney, resort 2026 Photographed by Liz Sunshine
