ICYMI, Accessories Are to Be Accessorized
When the late, great Jane Birkin passed away last fall, images of her began circulating. Generations worth of people previously unfamiliar with the woman who inspired the most iconic bag in the world were introduced to what was one of her most recognizable fashion trademarks: bag charms.
Her well worn-in Birkins were blanketed in ornamental trinkets, keepsakes, even stickers for charitable causes, and were thereby infused with a sense of humor and individuality that'd soften what was otherwise an intimidatingly exclusive product – still is.
The gist behind customizing one's purse, backpack or suitcase with bag charms of whichever kind is not hard to decode, nor is the enactment of it new to the world.
Yet in remembering the actress and singer's fun, myth-like style and backstory, consumers, along with brands like Miu Miu, Fendi, and Balenciaga, began to decorate their leather goods like year-round Christmas trees.
Now in the thick of what reads as a new craze for bag charms, the possibilities to accessorize one's accessories go far beyond your average dangly key chain – from tacky to high end, sentimental to silly, thrifted to custom-made; a mixed and matched jingle jangle of character-lending doodads:
Bag Charms – No Longer Hide Your (Purse's) Personality
Ferragamo
A true bag's bag.
Jil Sander
Your tote, too, can wear its heart on its sleeve.
JW Anderson Bumper Key Chain
Another case of when your inanimate object's got better taste – and nicer things – than you.
LOEWE
Bag charms are nothing without the noisy, shiny beads and links on a chain. Extra points if they have no other purpose.
The Simpsons x Balenciaga
TV royalty, head-to-toeing Balenciaga, on leather bag charms? Like, come on, how badly do you wanna hang this next to some random-ass souvenir you picked up this summer?
Supreme
You might've thought bag charms are cute but ultimately useless gimmicks. Think again, because Supreme's tiny Tetris console will keep you entertained on trains, plains, and in waiting rooms.
VEERT
Let this 18k gold, 925 sterling silver rosary bless the mess that is your bag charm-spangled carry on.
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