Long before Labubu latched onto Gen Z’s Prada Re-Edition, there was another monster roaming the fashion world, made of mink, fox, and purely Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic vision.
Back in 2013, Karl Lagerfeld did what only he could do; turned a monster into a must-have. Introducing the world to Bag Bugs, or as they later became affectionately known, the Fendi Monster Charms, these furry oddballs weren’t just accessories. They were tiny, luxurious acts of mischief. Made from fox, mink, and rabbit fur, they stared back with googly eyes and exaggerated expressions, dangling off Birkins and Peekaboos like surreal mascots of maximalism.
They were divisive, absurd, and iconic. Naturally, they sold out.
At first glance, it felt ridiculous. Who would pay $900 (or more) for a grumpy-faced furball with an identity crisis? With limited editions surpassing that range. But Karl knew exactly what he was doing. Bag Bugs didn’t just accessorise, they categorised. They created an entirely new niche, the high-fashion bag charm. The kind of piece that’s not functional but emotional. Not necessary, but irresistible.
After Fendi, everyone wanted in. And from their debut in Fall/Winter 2013, they sold out season after season. Suddenly, the handbag wasn’t just the main event, it needed its own entourage.
Of course, the fur factor didn’t age well. The backlash from animal rights activists helped accelerate a shift toward eco-fur and ethical design. But that doesn’t erase what the Bag Bugs started.
They gave us permission to accessorize our accessories. To treat bags like characters, and charms like personal totems. Today’s obsession with Labubus and whatever’s dangling off your Miu Miu Wander. It all traces back to these fuzzy fashion icons.
Because before collectable culture and Labubu got its moment, before toy drops became style language, and long before your bag needed an alter ego, Karl Lagerfeld saw it coming.
And he gave it teeth, fur, and a designer price tag.
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