Breaking News: Plushies Are the Crazier Trend That Gen Z Is Abandoning Bag Charms For
The first time I ventured outdoors with a quirky stuffed gremlin attached to my Louis Vuitton Speedy handbag, my millennial sister gave me a surprised look. She was already embracing two other unusual Gen Z trends I had shared with her a few months earlier—Sonny Angel and Miffy—but she couldn’t quite grasp why a 26-year-old girl like me would choose to add a Pop Mart Labubu to my bag. Enter the latest fashion litmus test that’s causing a split between Gen Zers and millennials: handbag plushie charms. Thanks to TikTok, these nostalgic, furry figures are now adorning the designer bags of nearly every stylish person under 27. From Khaite to Prada, no handbag is too upscale for Labubu, Monchhichi, and Sanrio characters. Unlike eccentric bag charms, handbag plushies encapsulate a sense of childlike wonder instead of a quest for individuality. It's true that Gen Z may sometimes possess a slight superiority complex (guilty as charged!), but plushie charms are one accessory that brings us together. Honestly, they’re adorable and evoke feelings of childhood. There’s no need to act like an adult and worry about taxes—just clip a Hello Kitty plushie charm onto your tote and exit with a smile.
Plushies aren’t solely a Gen Z phenomenon. Our favorite celebrities are joining the trend as well. Style icon and multi-talented Rihanna was spotted running errands with a Labubu bag charm, and Ayo Edebiri shared her outfit featuring a black designer bucket bag with a dog plushie charm. How could we forget BlackPink member Lisa, who has openly expressed her fondness for plushies, matching her Labubu charms with her Khaite Elena Bag and Louis Vuitton Speedy Monogram? Celebs truly are just like us.
The plushie charm movement isn’t merely about adding a quirky touch to your handbag; it leans into the nostalgia of simpler times. For Gen Z—who grew up during the early internet era, surrounded by cartoons and an abundance of oversized, colorful stuffed animals—these plushie charms resonate deeply. Wearing them feels like donning a badge of innocence in a world that can often seem overly serious. Whether it’s the recognizable face of a Sanrio character or the slightly eerie grin of a Pop Mart Labubu, these tiny creatures serve as a playful reminder of when our biggest dilemma was choosing our Halloween costume based on a cartoon character. In the throes of deadlines and existential concerns, that sense of whimsy offers a much-needed escape.
There’s something about the contrast between high fashion and plushie charm innocence that works wonderfully. These charms on luxury bags not only make a statement, but also soften the tougher, more refined elements of high-end fashion. It’s as if adding a plushie friend makes your bag feel a bit more accessible and less daunting. There’s no need to be overly serious when a cheerful Labubu is hanging from your arm. This trend illustrates that sometimes the best way to look fashionable is to have fun with your accessories. Who wouldn’t want to carry a bit of joy with them, one plushie at a time?
Shop the trend:
- Khaite
Elena Bag in Black Leather With Studs
- Pop Mart
Labubu The Monsters Tasty Macarons Lychee Berry Vinyl Plush Pendant
- Loewe
Pebble Embellished Leather Bucket Bag
- Monchhichi
Classic Plushie Keychain
- Louis Vuitton
LV Monogram Speedy 30 Vintage
- Jellycat
Food Bag Charm Plush
- Osoi
Off-White Shoulder Brocle Bag
- Pop Mart
Labubu The Monsters Tasty Macarons Green Grape Vinyl Plush Pendant
- Bottega Veneta
Small Andiamo Chain in Zenith
- MoMA Design Store
Miffy Plush Keyring
- Freja
Mini Chrystie Bag in Espresso
- Jellycat
Clyde Capybara Bag Charm
- Marge Sherwood
Green Soft Baguette Bag
- Sanrio
Hello Kitty Plush Mascot Keychain
- Prada
Bonnie Medium Leather Handbag
- Tumi
Andi the Alpaca Bag Charm
- Marge Sherwood
Ssense Exclusive Brown Soft Baguette Bag
- Loewe
Corgi Charm in Leather and Wool
- Poppy Lissiman
Koko Laptop Bag in Cherry
- Prada
Teddy Bag Charm With Metal Ring
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Breaking News: Plushies Are the Crazier Trend That Gen Z Is Abandoning Bag Charms For
Farewell to bows and trinkets. Gen Z is moving away from eclectic bag charms in favor of more whimsical plushie bag charms inspired by childhood memories.