The bag charm craze is officially getting the indie artist treatment.

While Labubu, Monchhichi and other beloved, high-profile characters have brought bag charms into the mainstream over the last year, an emerging wave of artists are increasingly bringing one-of-one, handmade takes to the category, too.

From Kimberly Quiros’ colorful creations inspired by Colombian and New York cultures to Florence Tétier’s sculptural bag chains made from upcycled materials, WWD Weekend rounds up five handmade bag charm brands to have on your radar.

1. Tétier Bijoux

Made by Florence Tétier, Paris (@tetierbijoux)

From graphic designer to Jean Paul Gaultier creative director to visionary of charms and chains, Florence Tétier’s range is as visually as it is verbally impressive. The creative, who helmed the Gaultier brand from 2021 to 2024, also heads up an eponymous jewelry business offering bag chains, charms and other accessories in Tétier’s playful, maximalist style — teddy bears, sculptural flowers and multipatterned strings often included.

Last year, Tétier teamed with Asics to champion shoe charms, and earlier this year she joined forces with Lacoste, workshopping chains to adorn the brand’s Lenglen Bag. Tétier’s unique handmade pieces, which are developed from upcycled materials, are sold on a commission basis, with prices starting at roughly 350 euros for a bag chain.

2. Friend Apartment

By Siena Santos, Brooklyn (@friendapartment)

If you’ve ever wanted a miniature, carry-on version of yourself or a loved one, look no further. Friend Apartment, founded in Brooklyn by Siena Santos, offers precisely that, with made-to-order figurines starting at $120. Using Sonny Angel collectibles as a base, Santos customizes each figurine with paint and epoxy sculpt clay to reflect the look and style of each of her subjects.

“Growing up, I came across a lot of cartoonish toys — Tokidoki, Kidrobot — it definitely inspired me to want to make my own toy,” said Santos, who is currently developing her own 3D-printed base model to use for her Mini.Me figurines, and will eventually introduce dollhouse-like, customizable apartments, “for you to place your little guy when you’re not using him or her,” she said.

3. MyPerlitas

By Kimberly Quiros, New York

Combining Colombian heritage with New York flair, MyPerlitas is founder Kimberly Quiros’ love letter to the women in her family. “My grandma, who taught us the beauty of accessorizing, inspired so much of what the brand has become,” said Quiros, adding that her mother, too, designed the brand’s first necklace which launched in 2021.

Today, MyPerlitas offers accessories ranging from rosary-like anklets to mesh fruit bag charms inspired by Colombian food markets. Each charm is a one-of-one design — but always adorned in one way or another with the brand’s pearl signature.

“Being the oldest of three sisters, womanhood is deeply personal to me,” Quiros said. “From sharing jewelry to styling one another, it has always been about connection, expression and having fun — that’s the heart of MyPerlitas.”

4. Bunnie Studio

By Ella Kennedy, Sydney

For Ella Kennedy, creating one-of-a-kind bag charms is an intuitive art. “I let the materials guide me,” said the Sydney-based accessory designer, whose Bunnie Studio charms are priced at $60 and feature different stone combinations, including smoky quartz, black onyx, Botswana agate and more. “It’s a process of experimenting with combinations until something feels balanced and fun,” Kennedy said.

5. Prescription Kiss

By Raiyn Abba, San Francisco, Calif.

From flying unicorns to conjoined fawns, Raiyn Abba’s handmade creature keychains are as intricate as they are imaginative. “I would describe my style as whimsical, nostalgic and super cute,” said Abba, whose charms range from $30 for an axolotl or goldfish to $60 for a unicorn and more customizable offerings. Each charm is made-to-order and features Prescription Kiss’ signature, glowing opalescent eyes.

“People always tell me my charms remind them of their childhoods, and I love that because when I create, I slip into the mind of my child-self,” Abba said. “Creating makes me incredibly happy — I hope that joy shines through in every charm that I make.”