Labubu Doll – Cute, Creepy & Trending

Don’t be alarmed if you see a fuzzy, toothy doll strapped to someone’s bag. As a matter of fact, you’d better get used to it. it’s a Labubu Doll.

The Labubu Doll has now entered the scene, establishing itself as one of the newest (and sometimes deemed the creepiest) fashion fads taking the world by storm. Typically clipped on to designer purses, the accessory reached massive popularity after going viral on social media earlier this year and is now being worn by big names like Rihanna and Dua Lipa.

If you’re looking to hop on the viral trend, good luck. They sell out on the Pop Mart website in seconds and can be more than double the price on resale sites. As they continue to rise in demand, here’s what you need to know about the Labubu Dolls. 

The Origins of Labubu Dolls

Labubu first sprang to life in 2015. Straight from the playful mind of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, the doll’s design was inspired by the Nordic folklore and fairytales from his childhood in the Netherlands. Made as part of his “The Monsters” series, this wide-eyed, toothy little rascal was all about bringing a bit of mischievous charm to the designer toy world. But Labubu’s big break came in 2019, when Chinese collectible giant Pop Mart introduced it in their blind-box format, turning the tiny creature into a must-have (or must-chase) collectible for fans around the world.

Fast forward to 2024, and Labubu isn’t just a toy – it’s a global sensation. The moment BLACKPINK’s Lisa dropped an Instagram Story in April 2024, showing off her Labubu plush and charm, the internet went wild. TikTok quickly followed suit, overflowing with unboxings, bag charms, and Labubu-styling videos, racking up millions of posts. With stars like Rihanna and Dua Lipa also rocking Labubu, the hype was officially on.

But of course, Labubu isn’t without its drama, and critics already have their comments. Some say the dolls’ spooky-cute look is a bit too much for kids. Others argue that the resale market is out of control, turning a playful figure into a pricey status symbol. And in Hong Kong, some worry that Labubu’s local roots are being lost in Pop Mart’s global takeover. The craze has even caused chaos in stores—massive lines, scuffles, and brawls have forced some Pop Mart locations to pause sales or temporarily shut down entirely.

However, love it or hate it, one thing’s clear: Labubu is way more than just a fuzzy keychain. It’s a phenomenon sparking conversation, collection wars, and tons of TikTok drama.

How People are Styling Labubus?

One of the most popular ways people are integrating Labubu dolls into their wardrobes is by attaching them to their bags, most notably the holy grail of handbags – the Hermès Birkin. It’s not uncommon to see influencers rocking anywhere from one to six Labubu dolls dangling from the handles of their Birkins, turning a symbol of quiet luxury into something more playful and hyper-personalized. The effect? A maximalist moment that toes the line between eccentric and editorial.

Beyond handbags, fashion lovers are now clipping Labubus directly onto their clothing, looped through belt holes, hanging from denim hardware, or even attached to oversized zipper pulls on bomber jackets and cargos. Think of it as jewelry meets plush, adding a textured, tactile pop of cuteness to utilitarian or high-fashion silhouettes. This trend blends toy culture with wearability, making every outfit a statement of both style and whimsy.

The personalization doesn’t stop at placement – Labubu dolls are now being fully styled to match (or contrast) their owners. The internet is flooded with videos of Labubus dressed in tiny, customized outfits – we’re talking miniature Lululemon and Alo Yoga sets, pint-sized Lakers jerseys, faux Chanel accessories, and even complete head-to-toe Gucci ensembles. These micro-outfits are either handmade, thrifted from other doll brands, or commissioned from independent designers creating bespoke pieces for fashion-obsessed collectors.

What makes styling Labubu dolls especially fun is the layering of accessories – not just on the dolls, but around them. Owners are pairing their Labubus with pearl strands, metal chains, bandanas, silk scarves, logo-covered bag charms, and even iron-on patches or lace bows. The goal is to create a heavily adorned, visually satisfying setup that appeals to both aesthetic 

sensibilities and sensory stimulation. It’s a fidgeter’s dream and a maximalist’s playground.

Who’s Wearing Them? 

Once relegated to toy nerd shelves and niche collector feeds, these bug-eyed, bedhead beasts from Chinese brand Pop Mart have officially clawed their way into the fashion elite’s inner circle. Think of them as Beanie Babies on a bender or what might happen if Tim Burton art-directed a Furby comeback. And yes, they’re everywhere.

Leading the plush posse is BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who may as well be crowned “Queen of the Labubus”. She’s been a vocal fan of Pop Mart and last year ignited the baby-doll fever with a now-iconic Instagram post. In a recent Instagram carousel, she was also seen flexing a Louis Vuitton handbag casually accessorized with two dangling Cry Baby keychains, a parallel line also sold by Pop Mart. Her social media Labubus showoffs sent fans and fashion editors across the world into a frenzy, boosting off from the hype around this trend. The message is loud and clear: if your purse isn’t accessorized with a deranged-looking gremlin, are you even trending?

Established Celebs

From there, it was game over. Rihanna, ever the trend clairvoyant, quickly followed suit. Kim Kardashian latched one onto a Balenciaga clutch like it was a rare diamond. Even British reality royalty like Olivia Attwood and Gemma Collins have been seen giving their Labubu the red carpet treatment. Meanwhile, Dua Lipa has made hers a jet-setting companion, proving these plush mascots travel first class only.

And just when you think this fuzzy fever was confined to fashionistas and pop royalty, here’s your big surprise! NBA bad boy Dillon Brooks from the Houston Rockets has one (and no, it’s not part of the team uniform… yet). And what about David Beckham? He’s been inducted into the Labubu cult too, courtesy of his daughter Harper, 13, who clearly has her mother’s keen eye for fashion trends.

The Fad of Plush Collectibles

The Labubu craze is not the first time that collectible plush toys have been the center of a public frenzy. It represents the latest iteration of pop culture being enraptured with collectibles that embody personal accessory chic and identity. Here are two notable examples that have a special place in our hearts.

Squishmallow

The most recent boom in a plush collectible was the pandemic-fueled Squishmallow hype, which reached its peak in 2022 as we were all still reeling from 2 years of loneliness and doom. As opposed to the Labubu’s aesthetic-first identity, the Squishmallow plush was most needed as a comforting antidote to the world’s sorrows, hugging us with its soft touch and acting as a valuable friend in need. It became an almost overnight TikTok sensation as global communities raved about their own soothing little Squishmallow family, birthing a viral sensation that exuded familiarity and childlike glee. Its popularity truly blew up when Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian each posted their own Squishmallows on Instagram, giving this plush collectible its evergreen celebrity stamp of approval.

Tamagotchi

The Tamagotchi virtual pet is not exactly a like-for-like comparison to the Labubu collectibles, but the public excitement it generated was unprecedented and still lives on to this day. It similarly played on the personal accessory novelty of the Labubu brand, but its true genius lay in tapping into the nascent age of digital interactivity and virtual personality. It was brilliantly positioned at the intersection of personal tech and handheld electronics, symbolizing every child or teen’s first discovery of the virtual world of possibility. Its nostalgic legacy still lives on across waves of popularity that ebb and flow from one generation to the next, but it will forever be cemented as the collectible that guided us into the beginning of the 21st century. 

Is it for the Eccentric Aesthetic?

The emotional connection to a cuddly toy, bringing comfort in the adult world? Is it for sharing styles with the celebs who are adding them to their wardrobe – from K-Poppers to Kardashians, Dua Lipa to David Beckham, Olivia Attwood to Rihanna? Whatever it is, these furry fellows have powered through into popularity over the past year. Their high demand has seen stock at stores like Pop Mart gather long queues, and even fans fighting while trying to get their hands on these plush toys.

With how these small style accessories are selling out ASAP and causing Black Friday behaviour, it’s clear how hard customers are yearning for this latest craze that captures a sense of nostalgia for the “kidult” market – even down to the ‘blind boxes’ where it’s a lucky guess which one you’ll get, almost like the extra toy in a happy meal. Will they be around for long? Who knows. Trends come, trends go. But even if it’s just for a fleeting moment, we can share (and wear) a product that might take us back to when life wasn’t so serious, and all you needed was your favourite toy to cheer you up.

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