This year’s hottest fashion accessory is not a designer bag or statement sunglasses but a doll with large ears and a mischievous grin that has a starting retail price of about US$20 (though it has been known to rise to five figures).
Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s furry creation, the Labubu, has gone from being a quirky collectible to a viral statement piece, seen hanging off designer bags around the world ever since Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted with various versions of the doll in 2024.
Since then, the furry little creatures have inspired a frenzy among customers willing to fork out thousands of dollars just to get their hands on the figurines which retail in “blind boxes” for US$27.99 in the US.
Celebrities have become particularly fervent fans of the dolls, flaunting them on bags, belts, and on Instagram. Here’s a look at some of our favourite celebs with their Labubus.
Lisa from Blackpink
Lisa from K-pop band Blackpink is arguably the celebrity who kick-started the Labubu trend, having been photographed with the dolls on several occasions. Here she’s seen taking her dolls to a club as they dangle off her Louis Vuitton rainbow monogram Nano Speedy.