[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”header” module_id=”Home” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Charms of the Times” subhead=”Fashion, Feelings, and the Weight of Keychains” header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” admin_label=”title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Alegreya SC|700||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”68px” title_letter_spacing=”3px” subhead_font=”Alegreya SC|800|on||||||” subhead_text_align=”center” subhead_font_size=”28px” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/charms-header-5\u67089\u65e5-5.mp4″ text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(124,124,124,0)” admin_label=”intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”37px” content_text_color=”#303030″ content_font_size=”20px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/background_1-1-scaled.gif” parallax=”on” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” vertical_offset=”0px” background_layout=”light” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
H<\/span>ave you noticed the streets turning into a runway of dangling personalities? Walk past any caf\u00e9, subway platform, or office lobby, and you\u2019ll spot them: keychains. Not just clipped to keys, but everywhere\u2014swinging from belt loops, clinking on handbags, even pinned to collars.<\/p>\n A polished office lady pairs her Herm\u00e8s Birkin with a Labubu charm. A teenage student dangles a teddy bear keychain from their worn school backpack, frayed from years of adventures. An elite gentleman in a tailored suit surprises with a sleek metal pendant stamped with punk symbols shining under the sunlight.<\/p>\n Over there, a Gen-Zer\u2019s tote drips with a My Melody pendant made of squishy nylon and a Loewe animal charm in calfskin. Here, a kindergarten kid\u2019s crossbody bag is hung with a fluffy jellycat charm that\u2019s almost the same size.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(158,158,158,0.4)” admin_label=”question” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_font=”Alata||||||||” content_text_align=”left” content_font_size=”50px” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/header-intro-question2.mp4″ text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Is your charm a sweet companion, <\/span>a self-expression necessity, or a trendy commodity?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”transition 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9f9f9f” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I<\/span>n an era where personal style often collides with practicality, a new trend has taken hold: charms, keychains, and pendants are no longer mere functional items but symbols of self-expression, nostalgia, and even controversy. From office workers to influencers, minimalists to collectors, this trend sparks varied reactions. We explore six perspectives shaping the conversation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”mango’s quote” module_id=”Interviews” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” admin_label=”Fullwidth Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/mangos-quote_3.png” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”mango interview” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9f9f9f” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For Mango (Cuiling Tang – 26), an office worker in media industry, the answer lies in practicality and creativity. Her corporate dress code prioritizes comfort and practicality but limits bold outfits that show her personality. <\/span><\/p>\n Yet, charms offer a simple way to refresh her look and make basic items feel unique and stylish. Her hat-shaped keychain unfolds into a grocery bag, and a tiny pendant doubles as a pen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/WxreBOjaPlk” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”mango text part 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cMy principle is that a charm needs to be cute, practical, and well-fitting to my outfit,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0she says. <\/span><\/p>\n While some bags and clothes, though well-designed, can be not only expensive but also lacking durability, pendants become her solution for not to be buried in the crowd, so Mango believes that the popularity of charms will continue to flourish: \u201cI would buy some special pendants to show people that I\u2019ve worked on my outfits. I’m not dressing ordinary for today; I have my own taste and style.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”tom’s quote” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” admin_label=”Fullwidth Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/toms-quote.png” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”tom intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9f9f9f” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”3519,3523,3525,3524″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom (Yuexuan Zhou – 27) is a fashion influencer with 25.5K followers on instagram (@zyxtom) and 20.5K followers on Xiaohongshu (@\u6c64\u6c64\u86d9). <\/span><\/p>\n He is founder of accessory brand R\u016aMU, designed the Bloom VersaTIE\u2014a leather flower that transforms into a bolo tie, belt decoration, or bag charm. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n To Tom, even as a fashion influencer, he recognizes that basic, simple-color clothes are the most common outfits that satisfy multi-scene dressing needs rather than distinctive, colorful clothes that he would be drawn to. <\/span><\/p>\n Tom thus believes that charms are necessary, because they allow people to experiment with different styles and make everyday pieces feel more personalized.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c[Charms] let you participate in trends without overhauling your wardrobe,<\/strong>\u201d he explains.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”3548,3551,3517,3545,3510,3520″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”tom interview” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/yQGdQNwOX2s” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For Tom, pendants democratize fashion: \u201cThey\u2019re for people who value timeless basics but crave a touch of individuality.<\/strong>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBloom VersaTIE invites you to experiment with its endless possibilities and have fun, and that\u2019s why I chose to create this charm and had it to be the very first item of my brand.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”transition 3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9f9f9f” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|||||on|||” header_font_size=”40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Tyson’s quote” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” admin_label=”Fullwidth Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote-2.png” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Tyson’s interview” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9f9f9f” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Tyson (KinHo Lau – 24), a wine sommelier having fashion as his interest, critiques the trend\u2019s focus: \u201cIf an outfit is well-designed, it should speak for itself.\u201d To Tyson, fashion should lie in its core\u2014while pendants can be a fun addition, the essence of fashion should remain with the quality and creativity of clothing. He dismisses charms as \u201cfast fashion\u201d lacking depth, especially after his disappointment when Tom, being one of his favorite influencers, launched a charm instead of innovative clothing: \u201cI don\u2019t think one product can represent all occasions in your life,\u201d he says. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/mWC_g0yl_xM” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When asked where he sees this trend heading in the future, Tyson thinks that, \u201cpeople may be a bit misled on their consumption of accessories, probably because [accessories] are more cost-effective or achievable, but the focus of fashion is still more about the clothes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEven though life and trends keep changing, especially in this fast-speed world, there are still some customers and people craving for the true styles. I think that\u2019s something designers and influencers should think about.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”transition to social meaning” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(132,132,132,0.22)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”50px” content_font=”Alata||||||||” content_font_size=”55px” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_2179.jpg” parallax=”on” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What if these keychains have other meanings?<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”transition to ig post” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9f9f9f” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n W<\/span>hile Tyson critiques charms as superficial additions, countless wearers defy that notion. Beyond debates over aesthetics, many wearers cling to charms for reasons far deeper than trends. These trinkets anchor memories, whisper secrets, and stitch invisible threads between people. They\u2019re not just about looking good\u2014they\u2019re about feeling seen.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”social media gallery” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nNot everyone, however, sees charm-driven fashion as progress. For some, it risks overshadowing the artistry of design itself.<\/h1>\n