We’ve seen it all, from Hermès Birkin bags adorned with gold-plated accessories, the classic Chanel flap bags styled with beaded keychains, to clipped-on fruity accessories on Dior Saddles, and even the silky Twilly on handles in 2024.
But, in 2025, fashion’s focus is far from the usual charm accessories. This time, the obsession is all on the tiny, mischievous figurine with spiky hair and a cheeky grin: the Labubu dolls.
It’s all over TikTok’s For You Page (FYP), Instagram Reels, and even YouTube Shorts. And it’s not just influencers raving about Labubu doll hype. The world’s A-listers, from K-pop star BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who owns a collection of both the dainty and the supersized versions, to global pop icon Rihanna, who humorously styled the fluffy and snaggle-toothed doll with her Louis Vuitton, and RHODubai’s Caroline Stanbury, are fully on board.
Since its creation in 2015, the Labubu dolls, designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have captured the internet with their unique charm. Now more so than ever, thanks to the online obsession of indulging the inner child.
Initially released through the blind box toy brand POP MART as part of the “The Monsters” series, the scruffy dolls have undergone a loud transformation from being a niche collector’s item to a full-fledged luxury statement piece, despite many others claiming the contrary.
While some might think that the Labubu craze is, in hindsight, out of touch, the reality is quite the opposite. It’s now officially the hottest fashion accessory, adding a playful, unapologetic finesse to day-to-day luxury styling.
So much so that in the Middle East, It-girls from Dubai and the region are equally on it, adorning their Chanel bags with the famed dolls dressed in little Prada ensembles. Recently, it was even spotted at an exclusive Valentino pop-up in Dubai as a gift giveaway.
And it seems the obsession is far from over. These collectable figures, which have taken Gen Z by storm, are unexpectedly the new “it” accessory, replacing the minimalist gold chain with something more chaotic and maximalist in style.
Of course, accessorising Birkins, Kellys, and Bottega’s aren’t a new phenomenon. Jane Birkin herself famously toyed with her namesake bags, decorating them with eclectic trinkets. So naturally, the next evolution taking the helm would be the figurines.
Are Labubu dolls the new luxury statement?
The internet seems more than appeased with Labubu as the new fashion statement.
For fashion influencer and trends connoisseur Wadzi Joe, she took to TikTok to weigh on the Labubu figurines on luxury bags, like the signature Birkin, saying the hype is more than justified.
“Originally, Birkin bag charms were about elegance,” she began, “They were always so refined and minimal, and they perfectly matched the image that the Birkin bag upheld, which was luxury exclusivity and restraint.”
Recalling the classic charms, she added, “A few of the most popular Birkin bag charms I remember are the Rodeo, which is the signature little horse. The Pegasus, which is essentially the same but with wings, adds a touch of playfulness. The Hermes Oran Nano Sandal, and of course, we cannot forget about the Hermès Twilly.”
Comparing the stark difference in terms of price point, she noted, “Then comes the Labubu keychain. The Labubu is single-handedly less expensive than any of the Hermes accessories.”
However, despite that, Wagzi further explained that while it may be more accessible, it still holds some form of exclusivity.” Ironically, it does still fit the ‘luxury narrative,” she begged to differ.
She explained: “Due to its exclusivity (only available through POP MART), it’s limited in quantity, and it has a resale price. These factors highly qualify why a Labubu would be worn in a Birkin.”
“If it didn’t have these two factors. You guys best believe it would not be seen on a Birkin bag,” she justified.