Labubu– We regret to inform you that the new It-bag might actually be… a plushie.
Not just any plushie, though. Labubu—that toothy, bunny-eared bundle of chaos—is the latest fashion must-have, dangling off Birkins and bouncing on Louis Vuitton totes with more confidence than half of us on a good hair day. If you’ve spotted a fuzzy gremlin-like creature grinning from a celeb’s bag lately, don’t panic. You’re not hallucinating. You’re just living through the reign of Labubu.
Originally birthed from the imaginative mind of artist Kasing Lung (and yes, inspired by Nordic mythology, because of course), Labubu is the mischievous main character of The Monsters series—equal parts good-intentioned and chaotically cursed. Think: your childhood imaginary friend, but post-therapy and decked out in limited-edition onesies.
Labubu isn’t just cute; it’s collectible. The toys drop in blind boxes—meaning, you never know which version you’re going to get—and they vanish from Pop Mart stores faster than a Margiela Tabi during a 50% off sale.
Dua Lipa and Emma Roberts via Instagram stories/@dualipa, @emmaroberts
And yes, they’re fashion. Rihanna’s got one. Dua Lipa has two. BLACKPINK’s Lisa is practically the patron saint of Labubus at this point. If it looks like a toy, but costs as much as a mini bag on StockX? That’s fashion math.
But why are grown adults trading thousands of naira (or dollars) for tiny toys with snaggle teeth?
Blame it on the era of the kidult—an entire generation raised on Hello Kitty, Pokemon, and Cartoon Network who now have big feelings and disposable income. Add a dash of nostalgia, a sprinkle of TikTok unboxing content, and the dopamine hit of a blind box, and boom: you’ve got a cult obsession.
Anthropomorphism helps too. These little creatures go camping, dress for the holidays, do yoga, and probably have better routines than most of us. They’re cute, chaotic, relatable—and best of all, they come with an entire community ready to trade, stan, and help you spot the real ones from the dupes.
Fashion is no longer just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. And Labubu, in all its weird, wobbly glory, taps into something soft and deeply nostalgic.
So next time you see a fuzzy little freak peeking out of someone’s Prada Cleo, don’t judge. They’re just carrying joy. And maybe a limited drop.
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