Labubu doll has kept social media buzzing with its global fashion statement, especially among ladies, men, women, teens, and even children who are now embedding dolls as accessories on bags, backpacks, or as home ornaments.
Labubu, the quirky, toothy doll was originally created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and produced by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart International Group.
The doll is inspired by Lung’s ‘The Monsters Trilogy’, a graphic novel series rooted in Nordic mythology.
Labubu dolls come with hinged key rings, allowing users to attach them stylishly to personal items.
They have become especially popular through the unboxing videos of seat blind boxes shared by excited users, particularly women and boutique vendors flaunting new collections online.
From China to Canada, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, the UAE, and across Southeast and East Asia, the Labubu wave is in full swing.
The trend gained massive traction after K-pop superstar Lalisa Manobal (Lisa of BLACKPINK) showcased her collection, including Labubu bag charms.
Other global celebrities, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Amelia Gray, David Beckham, Lizzo, Hailey Bieber, Simone Biles, Holly Madison, Sharvari, and Olivia Attwood have since jumped on the craze.
No Nigerian celebrity seems to have joined the trend but some Nigerians have further fueled the trend locally.
Interestingly, some of them have taken a humorous turn with the fad, using old plastic dolls or even local ‘ Shigidi’ effigies in place of Labubu.
The creative adaptation has added a comic twist to the trend, making it even more viral.
TikTok influencer Kasibaby (@lifestyle_ng) shared her excitement during an unboxing video of her lemon-coloured Labubu.
She revealed, “I bought it for N260,000 after I almost got scammed by someone who offered to sell two for N40,000.”
Holding the doll up, she said, “Is this what I spent N260,000 to buy?
“Yes, the neck does move so it is original…It is giving…What do you guys think?
“This is cute, I am going to try to style it.”
She added that she might let her two-year-old play with it or use it to “console” herself when going out.
Another influencer, Angela Nwosu, shared a similar sentiment after spending approximately N200,000 ($130) on the toy.
Nwosu said, ”It is just an ordinary key holder. What is so special about this? Why is it trending?
“I noticed that it is trending, what is so special about it?”
On the international front, TikToker @nataliiereynoldss expressed frustration in her video after spending over $700 hoping to get a pink Labubu.
She received a grey one instead and reacted by cutting it up with scissors.
In New York, a Labubu meetup recently held at Washington Square Park featured a tattoo artist offering tattoos on Labubus.
There was also a fashion competition rewarding the best Labubu-accessorised outfit.
Unboxing reactions online vary widely. While many fans are thrilled to receive rare colours like pink, others are visibly disappointed with “non-attractive” shades like grey or brown.
Some users now display the ugly-looking dolls in their homes or cars, often dressed in protective coverings.
According to a recent BBC report, a human-sized Labubu figurine (131cm/4ft 4in) was sold for a record 1.08 million yuan ($150,324; £110,465) at Yongle International Auction in Beijing.
It is now considered the most expensive toy of its kind globally.
Since 2019, Pop Mart has released over 300 different Labubu figures.
Prices range from $15 for a 3-inch vinyl figure to $960 for a 31-inch mega version.
However, fake dolls have emerged under the name “Lafufu.”
Genuine Labubu dolls are identifiable by their superior quality, soft fur, pale peachy skin tone, glossy eyes, airbrushed blush, and exactly nine teeth.
Authentic versions also have the “Pop Mart” and “Kasing Lung” logos on the right foot and often include “The Monsters” branding.
Forbes recently reported that Wang Ning, the 38-year-old founder of Pop Mart, has joined China’s top 10 richest individuals, thanks to the Labubu craze.
He now has a net worth of $22.7 billion, reflecting the booming demand for collectable designer toys across the globe.