Great divide: Labubu or La-boo-boo?
And then, there’s Labubu. The chaotic launch of this furry, sharp-toothed monster doll in the Philippines was nothing short of a cultural moment.
Fans went wild, instagram feeds exploded, and now, Labubu is the accessory du jour — or is it? While some hail the Pop Mart icon as artsy chic, others dismiss it as overpriced clutter for clout.
What’s the hype about?
Labubu, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015, is part of The Monsters collection — a group of impish creatures inspired by Nordic fairy tales.
Recognizable by its pointy ears, mischievous smile, and sharp teeth, Labubu’s origins lie in children’s books but have since evolved into collectible art toys.
It owes much of its 2024 resurgence to Blackpink’s Lisa, whose post turned this quirky figure into a meme, sparking a buying frenzy across Southeast Asia.
From Thai royalty and senators to Filipino celebrities like Marian Rivera, Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Brillantes, and Vice Ganda, Labubu’s fanbase spans from the bougie to the bold.
Whether as a plushie, a bag charm, or part of a blind box collection, Labubu has become a playful, low-key fashion statement.
Backlash
But not everyone’s here for the Labubu love.
A viral post by a user named “Jennie” questioned whether Christians should be collecting dolls inspired by “demonic” Nordic mythology.
The post warns, “Don’t be a Labubu monster lover… Labubu dolls’ roots are from Nordic demon gods.” While some shrugged it off as moral panic, others are seriously reconsidering their Labubu obsession.
Despite the controversy, Labubu is undeniably 2024’s fashion wildcard — half statement piece, half conversation starter.
So what’s your verdict, is Labubu the must-have accessory of the year or just another passing fad inflated by celebrity clout?
Whether you’re team “eyyy” or team “nayyy,” one thing’s for sure: fashion and collectibles are about what sparks your joy.