The Charm of Accessorizing
The Charm of Accessorizing
By Kelly Hoang — September 29, 2025
From Labubu dolls to quirky charms, these days even our accessories are being accessorized. Today’s fashion scene is all about individualization, and “Jane Birkin-ifying” a cult-favorite handbag has become the chicest way to make it your own.
Even the tiniest trinket clipped to a strap can speak volumes about self-expression. A rare collectible, a charm collected abroad, or a silk scarf knotted just so—each detail tells a story—a whisper of identity in a world of uniform trends. The longing for uniqueness has never felt greater.
The obsession with decorating handbags can be traced back to Jane Birkin herself. Her infamously overstuffed Hermès Birkin was far from pristine; rather, it was lived in and adorned with ribbons, beads, and stickers collected throughout the years.
Rather than diminishing its value, these personal touches elevated it, transforming the bag into a cultural icon and one of the most valuable handbags in history. Today, that same look can be seen on the arms of celebrities like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Jane Birkin pioneered the personalization of the handbag; however, many brands have fueled the obsession. Miu Miu, known for their playful, youthful, and sometimes rebellious take on luxury, personalized their bags through experimental designs and edgy elements. Mixing couture with nostalgia, showing us that bag customization is an ode to both the owner and the designer.
And it doesn’t stop there—personalization has moved from handbags to footwear.
With its motto of “Be Younique,” Golden Goose has helped turn scuffed soles and hand-painted touches from a sign of damage and age into symbols of luxury and individuality.
Iconic shoe brand Crocs has long embraced quirky, colorful charms as a medium for self-expression. However, in 2025—more than 20 years since its founding—the brand has maintained its relevancy by putting chic twists on its classic “Jibbitz.” This has allowed them to reach new audiences and establish an innovative way of accessorizing.
Is this a fleeting fad or a lasting shift in how we approach personal style? Either way, the message is clear: fashion’s most compelling detail is its subtle uniqueness.
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