Latest news with #bagcharms
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
7 best bag charms to match your Labubus
A little bit of fun, a little bit of whimsy and a whole lot of personality – bag charms are the latest fashion trend to grace our social media feeds and everyone is into it. People are now ditching the 'minimalist' bag trend and looking to ' Jane Birkinify ' their bags instead. For those that don't know, 'Jane Birkinifying' a bag involves personalising it with a culmination of bag charms, trinkets and other decorative items à la Jane Birkin. Our favourite bag charm at the moment is the Izoa Rainbow Teddy Bag Charm that's insanely cute and adds a tonne of personality in one. Plus, it's completely customisable and can be mix and matched with other charms of your choice. While chains, bows, scarves and keychains are the typical choice when it comes to decking out your bag, plushies have become the hot item for really spicing it up. Namely, Jellycats and Labubus. Loved by children and adults alike, Labubus are a highly sought after plush toy that come in a range of sizes, colours and designs, and are often sold as blind boxes – leaving the colour you get completely up to luck. The ugly-cute monster plush has become a global sensation – selling out online within minutes and sparking insanely long queues outside toy stores. They're incredibly hard to get your hands on without resorting to reseller prices, so if you've been wanting to achieve a similar effect without having to hunt down a Labubu, we've found the next best options. BEST BAG CHARMS Izoa Rainbow Teddy Bag Charm, $36 (down from $59) at THE ICONIC What You Need To Know This insanely cute charm is the one-and-done accessory that'll have everyone complimenting your bag. It features a teddy bear plush with a helmet, rainbow beads charm, smiley face charm, rope beaded charm and a coiled ring charm. Each charm has a key ring closure which makes it easy to mix and match with other charms and keychains of your choice. What You Need To Know This jellycat makes for an eggscellent bag charm. Made with a cute smiley face, it has an easy clip on design and features soft cream fur, brown cord legs and the signature jellycat logo tag. Miffy Eco Corduroy Keychain, $22.95 at Metro Baby What You Need To Know You can't go wrong with a Miffy moment. This timeless keychain features a 10cm tall corduroy Miffy that's eco-friendly and the perfect companion for your everyday travels. It's made from at least 90 per cent recycled materials inside and out, and contains 100 per cent recycled PET filling. What You Need To Know This simple but stylish cherry bag charm will pair perfectly with other charms. The bold red colour and hand-crocheted construction will give your bag that much-needed pop of colour. There's also a strawberry version. Rubi Bag Charm Double Chain, $14.99 at THE ICONIC What You Need To Know If you're not into the bold and cutesy bag charms, this double chain bag charm is a great option. Featuring a chunky chain layered with a smaller chain, it has two clasps and a star charm and it makes a good base for other charms you plan on adding. Rubi Bag Charm Padded Dachshund, $14.99 at THE ICONIC What You Need To Know Dog lovers, this one's for you. This sausage dog bag charm is everything and more – it features a puffy dachshund charm, a bungee cord charm and a block of chocolate charm. Add it to your bag and prepare for compliments. The SABRÉMOJI™ Fruit Charm, $75 at MAISON de SABRÉ What You Need To Know Crafted from the brands signature full-grain leather, this fruit bag charm is a stylish yet practical pick. It features a zipper closure and a secure clasp, and it's small enough small valuables, coins or even an Apple AirTag so that you don't lose your bag, It's available in a variety of fruits to suit your preference. Make sure to sign up to our to stay on top of the latest deals, trends and product roundups.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Labubus are near impossible to get hold of – but you can find them in this new shop
Fuzzy, mischievous-looking, fang-toothed characters dangling from luxury bags, Labubus are the bizarre fashion trend that has the internet divided. If you've been trying to get your hands on one, you're in luck – as a new PopMart shop is opening with a fresh supply of the sold-out dolls. Despite recent fandom, the Labubu character isn't new. Designed in 2015 by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, it was part of his collection of characters, The Monsters, inspired by Dutch and Nordic folklore. Now, with a surge of interest in bag charms, and Labubus charms in particular, the hashtag Labubu has appeared more than 1 million times on TikTok. Demand for Labubus is so high, rare Labubus are being resold for more than £1,000 each. A few weeks ago, a child-sized Labubu sold for more than $150,000. You can also now rent Labubus for upwards of £3 a day on platforms such as By Rotation (alongside luxury accessories from the likes of Chanel and Hermès). Mainly sold by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, the designer toy-turned-fashion-collectables are sold from Pop Mart brick-and-mortar stores, the platform's online store, and its TikTok live streams, which are usually held from 2pm to 7pm UK time, according to the Pop Mart TikTok page. To make sure you don't miss this, we'd recommend turning on your TikTok notifications. However, you need to be wary when shopping elsewhere, as counterfeit versions (jokingly referred to as 'Lafufus') are common on third-party sites, while fake Labubus have more recently been seized from brick-and-mortar shops, too. Leaning into maximalism, Labubus bring a pop of personality and fun to any outfit, so it's easy to see the appeal. Their popularity can be traced back to Lisa from the K-pop band BlackPink. Having shared Labubus on her Instagram stories, the singer confirmed her love of Pop Mart during a blind unboxing for Vanity Fair, and even referred to Labubu as her 'baby' when interviewed for Teen Vogue. Since then, Rihanna has been seen adorning her Louis Vuitton bag with a lychee berry Labubu, and Dua Lipa has also jumped on the trend. Emma Roberts also took to Instagram to open a whole blind box. Now, the charms can often be seen dangling from Birkins and Miu Miu bags, lending them a fun and colourful twist, though, of course, you don't need a designer bag to enjoy the trend. Labubu dolls are often sold in 'blind boxes'. These contain a toy chosen at random from the series, so you won't know which one you've bought until you open the box. As well as regular designs, there are also so-called 'secret edition' Labubus, which are especially rare and sought-after by collectors. The latest is the Big Into Energy series (£17.50, which dropped this spring. To give you an idea of scale, the toys are around 6in in size (about the same size as an iPhone 16). Where to buy Labubus in the UK Labubu figures are available on the Pop Mart platform, but they're usually sold out. However, if you don't mind shopping brick-and-mortar, Pop Mart's new flagship has just opened at 262 Oxford Street. The store sells exclusive drops of the collectable Labubu dolls. When it comes to online shopping, the platform does limited drops, which sell out fast. You can also head to Pop Mart shops or check the retailer's TikTok shop. It's definitely worth watching out for Pop Mart's TikTok live streams, too, as some shoppers have reportedly had more luck bagging their Labubu that way. and mini bags (£14, which you can purchase from Popmart. You might find you have more luck buying the toys at other retailers, such as StockX, Depop, eBay and the Pop Mart store on Amazon. However, remember to be wary of counterfeit versions. It pays to research the differences between the fakes and the real thing. For instance, collectors suggest looking for signs such as the brightness of the packaging, whether the dolls have a Pop Mart stamp on their foot, the number of teeth the dolls should have (nine), and the presence of a QR code on the back of the packaging, which should take you to the official Pop Mart website. There are also several Pop Mart shops in the UK, so if you'd rather buy a Labubu in person, you can head to the locations in Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Cambridge. Labubus are also available from Pop Mart's vending machines, known as Robo Shops, which can be found in London and Reading. Where to rent Labubus in the UK With the fashion rental market booming, it's perhaps no surprise that you can now rent Labubu dolls by the day. The trend may not last, so renting a doll for a specific outfit might be more cost-effective than buying your own Labubu – you might not be as keen to hang a doll off your bag once summer is over. Leading rental platform By Rotation has a variety of dolls to rent, starting at £3 a day ( Hurr has been slower to jump on the trend; at the time of writing, the platform only has one doll to rent (from £22,
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Reject Shop drops 'most nostalgic launch ever' starting at $2: 'I've been waiting so long for this'
A quirky 'new' trend is sweeping through the shopping aisles of The Reject Shop, but some fans have seen it before. Call it nostalgia, self-expression, or a playful twist on everyday luxury, but bag charms are having a big moment. From fluffy toys to glitzy, jewellery-style trinkets, bold bag charms are swinging from handbags everywhere, but what used to be reserved for the early 2000s, or more recently, the 2024 high-end designer catwalks like Miu Miu, Coach and Balenciaga, has now reached our chain stores too. This year, playful trinkets have been taking over TikTok and Instagram feeds globally, thanks in part to the Labubu craze - the cult character collectible that inspired thousands of bag-dangling lookalikes and copycats, which can fetch thousands of dollars each. Labubu's cheeky, mismatched, slightly creepy aesthetic struck a chord with collectors and fashion fans alike, paving the way for a full-blown accessories explosion. Now, The Reject Shop is giving everyone a taste of the trend, minus the expensive price tags. With charms ranging from $2 to $4, their range includes adorable teddy bears in pastel tones, smiling mermaids, mini fluffy notebooks, toy strawberries and even miniature Crocs. The kitschy-meets-cute aesthetic has become a hit not just with teens, but with millennials chasing a little Y2K nostalgia, and maybe mums grabbing a quick dopamine hit on their weekly discount shop. 'I knew this would catch on,' said makeup enthusiast Donna Brandon-Brown in her TikTok video. 'Look at the Reject Shop, I knew this was going to happen.' 'These are so cute, little butterflies. That one's coming home with me,' she added. And it's not just bags that are getting the makeover. Charms are being clipped onto everything from belt loops to backpacks, phone cases and even shoelaces. The beauty of this trend, and probably why it's so popular, is the ability for consumers to customise their charms and play up to different trends, moods and aesthetics, without age caps being a factor either. It may even be due to a broader rejection of the 'quiet luxury' movement. Instead of beige minimalism and logo-free basics, it seems the pendulum is swinging hard in the other direction toward expressive, joyful accessorising. So, if you missed the first wave of bag charm fever back in the early 2000s, or you're ready to relive it all over again now's your chance. And with prices lower than your morning coffee, it's no wonder shoppers can't stop at just one.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- 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.'
