They’re no longer just for shelves, they’ve become wearable collectibles to show off your personality in a new, fun way.
If you haven’t heard of Labubu, don’t worry, it’s about to take over your Instagram feed.
A trend that combines luxury with personality, Labubu dolls are the new must-have accessory for the style elite. It started out as a quirky art toy by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung but has now spread across Southeast Asia and into the hands of fashion’s biggest names.
So what’s the deal with Labubu? Think of it as the perfect blend of nostalgia, exclusivity, and high-fashion—the kind of thing that makes you go, ‘Wait, I need this.’ It’s not just about accessorizing your Hermès Birkin anymore, it’s about attaching something personal, playful, and, limited-edition. Naturally, the internet can’t resist.
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How did Labubu become so popular?
The rise of Labubu isn’t a random stroke of luck, it’s part of the larger wave of Pop Mart influencing the collectible toy space. Pop Mart also produces some of the most popular art toy series, including Skullpanda and Molly, that have legions of fans around the globe. Given this success, it was no surprise when Pop Mart’s licensing deal with Kasing Lung introduced The Monsters—including Labubu—to a mainstream audience.
The crossover into high fashion gave it even more push. In January 2023, Labubu was seen at Milan Fashion Week in a collection by the Chinese brand Pronounce. Models on the runway wore tops bearing the faces of the cheeky character, making Labubu a fashion icon. It was that high-profile moment and Pop Mart’s cult following that turned Labubu from a niche collectible to a trend.
Why Labubu taps into our deepest nostalgia
Here’s why Labubu works: it plays on that nostalgic longing that makes grownups
swoon over anything that reminds them of their childhood. When you picture the ‘90s Troll dolls with their wild hair and funny faces, Labubu pulls at those same strings. That same energy, channeled into a more modern vibe, is now being felt by today’s fashion-forward crowd. Much like the trolls that sat on our desks or the Sonny Angels and Smiskis that now adorn collectors’ shelves, Labubu carries the magic of miniature worlds and small, mischievous companions that remind us of carefree times.
But Labubu goes further than that. They’re not just toys you toss in the back of your closet, they’re tiny works of art that you hang on your most expensive accessories. And contrast is key. A Birkin suddenly feels more approachable, even playful, when there’s a mischievous little Labubu hanging off it. It’s the ultimate fashion irony, and celebrities are leaning into it hard.
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Celebrities are all over this trend
is the Fall In the Wild Labubu
Speaking of celebrities, let’s get into who’s driving this trend. Lisa of Blackpink might be the unofficial queen of Labubu, but she’s not the only one who’s embraced it. Heart Evangelista has taken her high-fashion aesthetic and sprinkled it with just the right amount of whimsy by adding Labubu charms to her luxury bag rotation.
Then there’s Kathryn Bernardo, who’s been spotted with a Labubu clipped to her Alaïa white bag. Marian Rivera has also embraced the trend, adding Labubu charms to her curated fashion ensembles. These tiny creatures aren’t just for show, in a way, they’re a subtle signal that the wearer knows how to mix high fashion with sense of humor.
As a luxury collectible
Labubu’s rise to fame isn’t just limited to the runway or celebrity endorsements. In fact, Labubu have become some of the most sought-after collectibles in Southeast Asia, particularly in places like Singapore and Thailand, where their popularity has surged to new heights.
On resale sites like Carousell, limited-edition Labubu figures are going for thousands of dollars. There’s so much fervor that some fans have even flown to China to try to get their hands on the toys. Popularity comes with risks though. In Thailand, the Labubu craze has reached such levels that it sparked a wave of scams, with fake pre-orders tricking buyers into losses totaling over $60,000
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The life-sized Labubu mascot’s visit to Bangkok in July was part of a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Pop Mart, marking Thailand’s effort to boost tourism from China. Photo: Popmart
Personalization is everything
But with everyone on the hunt for the next cool piece to flaunt on social media, personalization has become the ultimate fashion currency. And Labubu dolls offer just that. With its own design and limited-edition releases, owning a Labubu feels like being part of an exclusive club. You’re not just wearing a bag charm; you’re carrying around a collectible piece of art that no one else might have. It’s like having the ultimate conversation starter, one that only gets better when you mention the limited-edition drop you managed to score before it solds out in two minutes.
And let’s not forget, social media drove this trend too. Instagram unboxings, TikTok reviews and influencer endorsements have made Labubu a phenomenon. New limited edition drops spark renewed anticipation among fashion lovers who want to snag the latest release. FOMO is real.
The rise of Labubu is part of a trend where art toys are having a moment. They’re no longer collectible items for shelves, they’ve become wearable art for showing off your personality in a new, fun way.
And if you’re a fan of Labubu and other Pop Mart toys, there’s even more to be excited about. Pop Mart is set to open a pop-up store in Manila on November 2. The store, located at Level 2 of SM Mall od Asia, is already creating buzz among collectors and fashionistas alike. The announcement, made by Pop Mart Philippines and reposted by the official Pop Mart global account, signals the brand’s growing presence in the region.
