Much to the chagrin of millennials, 2000s accessories are still piquing intrigue.
Y2K diamante-encrusted leather belts, oversized hoop earrings and slouchy hobo bags are widely coveted by those who grew up inhaling episodes of Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty. Another nostalgic trend to emerge from the divisive era is the phone chain where the kitschy cute designs have been snapped up by the likes of Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid.
Typically created using rainbow beads, shimmering faux pearls and personalised lettering, they are generally less blingy than their sartorial counterparts, instead adopting a playful, almost child-like quality.
Just as Nineties babies spent hours weaving sugary pink and purple Scoobie Doos, phone chains continue the tradition of kitsch craftsmanship. Many independent sellers set up shop on Etsy and create funky designs from the comfort of their own homes.
Call us sentimental, but we love a colourbomb phone chain - and not solely because of how they look. The gizmos are a safety feature that prevents your phone from being swiped. According to the BBC, a phone is snatched every six minutes in the UK, which totalled 250 a day in 2022.
Anybody who has ever had their phone callously ripped from their clutches knows that nobody is safe. Securing a phone chain around your wrist deters potential thieves, not to mention it’s saved us from enduring countless screen cracks. With a phone chain wrapped neatly around your wrist, any fumbled or dropped phones simply bungee jump back.
Add a pinch of character to your everyday handbag with a functional, fashionable phone chain to spark joy.
Shop now
Ateljé Muse Natural Stone Phone Cord
Featuring a luxurious design and a warm Meditterean colourway, Ateljé’s phone cord is a playful yet elegant pick. Founded by influencer and entrepreneur Yara Michels, the label produces planet-friendly accessories including dopamine-inducing cords, just like the Muse. This chain is carefully constructed with multi-coloured stone beads and secure gold-toned clasps.
Buy now £25.00, Selfridges
Skinny Dip Mixed Charm Long Beaded Strap
Smileys are here to stay. The iconic, beaming yellow motif is an instant way to brighten up your day. Skinnydip’s phone chain merges smiling faces with sweet mushrooms and spiritual yin-yangs. Fasten yours to your phone and be on your merry way.
Buy now £14.00, Skinny Dip
Burga Assorted Dreams Colourful Beads Phone Charm
Burga has an array of textures and colour combinations to choose from. Our eye fell on the Assorted Dreams variation, which marries pearlescent beads with oceanic tones.
Buy now £22.95, Burga
Marc Jacobs Women's Bold Chain Shoulder Strap
A larger chain to position around your shoulders, Marc Jacobs’ vibrant offering is ideal for those on the move. Ensure no phone swiping occurs thanks to its sturdy design. An assortment of candy-cane initials, golden stars and smiley faces are sure to turn heads.
Buy now £81.00, Coggles
Mini Cute Gifts Personalised Phone Charm Strap
This handmade charm is a tangerine dream. Small citrus features sit among crystal clear beads, curating a fabulous fruit bowl to adorn your phone.
Buy now £9.90, Etsy
String Ting Multicolour Crystal Rancher Phone Wristlet
String Ting’s crystal-embellished wristlet comes celebrity-approved. A rainbow of pigments, from crimson and lemon to emerald and orange, is set to shake up your accessories arsenal. The striking piece is hand-beaded using luxurious Swarovski crystals.
Buy now £128.00, SSENSE
Etsy Beaded Phone Charm
Trends are cyclical, but phone charms are here to stay. Not only are they cute and kitsch, but they’re practical for security too. We can’t tell you how many times a phone charm has saved us from a new screen replacement following near-dropping incidents.
Buy now £8.99, Etsy
Rosie Fortescue Jewellery Yin Yang Phone Charm
Rosie Fortescue’s yin-yang phone charm would make a stylish gift for luxury lovers. Cherry red and cream beads adorned a wristlet, elevating any everyday outfit a hint of kitsch playfulness.
Buy now £40.00, Rosie Fortescue Jewellery
