There is a new group of bears in town and “soft robots” too. None of them come in a blind box. Those who do not care about one Pop Mart star might find Prada’s plushies more irresistible

Prada, like so many luxury brands, is enticing those with bags that are devoid of personality a selection of dangly companions. But, they don’t come cheap, not at all. The least expensive of the lot will set you back S$1,060. You can buy the brand’s more practical ‘Re-Nylon mini pouch for S$845 (still dear for a bag that measures 9.5cm X 6.5cm). But with bag charms all the rage, Prada’s dressed-to-the-nines bears, as well as those even more characteristically-togged “soft robots” (is a mini-me Baymax of Big Hero fame hidden in there?) are going to find many fans who have the means to “personalize every bag with a unique and distinctive touch”, as Prada thinks they do.

These are, of course, nothing like the seen-everywhere Labubu. They are unmistakably Prada aesthetically, whether the fluffy beast or the puffy cyborg, since all of them are attired in Prada-branded clothes (thankfully without any bondage gear!)—no dupes like a Chanel-loving Labubu will likely wear. But unlike the toothy, big-headed elf hanging plentifully on many a bag, there is the real possibility that you might not be able to hang that many Prada bears on yours since they could, in total, cost more that the bag itself, even one from Prada. Still, if you are not into Labubu grinning from your tote or candy hanging from your satchel, these dressed-up alternatives may just help you stand out in the holiday crowd.

Prada bag charms, from SGD1,060, will be available in stores soon. Product photos: Prada. Collage: Just So