August 6, 2025 |
The Labubu is everywhere; in collectors’ cabinets, hanging off handbags, on luggage at LAX, as ridiculously toothy dupes for sale at the counter of your local offy. Like a Beanie Baby in the ‘90s, you can’t escape ’em. That signature vicious grin pulls you in like a moth to a flame (or a fashion fiend to a sample sale if you will). But, as with any It-item, the popularity of this one unhinged little toy stems from something larger.
The charm trend has had us in a chokehold for a while now – what seemed to start with plugged-in girls clamping dinky plush charms onto archival Birkins quickly became something of a micro-phenomenon: charms on sneakers, charms on Stanley cups, charms on belt loops, even charms on water bottles (because apparently hydration needs accessories now). No surface is safe.
Enter this rogue anti-mascot, the Labubu, which has well and truly taken the world – fashion and otherwise – by storm. A category five hurricane, if you like your metaphors meteorological. The hard-to-get-your-hands-on creature – created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung – catapulted into the public eye earlier this year. Now there are waiting lists to buy one so long you could switch careers and cycle back to burnout before you get your grubby hands on one.
Not one for hopping on the bandwagon? Not to worry.
Whether you’re trapped and feral on one of those cursed waiting lists or simply fancy yourself somewhat of a counter-culturalist with an aversion to oversaturation, you’re not out of options. These elevated alternatives deliver all the kitsch-for-kitsch-sake appeal without the trend fatigue. It’s out with the Labubu, and in with luxury. Emily Phillips
Burberry
It’s raining, it’s pouring. It’s time to dig out your classic Burberry mac and bear the wet weather head on. And who better to twin with than your Burberry Thomas Bear Charm. Made from wool cashmere and dressed in a matching bucket hat and poncho set printed with the iconic Burberry Check, Thomas Bear is the perfect statement accessory for those gloomy London days. Want a grizzly collection? Burberry has a whole line of Thomas Bear charms, dressed in everything from trench coats to scarves just waiting for that drizzly day out. Shop here. Mathumithah Kandiah
Prada
As those The Devil Wears Prada 2 set pictures swirl around the fash-o-sphere, we can’t help but hope we spot Miranda, Emily or Andy with this Prada Teddy bag charm swinging from a designer bag or two. Coming with its own fifties-inspired nappa leather get up, the cutesy charm (which comes equipped with its own diamond-eske necklace) gives the f-row a run for its money when it comes to looking luxe. Shop here. Bella Koopman
Chanel
For Chanel, being one of the most revered houses in fashion doesn’t mean its design team has forgotten how to have fun. Far from it. This charm, which was rolled out as part of maison’s autumn/winter 2025 pre-collection, is case-in-point. Equipped with a pair of heart-shaped sunnies, dangling CC earrings, a wide-brimmed hat, swinging legs and a bubblegum pink lacquer, its sweet, silly and looks like it would know how to have fun at the function. Shop here. BK
Hermes
Another fun and fluffy substitute to the viral toy charm is the Hermès Budy. This Fox Terrier charm darts-in in an array of eye-catching colours crafted from soft, luxurious calfskin – because why shouldn’t your bag’s plus-one be better dressed than most people? So, if you’re already a dedicated punter of the french house, or are simply looking for a high-end add-on to your bag, get your hands on the Hermès Budy Charm. Shop here. Yasmin Braganza
Valentino Garavani
If you’re obsessed with luxury fashion and feline-themed tchotchkes, Valentino Garavani’s Le Chat de la Maison bag charm is the purr-fect match you’ll be clawing to add to your collection. With its chic, antique brass finish, it gives off the vibe of a high street charity shop treasure – utterly unique, with a touch of whimsy.
Whether you’re a maximalist piling on the trinkets or a minimalist looking for a playful twist, this Valentino Garavani charm adds just the right amount of cat-titude your bag’s been missing. Shop here. YB
Dior
Time to pack for beach day: brimmed bucket hat, Dioriviera towel… but something’s missing. Enter the Dioriviera Toile de Jouy Sauvage Elephant Bag Charm – the playful finishing touch your getaway look deserves. Inspired by the Toile de Jouy Sauvage motif, the charm brings the iconic elephant to life in handwoven natural wicker, accented with supple lambskin and finished with a Dior-engraved gold lobster clasp and a delicate CD signature charm. The collection also features a giraffe, tiger and palm tree – all exquisitely crafted and destined to delight collectors and Dior devotees alike. Shop here. MK
Gucci
What’s black, white and has the GG monogram all over? The new Gucci Panda bag charm. Coming in two adorable colourways, one in beige and dark brown canvas and other in brown and pink leather, it makes the perfect pairing for matching with your Gucci obsessed besties. The charm is crafted from monogram materials while its clasp closure and split ring make it so practical you can clip it to your Gucci Horsebit 1955 mini and stroll around soho or sling it from your belt for that added va-va-voom. Shop here. MK
Louis Vuitton
This list would be amiss if we didn’t include at least one iteration of Vivienne, Louis Vuitton’s monogram-inspired mini mascot. And what better one to include than this ruby-red Candy Heart Bag Charm. If it’s dainty, button-like eyes weren’t cute enough, it’s ready to sweep you off your feet with a pink bouquet of roses. Charming in more ways than one. Shop here. BK
Miu Miu
Standing at a mere 19cm (but with the confidence of a six-foot supermodel), this pint-sized kitty is giving flirtatiously frumpy in a look lifted straight from the Miu Miu archive. A crochet-effect Technical Yarn Trick, she’s all texture and tease, ready to dangle from your bag like she owns it (because, frankly, she does). Leather strap? Naturally. Logo-engraved medal? Of course. An accessory? She’s a lot more than that. This Technical Yarn Trick is the main character. Shop here. EP
Loewe
Meet the Loewe Puzz Charm – Loewe’s tiniest, squishiest enigma. Part bag charm, part jellyfish, part archival in-joke, this little creature swishes in from the Puzzle 10th Anniversary collection with a wink to the AW15 re-edition. Rendered in calfskin and acetate with a looped leather strap and an anagram dice for good measure, she’s less of a keychain and more of a sentient art object. Clip it to your bag and let her bob along – it doesn’t explain itself, it just looks fabulous doing it. Shop here. EP
Top image: photography courtesy of Loewe.
