Labubu dolls may be one of fashion’s most delightful, albeit unexpected, obsessions. The tiny toys originally designed to be collected and displayed on shelves have instead been seen swinging from the handles of designer bags everywhere to become the style set’s accessory of choice. And, honestly, we can see why.
The tiny monster trinkets may seem in contrast to the designer bags they’ve now come to adorn, but as Professor Carolyn Mair PhD, chartered psychologist and author of The Psychology of Fashion tells marie claire U.S., the Labubus tap into childhood nostalgia and fun.
“Labubus are part of the ‘kidult’ phenomenon, where adults find solace in toys reminiscent of their childhood,” she explained. We can’t deny they fuzzy figures tickle something within us.
This desire for fun and a return to personal style after years of quiet luxury and capsule wardrobes has seen Labubus lead the rise of the Gen Z bag charm trend. Over the past year charms have secured their status as the it-accessory with no sign of slowing down, Lyst revealing demand for bag charms and bags with embellishments had risen 352% by the end of 2024.
Just months later, adorable accessories were seen all over the Louis Vuitton’s fall 2024 menswear show, while Valentino leant into the cute craze by gifting Labubus to customers at their Dubai pop-up.
Only deepening the hypnosis these cute creatures have cast over us, is the appearance on the bags of veritable fashion icons like Rihanna, BlackPink’s Lisa and Dua Lipa. Need we say more?
What Is A Labubu?
Labubus are plush toy monsters created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and inspired by fairytale, folklore and mythology. Sitting firmly between cute and cursed, Labubus fluffy facades and big eyes are balanced with cheeky, sharp-toothed grins. They also come in a range of special editions including Coco Cola and Halloween versions.
Why Are Labubu So Popular?
Sold by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, many of the Labubu toys come in a blind box, meaning shoppers won’t know which figurine they’ve received until after opening. This element of mystery and desire to collect as many as possible has only driven up the toy’s popularity and price. Naturally, the stamp of approval from celebrities like Rihanna and Lisa has also aided in the toy’s stylish rise in status.
Why Are Labubu So Expensive?
Dropping in limited releases, making them notoriously difficult to secure, the Labubu has become a cult item synonymous with exclusivity. It’s led to prices skyrocketing on resale sites going from $50AUD to a whopping $985.
Where To Buy Labubu?
Notoriously hard to procure, which only adds to their allure, Chinese toymaker, Pop Mart, is the place to buy Labubu in Australia. You’ll have to keep your eye out for limited edition drops as they sell out fast.
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