The Imperfect perfect of "Birkinfying"

 

(Lace and string showcasing personalization and creativity) 

The clean aesthetic: perfect cut silhouettes, and polished kept designer. What seemed to dominate social media in 2022 is now being replaced with imperfection becoming the new perfect. Exiting out from this aesthetic and entering one full of artful creativity – almost like entering the Mad Hatters workshop. Thrown-together pieces of clothing, accessories, ribbon, and lace mold a new type of fashion mantra. 

Fashion has always had the reputation of being a niche area of expression. Almost like picking and choosing which character you want to become on a daily basis. Do you want to wear color? Keep it more casual? Explore different types of textures and cuts?  

 

From the virtual screens of TikTok to the streets of NYC, and sunset boulevards of LA. A unique trend has come conquering creative freeform. Oversized keychains, lace, ribbon, charms, and so much more add a level of glam and a hint of fun. You may be wondering what this is: “Birkinfying.”  

TikTok strikes again, proving that you never know what to expect, just when we believe we've seen the best trends of the first part of the year. 

A term created by beloved influencers of the social media app, this term has become a fan favorite. With over 1,000 videos coming up after putting the term into the search. This expression allows users to play with decor. Bows are added to straps of goyard handbags along with heavy charm bracelets on Coach bags. This fun, DIY activity has been on the streets and on our screens since the summer of 2023. Yet, it has become more and more relevant as the days pass adding to the idea that imperfection is the new new, having users move past the “Quiet Luxury” standard. 

(Photo taken of what comes up when searching Birkinfying)

Personalizing items with accessories can be seen in fashion throughout and has been looked at before. This fashion-forward has a timeless feel to it and reminds us of the iconic Jane Birkin, in which this trend got its name. The fashion icon Jane Birkin was known for her creativity in adding fun beads to her namesake Birkin. Proving that fashion is all about fun. 

So, what is this doing for the market? 

“In a way, it’s adding a category. For example, String Ting and Nunoo are just two brands that recently expanded offerings with bag charms. Of course, anything can be a charm — a keychain, a ribbon, whatever — but for brands in the market and for shoppers looking for something new (not everyone wants to DIY), it’s an adorable little addition,” Fashionista Market Editor, Savannah Sitton, mentions when asked about the benefits of this trend. A trend that is becoming bigger than itself. 

After Savannah Sitton wrote a story about “Birkinfying” at the beginning of the year, she mentions how much more she has seen the effect of this popularity in real life. “After that story, Balenciaga released its 'messy bag’ campaign and Coach debuted its latest collection which is riddled with NYC-themed bag charms and chains”, she mentions. She can’t drive up and down LA without seeing Balenciaga’s billboard campaigns all throughout the city. 

Taken from the creative minds of those on TikTok and the streets, celebrities and designers are stepping into the light. Celebs like Dua Lipa are seen on the streets showing off their own Birkin with lace and charms. Designers, like the ones mentioned before, are appealing to the market by adding charm-like bag straps, and large keychains for purchase. 

Coach, for example, is making the comeback of the century and is appealing to the power of influencers. TikTok influencers like Bridget Brown, a LA NYC fashion influencer, shows her audience of 240.6k followers the Coach flagship store in SoHo NYC. A store that specializes in custom tabbys. In the store, or online, you can customize your very own bag. You can add studs, pins, charms, and even different types of straps. Now, Coach is coming out with a spring “Coachtopia” line which appeals to even more of a custom look. Demonstrating the imperfect look and feeding into the creative outlet so many users are accessing. 

(Bags from Coachtopia collection on Coach website) 

Not only are people becoming more niche with accessories, like handbags and clothing but headphones are also becoming more and more popular as fashion statements. 

(Wildflower headphone cases which demonstrate self expression and style)

Individuality is the root of these imperfect perfections. This trend expresses joy, creativity, and the most important part of fashion: fun, which is what fashion should be all about. This trend is not only for Birkin holders, but for those who have an inkling for DIY and upscale any kind of bag. Let your inner thoughts take over and your imagination run free when picking your own spin on things, especially fashion.