Charms can not only inject a bit of personality and flavour to your aesthetic but can also be a creative way to unleash your imagination
Pic Courtesy/thecharmshop.in
You don’t have to tap into the Labubu hysteria to know that bag charms are the IT accessory of the season. The reasons why are several — from a maximalist revival that’s rapidly replacing the now passé notions of quiet luxury, to a heightened sense of individuality and expression. As stylist Disha Selarka puts it, “In a world full of sameness and conformity, where every ‘IT’ girl is sporting the similar attire popularised by the same social media trends, bag charms are an interesting way to let a bit of your personality peek through.”
Disha Selarka
The juxtaposition of whimsical, even child-like charms with often sedate luxury handbags, which are typically the object of such arts-and-crafts-style decorations, can tone down their sedateness, and make them playful while still being posh. If you’re exhausted by the constant stream of collectible plushies with devilish grins that is currently flooding social media and online shopping platforms, here’s a roundup of indie alternatives that are easy on the pocket while still being high on the swag quotient.
Balloon-style adorableness
Pic Courtesy/Fancypantsthestore.com
No longer limited to party tricks, balloon toys have come into their own as objets d’art across media. And now, you can string one to your tote as an ode to those birthday parties of yore. This charming resin balloon dog comes in a variety of eye-popping colours and is quite reasonably priced. Layer with metallic accents to downplay the childishness or accentuate it with other fun party favours and plushies.
AT Fancy Pants, 16th Road, Bandra West.
LOG ON TO fancypantsthestore.com
COST Rs 499
Delicately ditzy
If you’ve been meaning to switch to a healthier, more colourful diet, here’s some tiny, jangly inspiration to keep you committed. This miniature fruit platter (above) is bright, delicate and whimsical while still being sophisticated. Add it to your zipper or strap buckle to instantly brighten up your purse.
LOG ON TO thecharmshop.in
COST Rs 2500
Good enough to eat
Pic courtesy/ esmaric.com
Regardless of whether you think of yourself as a gourmet or a gourmand, these homegrown snack-inspired key chains will bring a smile to your face and trigger unexpected hunger pangs. Almost life-like in their detail and with quaint themes that include chai-biscuit (below), samosa (below), ghevar and jalebi, these keychains are a must-add to your stack and are sure to be a delightful conversation starter with like-minded foodies.
LOG ON TO esmaric.in
COST Rs 249
Be your muse
In what would perhaps be called an ultimate form of fashion inception, this platform lets your bag wear you instead of the other way around — except for the fact that the ‘you’ in question is made of crocheted cotton, inspired by a photograph of yourself that you can pick out and send to the crocheter and features an impressive level of detail. As a bonus, these ‘mini-me’ dolls come in sets of one and two, giving you the option to dedicate some of your bag’s aesthetic square-footage to a special someone.
Call 9819060144
LOG ON TO zwende.com
COST Rs 1590 onwards
Live your charmed life
Bag charms don’t have to be expensive to be head-turning, suggests Selarka. She notes that your existing jewellery can be easily repurposed to dress up your handbags. “Focus the bulk of your attention on the handles. Wrap a scarf around them and drape a chain between them from which you can connect other charms. Keychains can be looped at the base of the handles,” she explains.
Repurposed jewellery, keychains and collectable merchandise can showcase your style and personality by juxtaposing quirkiness with chic on your bag charms. Pics Courtesy/@elizabethsulcer
>> For a more harmonious look, you coordinate the colour palette of your charms with that of your bag. If you choose to go this route, pay attention to matching the metal hardware. Another alternative is to just let your heart decide and really lean into the maximalist vibe with bows, plushies and other baubles.
>> Layer your charms for a more nuanced and personal look. Don’t just limit yourself to plushies, jewellery or keychains — coin pouches, sanitiser holders, collectable merchandise of any fandom or even mini versions of the bag are other interesting alternatives
>> Crochet and macrame charms are trendy, durable, versatile and work well with knapsacks and other larger bags that are typically used by college students and office-goers. Choose a bright colour to add a playful pop to your ensemble.
>> While crossbody bags are well suited to more delicate or subtle charms, mini bags work well with one standout charm that matches their attention-grabbing form. Tote bags offer plenty of room for experimentation — DIY your aesthetic with a mix of necklaces, beads and any spare accessories.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
