For years, a designer bag stood as the ultimate luxury statement — a quiet nod to craftsmanship, heritage, and personal style. But in today’s fashion landscape, that’s no longer enough. The modern handbag is no longer simply carried; it’s curated, decorated, and dressed up to reflect the wearer’s personality.

Enter the bag charm takeover — a trend that’s gone from playful accessory to full-blown fashion obsession. From plush mascots to sleek monogram tags, from leather tassels to perfectly scaled-down mini bags, charms are redefining how we style our most treasured arm candy.

Labubus: The It-Charm of the Moment

Leading the charge in this accessorising revolution are Labubus — quirky, doll-like characters that have found themselves swinging from the handles of Birkins, Keepalls, and Book Totes around the world.

Labubus aren’t just charms — they’re collectables. Each figure has its own distinct personality, colour palette, and attitude, turning your handbag into a walking art display. They’ve become the ultimate street-style conversation starter, and their limited availability only fuels the hype.

Designer Houses Go All In

Once considered a boutique novelty, bag charms have become a core part of luxury styling — and mini bags as charms are leading the charge. Today’s biggest fashion houses are creating charms with the same craftsmanship, materials, and design detail as their full-sized icons.

Hermès, a pioneer in the trend, has been producing collectible charms for years, while brands like Fendi, Miu Miu, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Loewe have put their own spin on the movement. From whimsical leather creatures to polished logo tags to miniature versions of their signature bags, these charms now feature in seasonal collections, limited-edition drops, and even as part of brand signatures. What was once an optional flourish is now an expected element of high-end handbag culture.

The Rise of Playful and Independent Brands

While luxury houses are investing heavily in the trend, independent and niche brands are thriving in the bag charm space too. Some create quirky, character-inspired charms, while others focus on plush, handcrafted, or beaded designs. These indie creations often offer a more playful or bespoke approach, making the charm game as much about personal creativity as it is about luxury styling.

Why We’re Hooked on Charms

The magic of charms lies in their ability to instantly transform a bag. They can:

Refresh a classic bag without replacing it
Express individuality in a way the original design might not
Change with the season or your mood
Become collectible in their own right

And with mini bags doubling as charms — sometimes functional enough to hold keys or lipstick — the line between fashion and function is blurring more than ever.

How to Style Bag Charms

One Statement Charm: Let a single oversized charm take centre stage on your bag.
Charm Clusters: Layer smaller charms of different textures for a maximalist look.
Match or Clash: Pair colours with your bag for a cohesive aesthetic, or go for deliberate contrast to make the charm pop.
Seasonal Switch: Rotate charms throughout the year to refresh your bag without investing in a whole new one.

The Future of the Trend

With every major luxury brand and countless indie creators producing charms, the takeover isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Expect more limited-edition collaborations, customisable options, and designs that blur the line between jewellery, art, and function.

The charm has shifted from a quirky afterthought to an essential part of bag styling. In 2025, your handbag isn’t truly dressed without one.

Want to level up your bag game?
Authenticate your designer pieces, shop pre-loved luxury, and explore curated accessories at The Designer Edit Marketplace — where every detail, down to the last charm, tells a story.

The Bag Charm Takeover: Why Your Designer Bag Isn’t Complete Without One