Labubu: The Trending Fashion Accessory Taking the World by Storm
Small plush charms called Labubus have created a global sensation, with prices skyrocketing to over $1,000 for rare designs on resale sites like StockX amid overwhelming demand. These toys, featuring sharp-eared designs and mischievous expressions, have been spotted on celebrities including Rihanna, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Dua Lipa, and have become highly sought-after merchandise among younger adult consumers.
According to CBS News, Labubu, pronounced "lah-boo-boo," first appeared in 2015 and has exploded in popularity recently. The toy creatures can be described as kind of scary looking but also kind of cute. Artist Kasing Lung from Hong Kong introduced Labubu as literary characters from his book "The Monsters Trilogy" before the figure transformed into a worldwide collecting sensation via retailer Pop Mart’s randomized packaging strategy.
The collectibles are sold in mystery boxes and come in hundreds of different varieties, meaning buyers don’t know which specific Labubu they’ll receive. This element of surprise has contributed to their popularity and collectible value. As CBS News reports, "The accessories, made by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, have been spotted on celebrities including Rihanna, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Dua Lipa. Actress Hilary Duff has also been photographed sporting the trendy charms."
The figurines have become highly sought-after merchandise among younger adult consumers. Some rare variants currently sell for more than $1,000 through digital marketplaces. Social media campaigns on TikTok and Instagram, combined with restricted production runs and surprise releases, have driven consumer interest.
Demand has become so intense that TikTok users have reported having their Labubus stolen directly from their bags. "Someone stole my Labubu off my purse yesterday, it got literally snatched from my purse, and I didn’t even know it," one user said in a video. "She’s holding a little knife, like, you know, this pocket knife where you could just slash something off. She was literally holding it, and it was aimed at my Labubu." The theft concerns have prompted warnings among collectors.
The popularity has extended internationally. In Britain, consumers have gone to extreme lengths to obtain the plush dolls, with reports of crowd shoving and fighting in long lines waiting for the collectible. The distributor has since halted in-store sales across the UK, though online purchases remain available.
As reported by CBS News, the Labubu phenomenon has become a global sensation, with the small plush charms taking the world by storm. With their unique designs and mischievous expressions, it’s no wonder that Labubus have captured the hearts of many collectors and celebrities alike.
The Labubu craze shows no signs of slowing down, with new designs and releases being announced regularly. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking to get in on the trend, one thing is certain – Labubus are here to stay.
In conclusion, the Labubu has become a trending fashion accessory that has taken the world by storm. With its unique designs, mischievous expressions, and randomized packaging strategy, it’s no wonder that Labubus have become highly sought-after merchandise among younger adult consumers. As CBS News reports, the Labubu phenomenon has extended internationally, with consumers going to extreme lengths to obtain the plush dolls.
What is a Labubu?
- A small plush charm created by artist Kasing Lung from Hong Kong
- Introduced in 2015 as literary characters from his book "The Monsters Trilogy"
- Sold in mystery boxes and come in hundreds of different varieties
- Feature sharp-eared designs and mischievous expressions
Why are Labubus so popular?
- The element of surprise with randomized packaging strategy
- Social media campaigns on TikTok and Instagram
- Restricted production runs and surprise releases
- Highly sought-after merchandise among younger adult consumers
Where can I buy Labubus?
- Pop Mart website
- Online marketplaces like StockX
- Some retailers in the UK (although in-store sales have been halted)
By Analisa Novak, content producer for CBS News.
