2024 is poised to break free from the confines of recent trends, bidding farewell to the era of “quiet luxury” and “clean girl” aesthetics. Emerging from the shadows of micro shorts and gladiator sandals is a trend once deemed passé but now hailed as a statement-making accessory, infusing outfits with a newfound personality.
Amidst the wave of Y2K and 2010s nostalgia currently sweeping the fashion scene, bag charms have stealthily made their return, quietly adorning the handbags of the most stylish individuals this season.
A playful nod to everyday styling, the bag charm trend enjoyed its heyday during the early ’10s, with fashion aficionados embellishing their prized possessions with whimsical accents like fuzzy Fendi monsters and other kitschy adornments. As the latter half of the decade ushered in a preference for pared-back elegance, unembellished bags took center stage, relegating bag charms to the sidelines.
Yet, in a delightful twist of fate, bag charms have resurfaced, with notable celebrities leading the charge. Lily Allen and Dua Lipa recently flaunted their Hermès Birkin bags adorned with an array of charms and scarves, injecting a playful and carefree vibe into their ensembles. This endorsement from London’s style elite underscores the charm trend’s ability to imbue even the most esteemed handbags with a relaxed and laidback allure, effortlessly juxtaposing their inherent opulence.
But it’s not just celebrities embracing the resurgence of bag charms. Fashion runways have also embraced the trend, with Balenciaga’s S/S 24 collection featuring woven charms and Simone Rocha’s presentation adorned with whimsical accents. With big-name brands throwing their weight behind the trend, it’s clear that bag charms are poised for a triumphant comeback.
Originally popularized by the iconic Jane Birkin, who frequently adorned her namesake Hermès bag with an assortment of charms, this season promises a widespread adoption of the small yet impactful accessory trend. As fashion enthusiasts eagerly embrace the quirky charm of bag adornments, it seems that 2024 is ushering in a new era of individuality and whimsy in fashion.
