"Consider the recent excitement around Labubu dolls as a prime example. These bug-eyed elves, designed for the sole purpose of being attached to a bag or clothing, helped their parent company, Pop Mart, triple its profits in 2024 to a total of $920 million. The fever is still raging, with fans clambering to buy new colors and styles-and even potentially dangerous knockoffs."
"As quirky bag charms like the Labubu have taken off, the accessory's accessory has become part of the mainstream. It's been legitimized by major brands like Prada, which sells a $1,350 robot bag charm; Louis Vuitton, which offers a beaded phone strap that can only be purchased by contacting the company; and, most recently, Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila brand, which turned its mini shooters into a keychain."
Accessories are increasingly gaining their own accessories, creating a meta layer of collectible items. Labubu bag charms drove Pop Mart's 2024 profits to $920 million as collectors chase new colors, styles, and risky knockoffs. Luxury houses legitimize the trend with high-priced charms and limited phone straps from Prada and Louis Vuitton, while Kendall Jenner’s 818 tequila turned mini shooters into keychains. Rhode’s $35 lip-gloss phone cases sold out after massive waitlists and viral TikTok attention, sparking DIY content and parodies. Brands leverage accessory-ception to monetize fandom, fuel scarcity-driven demand, and expand collectible ecosystems across categories.
Read at Fast Company
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