If you’ve scrolled TikTok or spotted a celebrity street‑style shot lately, chances are you’ve seen a snaggle‑toothed, wide‑eyed creature dangling from a designer handle—that’s a Labubu. Dreamed up by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and released in blind‑box form by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, the tiny “monster” is fast becoming 2025’s most talked‑about fashion add‑on. Originally a niche collectible launched in 2015, Labubu hit the global stage once Pop Mart began surprise drops in 2019, turning each purchase into a mini lottery for rare colourways and costumes.
The hype truly ignited when BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Dua Lipa and Rihanna started clipping the dolls to their Birkins and Bottegas, and Middle‑East tastemakers followed suit—Valentino’s recent Dubai pop‑up even gifted limited Labubus to VIP guests.
Part of the appeal is pure nostalgia as the dolls tap into the “kidult” wave that has grown Jellycat bunnies and Tamagotchis into status objects. But they’re also genuinely scarce. Pop Mart releases Labubu in small runs, and resale prices now regularly leap far beyond the Dhs 60 retail tag; limited editions can fetch hundreds of dollars online. That frenzy helped push Pop Mart’s 2024 profits up more than 200 per cent, with The Monsters (Labubu’s wider character family) driving the bulk of sales.
Design‑wise, the doll breaks from the polished minimalism ruling luxury accessories right now. Labubu’s tufted ears, mischievous grin and sometimes fuzzy body bring a hit of personality to ultra‑serious handbags, prompting conversation wherever they swing. Collectors argue that each edition—whether the macaron‑pastel plush or vinyl “Time to Chill” figure—feels like wearable art rather than merch.
Labubu isn’t alone. The broader craze includes Crybaby, a tear‑streaked cartoon bunny by Chinese artist Lang, which went viral on Xiaohongshu before jumping to Western moodboards, plus old‑guard favourites like Jellycat’s bashful bunnies. They all tap the same “kidult” urge for playful nostalgia—grown‑ups buying toys as status objects.
Why do fashion people care? Personality. A neon Crybaby or devil‑horned Labubu hanging off an austere Hermès bag breaks the seriousness of quiet luxury with a wink.
Getting your hands on one, however, takes strategy. Pop Mart drops new series online and in flagship stores without much warning, and queues form instantly. If you score one, clip it on or display it at home—either way, you’re part of the year’s most unexpected style story, a tiny monster that’s gone from cult toy to bona‑fide It‑girl accessory.
