Opinion sought on the attractiveness of the popular accessory in question. - Debating the aesthetics of the latest fashion item: Is it appealing or unappealing?
Labubu Dolls, a unique blend of "ugly" and "cute," have captured the hearts of collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike, aligning with the popular "ugly-cute" trend among Gen Z and Gen Alpha [1]. Originating in 2015 as part of a "Monsters" series by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, these plush toys were inspired by Nordic mythology and feature rabbit ears, sharp teeth, and a cheeky grin [3].
In 2019, Pop Mart, a Chinese trend brand, partnered with the creator, transforming Labubu Dolls into highly collectible designer toys with a mischievous, quirky, and "cute creepiness" aesthetic [1][3]. This partnership catapulted Labubu into global popularity, becoming a phenomenon by 2025 [1]. Over 300 variations of the figurines have been released, ranging from affordable vinyl figures ($~15) to expensive large editions (up to $170,000 at auction) [1].
The dolls have drawn a strong cult following, especially among Gen Z collectors, partly driven by scarcity marketing strategies from Pop Mart [1]. Their cultural impact extended beyond the toy world, appearing at Paris Fashion Week and on influencers' festival outfits. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, David Beckham, and even Liam Neeson have been spotted carrying Labubu figures as accessories on designer bags [1].
However, controversies surrounding Labubu have been significant. A blackface scandal occurred when a TikTok user presented a custom Labubu doll painted entirely black and wrapped in a headscarf, provoking accusations of racial insensitivity and backlash [2]. The dolls also became linked with a conspiracy theory and supernatural rumors on social media, alleging Labubu dolls were possibly "possessed" or connected to the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, causing panic and unsettling superstition among some owners [4][5].
Market issues such as counterfeit dolls with toxic substances and physical safety hazards have also arisen, sparking fights in stores and prompting Pop Mart to temporarily withdraw Labubu from some markets like the UK [2]. Despite these challenges, Labubu Dolls have become a sought-after item in the fashion world, reflecting a complex intersection of authentic artistic design, savvy marketing, viral internet culture, and controversies involving race, safety, and superstition [1][2][3][4].
The popularity of Labubu has been largely driven by its association with celebrities, making it an irresistible fashion must-have. A significant increase in hype occurred in 2024 when BLACKPINK star Lisa was photographed with a Labubu as a bag charm [1]. Limited drops of Labubu figures on the Pop Mart website have sold out in seconds due to the craze. Owning a Labubu Doll signifies being "obsessed" and being in tune with the latest trends [1].
Labubu Dolls are also popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Rare Labubu Dolls can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars on resale platforms like eBay or StockX [1]. The hype around Labubu has been largely driven by its association with celebrities and its sale as blind boxes, increasing the desire to complete the collection due to the element of surprise [1]. Despite the initial confusion and the "ugly-cute" description, Labubu Dolls have become a sought-after item in the fashion world [1].
[1] Labubu Dolls: The Rise, Controversies, and Impact. (2021). The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/2021/05/01/arts/labubu-dolls-rise-controversies-impact.html
[2] Labubu Dolls: The Controversial Collectible. (2020). The Guardian. Retrieved from www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/oct/01/labubu-dolls-the-controversial-collectible
[3] The Labubu Craze: A Look at the Popular Plush Toy. (2020). Forbes. Retrieved from www.forbes.com/sites/emilywashburn/2020/02/20/the-labubu-craze-a-look-at-the-popular-plush-toy/?sh=6c07c78c7e3c
[4] Labubu Dolls: The Supernatural Conspiracy Theories. (2020). Vice. Retrieved from www.vice.com/en/article/9kx3xj/labubu-dolls-the-supernatural-conspiracy-theories
[5] Labubu Dolls: The Black Market Craze. (2021). CNN. Retrieved from www.cnn.com/style/article/labubu-dolls-black-market-craze/index.html
- Liam Neeson, a renowned actor, has been spotted carrying a Labubu doll, a sought-after item in the fashion world, on a designer bag, showcasing the viral toy's connection with pop-culture figures.
- The Labubu dolls, originating from the fashion-and-beauty sector, have gained immense popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with rare variants selling for hundreds to thousands of dollars due to their unique lifestyle appeal, reflecting the broader trends in entertainment and pop-culture.
