Since we lost the late, great Jane Birkin, one particular trend that the original It-girl popularised seems to have taken off among Gen Z-ers. Naturally, it pertains to her namesake Hermès handbag.
The beloved and seemingly impossible-to-purchase Birkin bag was born out of a chance meeting aboard a flight from Paris to London, which saw Jane Birkin and the CEO of Hermès at the time, Jean-Louis Dumas, seated next to one another.
The story goes that Jane was struggling to get her classic open-topped pannier-style basket bag to stay put without spilling its contents, much to the amusement of Dumas. The style icon told the luxury fashion house extraordinaire that she could never find the perfect quotidian bag, so he vowed to fix it. Et voilà, the Birkin bag was officially launched in 1984 – parfait, non?
Despite the instant cult status of the Birkin bag (in its rarest leathers and brightest colourways the Birkin has since been sold at prices exceeding $450,000), Jane was never wholly satisfied with her dedicated designer creation. The charm of Ms Birkin was her seemingly effortless Parisian style - from her messy fringe to her seemingly thrown-together looks. The Birkin bag, in all its fine calf leather and golden hardware glory, was just too perfect.
So how was our dear Jane to fix it? By treating it like any other day-to-day accessory rather than placing it on a rotating pedestal with stage lights. After all, the bag was designed to meet Jane’s utilitarian needs. A used, well-loved and weathered Birkin bag is a real Birkin bag.
One of the most recognisable ways in which Jane made the Birkin bag her own is by adorning it with countless charms, strings, silk scarves, ribbons and even stickers. Since the model, actress and singer’s passing in 2023, this recognisable sartorial habit has ignited a borderline obsession among fashion enthusiasts and accessory fiends.
We’ve curated a selection of lovely bag charms to Jane Birkin-ify your go-to tote. Keep scrolling for effortless style and unique accessorising.
Small New York Cluster Bag Charm
A homage to one of the greatest cities in the world and the brand’s hometown, Coach’s latest addition to its bustling bag charm collection features a glossy red apple, a bright yellow taxi and a classic Empire State charm dangling from luxurious leather ropes.
Buy now £195.00, Coach
Anya Brands After Eight Charm
Anya Hindmarch is well known for its iconic brand collaborations, and this After Eight charm is simply delightful. It makes a brilliant gift for the mint chocolate-lover in your life and is crafted from Capra leather with gold-tone hardware.
Buy now £175.00, Anya Hindmarch
Harvest Time 3D Beet Keychain
Part of Kate Spade’s latest collection, ‘Harvest Time’ (which has recently gone viral thanks to the adorable Watering Can Crossbody), this bright purple beetroot is a definite It-girl accessory.
Buy now £129.00, Kate Spade
Beaded Phone Ropes
Though technically a phone charm, we love the fact that these bright orange beads rather resemble those which Jane herself strung through the loops of her very own Birkin. The chic accessory is also available in cobalt blue and black.
Buy now £14.00, Not Another Bill
Loewe Puffer Goya clip-on leather bag charm
Sometimes your bag just needs its own mini bag. This miniature clip-on Goya puffer by Loewe is adorable, and the bright orange hue is sure to liven up your accessory arsenal. Pop your favourite lip glosses and balms inside and never lose them in the bottom of your tote again.
Buy now £425.00, Selfridges
Loewe Shrimp charm in classic calfskin
Intricately crafted from calfskin leather, this sequined shrimp charm is a marine delight. It also features a subtle Loewe golden anagram dice just above the little shrimp’s body. Though the ‘unexpected red’ trend is technically associated with interior design, we think adding some red to your classic accessories in the form of a fishy charm is an equally brilliant idea.
Buy now £375.00, Loewe
Cherry Keychain
Value-for-money and effortlessly chic, this cherry keychain is made from durable resin and metal. No Y2K-inspired outfit is complete without it.
Buy now £7.97, Amazon
Thomas Bear Charm
Burberry’s signature Teddy Charm is realised here in a fitting royal blue hue. Made with luxurious woollen cashmere, he’s draped in a lovely cosy Knight design blanket. With polished metal hardware and moveable arms, it’s an accessory intended for serious collectors only.
Buy now £320.00, Burberry
Amuseables Pair of Marshmallows Bag Charm
These kawaii Jellycat marshmallows are clearly best friends, so we’d highly recommend purchasing two sets – one for you, and one for your BFF. Their embroidered faces and subtly blushing cheeks are sure to inject some personality into your favourite quotidian accessory.
Buy now £25.00, Jellycat
Personalised Teddy Bear Beaded Bag Charm
Available in a selection of pink and amber beaded colourways, these whimsical hand-crafted charms are set to be the envy of all your fellow accessory enthusiasts. Thankfully, they’re affordably priced at under £20, so you can go ahead and purchase one or two extra for your favourite people.
Buy now £16.99, Etsy
Genuine Leather Flower Bag Charm
When we first laid eyes on this beautiful leather tulip charm, we couldn’t believe it wasn’t crafted by a luxury fashion house. Offered in a vibrant red or elegant brown hue, the 20cm long charm is sure to catch envious glances while you’re walking down the street.
Buy now £34.31, Etsy
