How to flash fashion’s top labels without paying the big bucks

It was a silly stunt from a serious fashion label, but one based on some serious money. Those monsters aren’t mere curios – they have corresponding products, namely key chains meant to dangle from the handle of a really expensive handbag. The tiny versions of those mascots cost US$1,500 each and are just two in a full line of freaky beasts and trolls that have sparked an international fashion trend. Other so-called bag-bugs, like a 15cm mink and fox fur cyclops, start at the bargain basement price of US$600.

Since Fendi first unveiled its strange charms in 2013, fashion labels have rushed to release their own. Adrienne Landau, Furla, and Kendall + Kylie each have their own lines of pom-poms. Prada sells a cutesy set of bear and robot charms. Anya Hindmarch is pushing quirky clip-on coin purses, decorative tassels, and leather stickers. It’s trickled all the way down to such everyday mall shops as Express, Charlotte Russe, and Wet Seal. Each are seeking a heftier chunk of the US$102 billion personal accessories market, a stupendous figure arrived at by market research firm Euromonitor. That includes everything from fine jewellery and leather goods to luggage and fancy pens.

For the fashion labels, the less expensive versions of these items provide a way to grab new customers who can’t afford their pricier wares, or get them to tack on an additional purchase at the cash register.

Indeed, the little items have proved a lucrative trend that’s gaining prominence within women’s wardrobes. Karen Giberson, president of the Accessories Council, a trade group, said this is one of her industry’s hottest categories now. Not just charms, but pins, decals, stickers, and patches are all having an extended fashion moment.