Bagging the charm trend  – Manila Standard

Looking at the rise of whimsical bag charms

In fashion, accessories are often the finishing touch that defines a look. For 2024, I noticed how bag charms have taken the spotlight, turning luxury handbags into a canvas for personal expression. 

While scrolling through my feed, it was so easy to spot local celebrities using their designer handbags with dangling little plushies. Among the various styles and brands of bag charms, Labubu has emerged as a favorite, offering a quirky yet sophisticated addition to any designer bag. 

Let’s dig deeper into this exciting trend and see how it’s adding a playful twist to luxury fashion.

The rise to fame

Bag charms are not a new concept. I remember lugging around my bag in high school with three to four-inch plushie keychains, often representing cartoon characters popular at the time. It is just that in 2024, the charms have become more attention-grabbing. 

This trend has been kept afloat by the availability of customization and the increasing influence of social media on fashion choices. More than ever, luxury handbags are transformed into unique statements of personal style. 

From large brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Gucci to smaller artisanal labels, adding a bag charm is now synonymous with completing a look. These charms range from simple initials and monograms to intricate designs. By accessorizing with a charm, luxury bag owners can instantly inject a dose of fun personality into their overall looks.

Labubu: Topping the charms

Standing out among options, Labubu bag charms have become particularly popular in 2024. Originating from the collectible toy scene, Labubu characters feature cute and mischievous faces.

Labubu is an elf character with distinct features: pointy ears, sharp teeth, small stature, and mischievous smile. The well-loved character is part of a group of creatures called The Monsters, characters inspired by Nordic fairy tales. These charms are typically crafted from premium materials like resin or metal, often adorned with bright colors and delicate details, making them a perfect blend of luxury and fun.

The appeal of Labubu charms lies in their versatility and uniqueness. They can add a pop of playfulness to even the most structured handbags, like a classic Hermès Birkin, Prada, or a sleek Chanel flap bag. Whether you’re carrying a minimalist designer tote or a statement bag, attaching a charm provides a whimsical touch that transforms the bag into something less formal. 

Why bag charms are charming

In the age of social media, where everyone is looking to stand out, bag charms offer an effortless way to personalize your look or fashion statement. The use of bag charms is moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach, and more toward individual self-expression, and making one’s bag an artistic canvas.

Adding a charm to a luxury handbag is like telling a story. A bag charm can symbolize a favorite character, a treasured memory, or simply add a playful twist to a usually formal accessory. This trend gives women the freedom to balance sophistication with a lighthearted touch. The cute items exemplify playfulness and  authenticity, changing the way we view and wear luxury handbags.

These days, we have more reasons to wear bags on our arms and keep them “charmed.” Carrying bags goes beyond practical, it becomes creative and personal.