Labub-who? It seems literature is the charm of choice this season
The days of stuffed toys on carabiners with "quirky" grins, and the reign of branded bounties dangling from handbag handles have ended. According to the style set in attendance at New York Fashion Week, the new must-have accessory is a book – specifically, one scaled down to about a third of its usual size and worn on a keychain.
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This micro-literary movement was first spotted on the inaugural day of fashion week, adorning Sentimental Value star Elle Fanning. Seated front row at Coach, the star showcased a miniature copy of the Jane Austen classic Sense & Sensibility, produced by the brand and clipped to her Tabby 26 Matelasse bag. Even better, Fanning was observed actually reading the tiny tome later on the subway.

Photo: Phil Oh

Photo: @litgirl

Photo: Phil Oh
Since that initial sighting, these miniature book charms have permeated Manhattan, transforming New York into a chic, mobile library.
What began as a Coach runway flourish has since taken on a life of its own, the brand’s miniature classics quietly circulating beyond the front row. While some swing Fanning's choice of Austen, others have acquired a diverse array of miniature texts, including Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun, and Glennon Doyle’s Untamed. A perfect accompaniment to shows that never start on time, instead of doom-scrolling Instagram, take out your tiny text – after all, if you’re not reading, what are you doing?

Photo: Phil Oh


Photo: Phil Oh
