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Labubu: The Unexpected Icon of Luxury Fashion

Labubu is no ordinary plush toy. With its jagged-teeth smile, it has become the perfect complement to Hermès and Loewe bags.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Few could have predicted that Labubu would become a regular accessory on the arms of Hermès devotees / Photo Launchmetrics Spotlight through Cosmopolitan.com
Few could have predicted that Labubu would become a regular accessory on the arms of Hermès devotees / Photo Launchmetrics Spotlight through Cosmopolitan.com

Labubu, created in 2015 by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, is no ordinary plush toy. With its signature grin of jagged teeth and scruffy charm, it’s instantly recognizable.

 

After Lung’s licensing agreement with Pop Mart in 2019, Labubu became available in various formats: plush versions, oversized collectibles, and mystery-packed blind boxes. 

 

These blind boxes, hiding limited-edition figures inside, have become a key driver of the toy’s cult appeal.

 

The sense of mystery and the thrill of the chase have made Labubu a collectible with near-mythical status.

 

Some editions are so rare they have spiked in value on the resale market. 

The blind box format ensures that every purchase is a gamble — one that many are willing to take, again and again.

Labubu, created in 2015 by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, is no ordinary plush toy. With its signature grin of jagged teeth and scruffy charm, it’s instantly recognizable. / Photo Al Diálogo
Labubu, created in 2015 by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, is no ordinary plush toy. With its signature grin of jagged teeth and scruffy charm, it’s instantly recognizable. / Photo Al Diálogo

Labubu and the Birkin: A Fashion Fusion

Few could have predicted that Labubu would become a regular accessory on the arms of Hermès devotees. 

 

But Bryanboy, fashion editor and longtime Hermès lover, insists the match is perfect. He describes the dynamic as “absurdly satisfying” — watching an inexpensive plush toy rest atop a five-figure Birkin is a contradiction he revels in. 

 

He adds that the scarcity of Labubu mirrors the rarity of Hermès bags. That element of unattainability feeds the same craving.

 

Fashion stylist Harry Lambert shares that sentiment. Known for styling A-listers like Harry Styles, he not only displays Labubu at home but also carries it on his Loewe bag.

 

Lambert traces his love for Labubu to childhood — a time when he collected Pokémon cards and Beanie Babies. 

 

The excitement of opening a blind box still gives him a nostalgic rush.

K-Pop Influence and Global Obsession

Blackpink’s Lisa, a global style icon and Louis Vuitton ambassador, has also propelled Labubu into mainstream consciousness. 

 

Her off-duty looks featuring Labubu dolls instantly trend across platforms. 

 

When she posted a photo hugging a giant Labubu plush, fans everywhere began their own hunt.

 

Amy Melissa, a Singapore-based collector, discovered Labubu through Lisa. She quickly became hooked — so much so that her friends organized an entire Labubu-themed birthday party. 

 

For Amy, it’s more than a toy. “It’s a personal fashion statement,” she says. She regularly styles her dolls with outfits and attaches them to her designer bags. 

 

The joy, she insists, lies in the unpredictability of blind boxes and the emotional high of finding a rare version.

Blackpink’s Lisa, a global style icon and Louis Vuitton ambassador, has also propelled Labubu into mainstream consciousness. / Photo Vanity Fair
Blackpink’s Lisa, a global style icon and Louis Vuitton ambassador, has also propelled Labubu into mainstream consciousness. / Photo Vanity Fair

The Royal Seal of Approval

Even royalty isn’t immune to Labubu’s charm. Thai princesses Ubol Ratana and Sirivannavari Nariratana have been spotted with their own plush companions. 

 

Sirivannavari, always front row at Fashion Week, even paired her crocodile Birkin with a Labubu.

 

Princess Ubol Ratana went as far as bringing a giant Labubu on a trip to China. 

 

Her team even prepared a custom transparent backpack for the toy, making it a central piece of her public appearances. 

 

Videos of her casually enjoying ice cream while carrying Labubu melted hearts and went viral on Chinese social media.

Even royalty isn’t immune to Labubu’s charm. Thai princesses Ubol Ratana and Sirivannavari Nariratana have been spotted with their own plush companions. / Photo WWD
Even royalty isn’t immune to Labubu’s charm. Thai princesses Ubol Ratana and Sirivannavari Nariratana have been spotted with their own plush companions. / Photo WWD

The Market Frenzy

Thanks to royal and celebrity endorsements, Labubu’s demand has soared, especially in Southeast Asia. 

 

Pop Mart stores in Thailand now see long queues with fans eager to snag the latest drop. 

 

Opportunistic Daigou shoppers are now buying in bulk from China and Singapore to resell in Thailand, where demand often outpaces supply.

 

Labubu: More Than a Toy

In an age where fashion is increasingly about storytelling and personalization, Labubu fits perfectly. 

 

It offers collectors an emotional connection, a hint of humor, and a badge of exclusivity — all while being surprisingly affordable. 

 

Its versatility as a fashion accessory makes it adaptable to streetwear, couture, or even royalty-approved ensembles.

 

As Asia continues its love affair with the little monster, it’s clear that Labubu is no passing trend. It’s a symbol.

Pop Mart stores in Thailand now see long queues with fans eager to snag the latest drop. The resale market is booming, with some rare editions selling for several times their original value. / Photo Pop Mart
Pop Mart stores in Thailand now see long queues with fans eager to snag the latest drop. The resale market is booming, with some rare editions selling for several times their original value. / Photo Pop Mart

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