Labubu Dolls: What are these cute monsters taking over the world?

India Today

5 days ago

The Labubu doll craze is everywhere: it can be seen hanging from designer handbags, appearing in viral social media posts, and even selling for six-figure amounts at auctions. But what exactly is a Labubu doll, and why are people waiting in line for hours to buy one?Labubu began as a character in Kasing Lung's storybook series. Born in Hong Kong, Lung drew on the fairy tales and myths he loved as a child when he created Labubu as a character in the series. Labubu first appeared in 2015. However, the Labubu madness started in 2019 when the Chinese toy company Pop Mart began to sell Labubu dolls in their famous "blind boxes".advertisementLabubu dolls aren't the regular cute plushies. With their oversized eyes, rabbit-like ears, furry bodies, and sharp, toothy smiles, Labubu dolls are both fat and frightening - a "scary-cute" style that has made them a favourite for people looking to stand out and represent their individuality.
Labubu dolls have transformed from simple toys into fashion statements and collectables. Rare editions can sell for thousands, and life-size dolls have fetched over $170,000 at auction. Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from Blackpink have contributed to the trend.The excitement is boosted by the 'blind box,' a sealed package that keeps collectors guessing which doll they will get. This mystery drives collectors to buy repeatedly in hopes of finding rare or exclusive dolls.
Labubu Dolls: What are these cute monsters taking over the world?
advertisementWHY ARE LABUBU DOLLS SO DESIRABLE?Labubu dolls have spread throughout the world because of a few components:Unique Design: Labubu dolls have a scary-cute look, rather than a traditional cute toy like Hello Kitty, making them desirable to collectors who want something out of the ordinary, and to younger people. Labubu's sharp features and cheeky smile set it apart from traditional toys.Blind Box: Collectors are drawn to a blind box, especially due to the uncertainty of which Labubu doll they might receive from the blind box. Some versions are rare or exclusive, which makes them extremely collectable.Celebrity Factor: Labubu dolls can be seen with global celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, or Lisa of Blackpink (dolls sold separately!).Social Media The Buzz: As mentioned earlier, kids and adults are still taking pictures of their Labubu dolls, which makes it the trend spread faster than if they just had an ordinary toy.
Labubu Dolls: What are these cute monsters taking over the world?
Labubu dolls are more than just adorable memorabilia - they are a worldwide cultural moment that blends nostalgia, mystery and pop culture. The Labubu dolls started as a fairly simple children's book by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Pop Mart came along and catapulted Labubu into a viral toy phenomenon through their clever marketing, blind-box thrills, and celebrity shout-outs.Whether you are an avid collector, a fashion lover or someone who enjoys unique design, Labubu will have something fun and personal for you. As the demand grows, it is safe to say that Labubu is here to stay, delivering happiness and surprises in its small, toothy grin.