4 things trending this summer, from Labubu to Dubai chocolate

South China Morning Post

3 days ago

These days, it seems like everything from what we eat to what we wear is influenced by a viral internet sensation. Here are four trends that we have spotted online and in the city.
Ballet flats
Frequently spotted on Hong Kong streets and at designer shows, these easy-to-wear ballerina-inspired flat shoes have been enjoying quite the resurgence. Perhaps last popular in the 2000s, Vogue has proclaimed the flats the 'it-shoe' of 2025.
But where did the shoe actually come from? Its origins date back to the 1600s. Marie-Anne de Cupis de Camargo, a French ballerina of the Paris Opera, removed the heel of her pointe shoes, creating the now-standard ballet slipper.
Ballet flats from Miu Miu. Photo: Miu Miu
Modern iterations would not become mainstream until the 20th century, when American designers like Claire McCardell began creating their own versions alongside Parisian shoemakers such as Repetto. Quickly becoming associated with French culture and classic, feminine looks, ballet flats have remained a wardrobe staple throughout the years.
Today, designers have breathed new life into the trend, playing with different materials and styles. You can find ballet flats made of mesh, crochet or even jellylike plastic – the possibilities are endless!
Pistachio
Featured in everything from egg tarts to ice cream, mochi, and drinks, clamouring for this nutty filling and flavour has caused a pistachio shortage, not unlike matcha.
The main culprit, if you ask this author, has to be 'Dubai chocolate', more on that later, which uses the nut as a vital component in its filling.
Even beyond menus, the soft colour has also found its way into the 2025 spring/summer collections of brands like Miu Miu, Prada and Alexander McQueen.
A promotional photo for Godiva's collaboration with Pop Mart, featuring pistachio flavours and Kasing Lung's character Labubu from his series 'The Monsters'.
Dubai chocolate
Although this trend began in 2024, it does not appear to be on its way out. Dubai-based chocolatier FIX is credited for this variety, which combines a rich pistachio cream filling with crunchy kataifi pastry, stuffed into a milk chocolate bar. It was first created by the company founder, Sarah Hamouda, as a unique way to satisfy her pregnancy cravings.
As the crispy kadayif-pistachio cream chocolate gained popularity, other leading chocolate brands such as Läderach and Lindt began producing their own variations.
Social media helped propel the rise of this decadent dessert, and soon the concept was incorporated into various other pastries.
In Hong Kong, Godiva launched limited-edition Dubai chocolate soft serves and milkshakes in partnership with one of the other biggest trends of the year – Labubu.
Labubu
Depending on who you ask, Labubu is equal parts ugly, frightening and adorable. Chances are, you have heard of the furry dolls that have become a global toy sensation, – but do you know about their connection to Hong Kong?
Labubu creator Lung Ka-sing, at his studio in Kwun Tong. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Labubu is actually the name of an elfish creature featured in The Monsters, a series by Hong Kong-Dutch artist Lung Ka-sing, or Kasing Lung. Born in Hong Kong, Lung and his family immigrated to the Netherlands when he was around six years old. To improve his Dutch, a teacher suggested that he read young adult books with illustrations, especially those about Nordic folklore and mythology. Lung used this mythology to create Labubu and her friends!
In mid-2024, Blackpink's Lisa was spotted with a furry toy keychain and also posted about a collection of plush dolls produced by the Chinese company Pop Mart, based on Lung's design.
This propelled the character into the spotlight, starting in Thailand, Southeast Asia and East Asia, but quickly sweeping the globe. Fans wait in long queues to grab Pop Mart bling boxes, where you can only discover what you have bought after opening the package.
Resell prices have gone up exponentially, and there is even a whole market ecosystem dedicated to accessorising the dolls.