Labubu Dolls Spark Global Trend with Ugly-Cute Charm and Celebrity Endorsement

Labubu Dolls: From Niche Collectibles to the Fashion Spotlight

Labubu dolls are having their breakout moment, and it’s not just collectors who are excited. These fuzzy, toothy creatures started as illustrations in Hong Kong artist Kaising Lung’s children’s books called The Monsters. For years, only hardcore fans knew about Labubu, Zimomo, and Tycoco. That all changed when Pop Mart, the Chinese collectibles giant, spotted their potential and struck a deal with Lung in 2019. Suddenly, Labubu was everywhere.

What makes Labubu so irresistible? It’s a mix of factors. First, there's the look: these toys are the poster children for what people call the ugly-cute trend—kind of odd-looking, but in a way that's hard not to love. You see their snaggle teeth and wild hair and can’t help but smile. Collectors got hooked early, but when Pop Mart rolled out keychain-sized versions in 2023, things really exploded. Now anyone could snap a Labubu to their backpack, purse, or even a reusable water bottle.

Celebrity Power and Gen Z Nostalgia Fuel the Hype

The big turning point came in April 2024, when Lisa from Blackpink shared a photo of her Hermès bag—decorated with a Labubu keychain. That post sent fans into a frenzy, and searches for Labubu spiked overnight. There’s something about seeing your favorite idols or singers—think Rihanna, Dua Lipa, or Amelia Gray—rocking these toys that makes everyone want one. Soon enough, Labubus were popping up as bag charms and even as statement pieces on red carpets and street style blogs.

Blind box culture is another major driver. When you buy a Labubu, you don’t know which character or variation you’ll get until you open the box. It’s the same thrill you’d get tearing open a pack of Pokémon cards as a kid. That feeling of surprise and the hunt for rare editions has created its own frenzy, sending fans back into stores for more—or scouring resale sites like StockX, where limited versions can go for many times the original price.

Why the obsession, especially with Gen Z? For a lot of young people coping with social and economic uncertainty, these toys offer a dose of pure nostalgia and comfort. Labubus feel like childhood made portable—soft, silly, and customizable. Some fans buy clothes and accessories just for their toys, dressing them up in tiny hats or even matching their own outfits. And since you can clip them on just about anything, from Stanley mugs to waist belts, there’s no limit to how you can express yourself.

Now, with high demand and constant sell-outs, Labubu dolls have gone from oddball collectibles to a global fashion statement. They're proof that even the weirdest toys, with the right blend of surprise, star power, and nostalgia, can take over the world one bag at a time.