Latest news with #Labubu
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
TikTok's Labubu Doll Trend, Explained
Close-up detail view of seven Labubu monsters / charms / dolls / plus from "Big Into Energy" collection : Loyalty, Happiness, Luck, Hope, Serenity, Love an Secret, during a street style fashion photo session, on June 12, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) Getty Images Fuzzy little creatures have taken over TikTok and Instagram with the advent of 2025's unexpected fashion trend, Labubu monster dolls. Labubu dolls are monsters from a children's book series that leaped into the mainstream, exploding into a trendy fashion accessory and desirable collectible. There's something familiar about the spiky-toothed Labubu—they bear a slight resemblance to Troll dolls, or even Huggy Wuggy, the cutesy horror icon of YouTube. Many have pointed out the similarities to the Wild Things of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are , which seems appropriate, given that the creatures sprung from a children's picture book. Labubu first appeared in The Monsters Trilogy by artist Kasing Lung, who based his striking illustrations on figures from Nordic mythology. Lung moved from Hong Kong to the Netherlands as a child, and sharpened his Dutch by reading regional fairytales, sparking inspiration for his book. In 2019, Lung struck a licensing deal with Pop Mart, transforming his monsters into collectibles, and eventually inspiring a fashion frenzy. Lung describes his monster as a mischievous id, saying 'Labubu can do what I want to do, but I don't dare to do it.' Why Are Labubu Dolls So Popular? Much of the dolls popularity has been credited to Blackpink (and White Lotus ) star Lisa, who has been one of the most prominent Labubu fans, but many celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian have been spotted with the dolls. While celebrities and influencers have boosted the trend, funny memes and TikTok clips catapulted Labubu into virality, turning the dolls into ultra-desirable collectibles, like a monstrous incarnation of Beanie Babies. All of a sudden, Labubus are everywhere. The secret sauce to Labubu's popularity might be the 'blind boxes' they are sold in, in which the color of Labubu is revealed only when the doll is unboxed, adding to the excitement of unwrapping a rare figure. The chance of a randomly distributed rare find is similar to that of video game loot boxes, where the unknowable outcome can fuel additive consumer spending, and has even been compared to the effects of gambling. Hence, TikTokers are posting comedy sketches of mock-meltdowns, beheading their unwanted dolls after opening another packet and getting an undesirable color. Some are speculating that the next step is an animated Labubu movie, comparing the monster craze to Pokemon. The dolls keep being inserted into scenes from The Devil Wears Prada , and melting into the primordial soup of AI-generated Italian Brainrot. Many TikTok commentators have urged fashionistas to be more original and stop chasing trends for the sake of it (although, that's pretty much how trends work)—people want these dolls because they are popular, and they are popular because people want them. We've seen the spread of Gremlins , Minions , and now, Labubu—it seems that the appeal of mischievous, diminutive creatures is simply irresistible. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The Controversial Ending Of Disney's New 'Lilo & Stitch,' Explained By Dani Di Placido Forbes How 'JD Vance Edit' Memes Broke The Internet By Dani Di Placido Forbes The AI-Generated Studio Ghibli Trend, Explained By Dani Di Placido Forbes An Episode Of 'Spongebob' Introduced 'Nosferatu' To Gen Z By Dani Di Placido
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
What are the viral Labubu dolls, how much are they and where can you buy them in Ireland?
LABUBU dolls are the latest craze to have taken over the internet, going viral on TikTok especially. The new viral trend has reached Ireland leaving 5 You've probably already seen these online Credit: TikTok/ Katleynnbrownn_ 5 Unboxing them online is the latest trend Credit: TikTok/ Tropicalnikki 5 The design is from a Hong Kong based artist Credit: Getty Images But what actually are Labubus and why is everyone so obsessed with them? The Labubu doll is an animated character with large eyes and several pointed teeth. The toy comes in multiple different colour options with purple, pink, blue, green, red and even a rare grey fur. They come on a keyring with people attaching them to their keys, bags and decorating their READ MORE IN MONEY The Labubu character is actually from a book called The Monsters Trilogy by artist Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. They are inspired by Nordic folklore and are part of a collection of toys by Chinese company PopMart. The fluffy creature comes bagged in sealed packaging and you have to open them up to reveal what colour you got in your box. Celebrities have been spotted wearing them as their latest accessories and unboxing the toy on camera has become an online craze. Most read in Money Katelyn Brown, who posts under She even went back to buy more when she didn't get the colour she wanted first time around. I found Labubus at my local Centra and now I have a huge collection Posting the experience online she told followers: "We're in the Centra in Littlebridge." Revealing the desire for them around the area she explained: "I was in the Centra in Cookstown yesterday and the girls in the shop were telling me people were ringing looking to get Labubus off them." Katelyn revealed to followers she paid £8.99 for the furry friend which is around €10.50. However, prices across different stores in Ireland vary and can range from €10 up to €20 or €30. 'THEY'RE SO SOFT' In Dublin, Forbidden Planet in Temple bar are selling Labubus for €19.99. Content creator Nikki, who posts under Bursting with excitement she said: "I just want a cute little Labubu for my bags. "Let's just get into it because I actually just can't wait anymore. "I actually can't believe I just randomly walked in there and they just restocked them. Let's go." And taking her new toy out of the package she revealed a green Labubu, showcasing the excitement of the surprise reveals. Delighted Nikki said: "That's literally the one I wanted there's no way." She added: "They're so soft. That was such a success." 'MY CHILD HAS ME TORMENTED' Taking to the comments of Nikki's video viewers were equally as excited. One person said: "So jealous" Another added: "I run out almost in my pj to see if they have them" One person added: "I want please." A parent even added: "My child has me tormented." WHERE ELSE CAN YOU BUY THEM? Shops across the country have been scrambling to stock the colorful little dolls as the online craze grows. Here is a list of some places across the country who are selling Labubus: Conway's Centra, Derry Forbidden Planet, Dublin One Kick Ireland, Dublin Hugmie Liffey Valley, Dublin Greens, Belfast McNally's Centra, Monaghan Hugmie, Drogheda Lee's Centra Group, Limerick Togo Store, Wexford Dunman Centra, Tyrone Togo Store, Limerick Candy Cloud, Westmeath Togo Store, Carlow HOW TO KNOW IF THEY ARE REAL There are fake versions of the dolls retailing on the market, known as Lafufus. There are a few easy steps you can take to make sure you've snagged a real Labubu from PopMart. Real dolls will have nine teeth on the mouth and will come in matte packing with muted colours. There should also be a QR code on the care label of the accessory that you can scan. 5 They're quickly selling out across the country Credit: TikTok/ Tropicalnikki 5 They are worn as little bag charms or keyrings Credit: TikTok / Tropicalnikki
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First Post
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
How Labubu dolls are helping push China's soft power
The Labubu dolls, with their pointy ears and sharp grins, have been a rage around the world. Their popularity began to soar after K-pop idol Lisa of the band Blackpink spoke about her extensive personal collection. But now these dolls created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and sold by giant toy company Pop Mart seem to be helping Beijing push its soft power read more People look at collectable designer art toy Labubu at a Pop Mart pop-up store in Siam Center shopping mall in Bangkok on May 6, 2025. AFP Much has already been written about the Labubu dolls. These cute dolls with pointy ears and sharp grins have been a rage around the world – especially in China. Their popularity began to soar after K-Pop idol Lisa of the band BlackPink spoke about her extensive personal collection of these dolls. Now, these Labubu dolls – created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and sold by giant toy company Pop Mart – seem to be helping Beijing push its soft power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look: Building an image abroad It is important to note that China has for years tried to improve its image abroad. The Belt and Road Initiative, giving loans to its neighbours, lending its pandas out to zoos, allowing visa-free entry to increase tourism are just some of the initiatives China has undertaken. Unlike Hollywood, which spreads America's cultural imprint around the world, China's movies and music really haven't caught on. While its neighbours South Korea and Japan, which are famed for their fashion, cinema and music, China is best known for Shein – a fast-fashion website. With Chinese products thought to be cheap and of low quality, Beijing's firms have Just wanted to check if we have left I'm cleaning the slope and two other bank with the left manager stated struggled to sell designer goods under their own brands. 'It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation,' the University of Maryland's Fan Yang said. Not exactly the epitome of cool. In places such as Europe and North America, China continues to be viewed with suspicion by many. This image provided by Pop Mart, shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. AP However, the Labubu is now giving China a chance to be viewed in a new light by consumers around the world. From Los Angeles to London, people are forming long lines to buy the Labubu from Pop Mart. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what's different this time? The dolls are 'a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate', interior designer Lucy Shitova said at a Pop Mart store in London. 'Now everything goes viral… because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different.' The store is no longer offering in-person sales of Labubus for fear that violence may break out. A piece in China Daily said Labubus were on the forefront of Chinese cool power – which is described as an increasing appreciation of Chinese local brands and cultural products among young people around the world. It said the Labubus represent 'the pursuit of beautiful things and the yearning for a better life beyond national boundaries'. What do experts say? A piece in The Conversation warned against being deceived by the Labubus' looks, saying it carries 'serious cultural weight'. 'It reflects a China that is no longer just a producer of goods, but a producer of desire.' It also warned against dismissing their popularity as a fad or passing fancy. Instead, it says the Labubu's should be viewed as a change in how 'Chinese cultural products can evoke emotion, status, and aspiration on a global scale'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Through viral exports like Labubu, China is 'undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners', said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting. Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image 'similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo'. 'It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable,' Yang said. A Labubu doll in China recently fetched $150,000 (Rs 1.28 crore) at auction. Reuters Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years. Video app TikTok—designed by China's ByteDance—paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally. Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said that 'TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China'. TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital 'refugees'. A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu. With inputs from agencies
Bloomberg
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Delulu Over Labubu? The Market Has Its Say
Save This is Bloomberg Opinion Today, a dramaturgical dollhouse of Bloomberg Opinion's opinions. Sign up here. I've avoided the global Labubu phenomenon for months, even since I saw the ugly creatures pop up on the social media feeds of addled influencers. But now the ever-astute Shuli Ren has taken note of the toy's enormous popularity and profitability— and how that very success betrays a weakness in the business plan of its Beijing-based manufacturer Pop Mart International Group Ltd. Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Labubus are taking over the internet – and they've just been restocked here
Fuzzy, mischievous-looking, fang-toothed characters dangling from luxury bags, Labubus are the bizarre fashion trend that has the internet divided. Despite being sold out for weeks, the dolls are now being restocked thanks to TikTok Shop's summer sale. Mainly sold by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, the designer toy-turned-fashion collectables are incredibly popular. A queue outside the Birmingham Pop Mart store was so long that it made headlines, and rare Labubus are selling for more than £1,000 each. A few weeks ago, a child-sized Labubu sold for more than $150,000. You can now even rent Labubus for upwards of £4 a day on platforms like By Rotation (alongside luxury accessories from the likes of Chanel and Hermès). Despite recent fandom, the Labubu character isn't new. It was designed in 2015 by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, as part of his collection of characters, The Monsters, inspired by Dutch and Nordic folklore. Leaning into maximalism, Labubus bring a pop of personality and fun to any outfit, so it's easy to see the appeal. Their popularity can be traced back to Lisa from the K-pop band BlackPink. Having shared Labubus on her Instagram stories, the singer confirmed her love of Pop Mart during a blind unboxing for Vanity Fair, and even referred to Labubu as her 'baby' when interviewed for Teen Vogue. Since then, Rihanna has been seen adorning her Louis Vuitton bag with a lychee berry Labubu, and Dua Lipa has also jumped on the trend. Emma Roberts also took to Instagram to open a whole blind box. Now, the charms can often be seen dangling from Birkins and Miu Miu bags, lending them a fun and colourful twist, though, of course, you don't need a designer bag to enjoy the trend. Labubu dolls are often sold in 'blind boxes'. These contain a toy chosen at random from the series, so you won't know which one you've bought until you open the box. As well as regular designs, there are also so-called 'secret edition' Labubus, which are especially rare and sought-after by collectors. The latest is the Big Into Energy series (£17.50, which dropped this spring. To give you an idea of scale, the toys are around 6in in size (about the same size as an iPhone 16). With a surge of interest in bag charms – such as Coach hanging cuddly toys from its bags at its New York Fashion Week show – the hashtag Labubu has appeared more than one million times on the toys sold out fast. But now, TikTok have announced a restock as part of its huge sale on TikTok shop - here's everything you need to know. Where to buy Labubus in the UK Labubu figures are available on the Pop Mart platform, in Pop Mart shops or via the retailer's TikTok shop. It's been near-impossible to get your hands on a doll online, but now TikTok has announced a summer sale with a restock of the viral Labubus. New drops of the bag charms are set to be available today (27 June) between 2pm and 7pm, but other dolls from the range are currently available on the PopMart shopfront. You might find you have more luck buying the toys at other retailers, such as StockX, Depop, eBay and the Pop Mart store on Amazon. However, you need to be wary when shopping elsewhere, as counterfeit versions (jokingly referred to as 'Lafufus') are common on third-party sites. It pays to research the differences between the fakes and the real thing. For instance, collectors suggest looking for signs such as the brightness of the packaging, whether the dolls have a Pop Mart stamp on their foot, the number of teeth the dolls should have (nine), and the presence of a QR code on the back of the packaging, which should take you to the official Pop Mart website. There are also several Pop Mart shops in the UK, so if you'd rather buy a Labubu in person, you can head to the locations in Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Cambridge. Labubus are also available from Pop Mart's vending machines, known as Robo Shops, which can be found in London and Reading. With the fashion rental market booming, it's perhaps no surprise that you can now rent Labubu dolls for £3 a day. The trend may not last, so renting a doll for a specific outfit might be more cost-effective than buying your own Labubu – you might not be as keen to hang a doll off your bag once summer is over. Leading rental platform By Rotation has a variety of dolls to rent, starting at £3 a day ( Hurr has been slower to jump on the trend; at the time of writing, the platform only has one doll to rent (from £22,
