Charm Culture: How Pop Mart Redefined the Bag Accessory
October 7, 2025
Fashion has always thrived on the smallest details. From keychains in the Y2K era to enamel pins in the mid-2010s, accessories have carried the power to define style movements. In 2025, that power belongs to Pop Mart charms. These miniature collectibles have jumped from display shelves into everyday life, fast becoming the “must-have” additions to bags everywhere. Either hanging off a luxury tote or clipped to a casual backpack, they bring personality, nostalgia, and a playful edge to the bag game.
At their core, Pop Mart charms are part of the same blind-box culture that catapulted the brand to global recognition. Collectors chase rare pulls, limited editions, and special collaborations with the same enthusiasm that once drove sneakerheads to line up for Jordans. This thrill of discovery is now paired with functionality. Instead of living on a shelf, the charms travel with you, extending their purpose beyond collecting into styling. They are not just figures; they’re fashion.
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Kubo: Art for the Minimalist
For those who lean toward understated fashion, the Kubo charm is the perfect match. With sleek lines, muted tones, and a calm aura, Kubo embodies minimalism in a market often dominated by bright, chaotic designs. On Instagram and TikTok, Kubo is frequently paired with neutral-toned totes or sleek leather bags, adding just enough artistic energy without overwhelming the look. In many ways, Kubo is the charm equivalent of a statement ring—small but deeply effective.
Nostalgia Reimagined: Tom & Jerry Charms
Fashion thrives on nostalgia, and Pop Mart has tapped directly into that wellspring with Tom & Jerry charms. These miniatures bring back childhood memories while fitting seamlessly into adult streetwear and bag styling. They’ve been spotted hanging from both Jansport backpacks and Dior book totes, proving their flexibility across demographics. The mix of cartoon playfulness with contemporary fashion creates a juxtaposition that feels clever, ironic, and effortlessly cool.
Disney Magic: Zootopia Charms
Few brands understand cultural crossover better than Disney, and the Zootopia Pop Mart charms offer a perfect example. Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters from the film translate into fun bag companions that bring movie magic into daily commutes. These charms particularly resonate with younger collectors and Disney fans, creating a playful connection between fandom and fashion. They also reflect Pop Mart’s strategy of linking global entertainment IPs with its design language—broadening appeal far beyond niche collectors.
Labubu: The Streetwear Favorite
Among the many Pop Mart lines, Labubu stands out as the darling of the streetwear community. With its mischievous grin, offbeat features, and bold colors, Labubu charms feel tailor-made for sneaker culture. They’ve been paired with Nike Dunks, Supreme backpacks, and oversized hoodies in countless Instagram reels. Labubu thrives at the intersection of quirky and cool, appealing to collectors who prefer their accessories with a touch of rebellion.
Molly: The Timeless Icon
No Pop Mart editorial would be complete without mentioning Molly, the brand’s most recognizable figure. Since its launch, Molly has been reinterpreted in countless outfits and collaborations, cementing its status as a modern collectible classic. As a charm, Molly is versatile, able to complement both casual and luxury bags. From Prada’s nylon backpack to Gucci’s structured totes, Molly clips in with ease, adding familiarity and instant recognizability. For many collectors, owning a Molly charm isn’t optional—it’s essential.
The rise of Pop Mart charms as bag accessories can’t be separated from their dominance on Instagram.
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Unboxings: Blind-box videos rack up thousands of views, turning each charm reveal into mini entertainment.
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Styling Posts: Influencers treat charms like jewelry, showcasing how different combinations change the mood of a bag.
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Community Sharing: Hashtags like #PopMartCharm and #BagCharmCheck foster a culture of showing, trading, and comparing collections.
This ecosystem of content reinforces the desirability of charms, transforming them from collectibles into lifestyle objects.
Why Pop Mart Charms Work in 2025
The popularity of Pop Mart charms reflects broader cultural shifts.
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Individuality Over Uniformity: Bags once defined by logos now gain identity through add-ons.
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Small Statements, Big Impression: A charm is low-cost compared to a handbag, but it dramatically changes the bag’s personality.
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Cultural Layering: By mixing Disney, nostalgic cartoons, and original Pop Mart designs, charms become storytelling tools.
In short, Pop Mart charms fit the cultural appetite for personalization in an era where accessories are extensions of identity.
Impression
Looking ahead, Pop Mart charms are poised to evolve further. Expect to see:
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Collabs with fashion houses that merge limited charms with runway drops.
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Digital extensions like charms embedded with QR codes linking to AR or NFT experiences.
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Sustainability-focused releases tapping into recycled materials or eco-themed designs.
As long as collectors value novelty and fashion embraces individuality, Pop Mart charms will continue to dominate accessory trends.
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