27 November 2025  A Long History of Carried SymbolsThe idea of attaching small objects to personal belongings is far from new. In ancient cultures, amulets and talismans were tied to pouches or clothing as symbols of luck, protection, or identity. Over the centuries, these charms transitioned from spiritual objects to sentimental keepsakes as their meaning and use changed. The modern fashion twist emerged when actress Jane Birkin casually decorated her iconic bag with personal trinkets, giving fresh momentum to a culture of customization that still resonates in styling today.From Birkin to Labubu: A Contemporary ComebackToday's bag charms reflect a mix of nostalgia, playfulness, and personal expression. The kidult phenomenon—adults embracing childlike objects to find comfort in a chaotic world—plays a significant role. Collectibles such as the currently popular Labubu illustrate this blend of fashion and emotional storytelling. Although some items are fueled by hype, others carry symbolic meaning: resilience, optimism, and a touch of humor hanging from a bag strap.Why People Use Bag Charms NowFor many, bag charms offer a quick way to personalize an accessory without altering its structure. They turn a neutral item into a small, mobile gallery of memories or moods. Some see them as modern good-luck symbols; others enjoy the playful act of decorating a bag like a mini Christmas tree. The trend continues to thrive because it accommodates both practical and emotional needs.Freitag's Take: Turning Production Scraps into AccessoriesSwiss bag manufacturer Freitag has now added several bag charm models to its assortment, made from the same used truck tarps that define its bags. The items—crafted from cutting scraps—are intentionally light, even if the idea of carrying another load might sound heavy at first.The model Autobahn ("Highway"), shaped like a road sign, resembles a scent tree or even a vignette at first glance, but its form is directly borrowed from Europe's highway symbol. Other pieces include Dice, a flat two-cube interpretation of the classic fuzzy dice, and Face, a keyring with a sliding cover and cartoon-like expression. These bring humor and personality to the straps of a bag. A more functional option is the Mini Messenger, a tiny pouch also made from used truck tarps. Freitag recommends it as a practical place for earbuds, keys, a lighter, or loose coins. With its micro-size and recognizable messenger-bag silhouette, it stands out as a favorite for those who want charm and utility in one small object. Image: The composite image shows two views of Freitag’s bag charms. On the left, four models from the Lucky Trucking Charms series are arranged against a plain background: the yellow Autobahn charm, the blue Dice pair, the red Face keyring with a long strap, and the orange-black Mini Messenger. On the right, a close-up shows a person holding a large light-grey tarp bag with two Mini Messenger charms in pink tones attached to the handle, hanging beside a metal carabiner with keys. The images highlight the recycled truck-tarp materials and the varied shapes and colours of the charms. Images from left: Lucky Trucking Charms Group, Photo © Oliver Nanzig. Right: Photo © Johanna Bommer. |