Labubu dolls, toys made by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung and made popular by toy company Pop Mart, are becoming a big hit in the fashion world. Once seen as toys for collectors, these dolls are now a trendy fashion item, especially among Gen Z, followed by celebrity endorsements.
Known for their whimsical yet slightly eerie design, Labubu dolls have become a staple on social media, where they are frequently featured in posts alongside luxury handbags, designer outfits, and curated aesthetic backdrops. The trend has garnered millions of views across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, signaling a shift in how collectible toys are being perceived and used.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ_Uv8QhPFR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What began as a designer collaboration has now evolved into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon, blurring the lines between playthings and fashion accessories. Industry analysts suggest the rise of Labubu reflects a broader trend of nostalgia-driven fashion and the growing influence of internet aesthetics on consumer behavior.
View this post on Instagram
Latest issue with Labubu Dolls:
As per media reports, Pop Mart has recently pulled Labubu dolls from all 16 of its UK stores following multiple reports of fights, aggressive crowds, and unsafe shopping conditions as customers scrambled to buy the highly sought-after toys.
Incidents included overnight queues, confrontations between customers and staff, and resellers attempting to buy up stock for resale at inflated prices. Some shoppers reported feeling intimidated and unsafe, with one describing the environment as “frightening” and “absurd”
The dolls, which retail for £13.50 to £50, have seen rare editions fetch hundreds of pounds on resale platforms like eBay and Vinted. The scarcity, fueled by celebrity endorsements from Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, has only intensified demand.
Pop Mart has announced it will halt in-store sales of Labubu dolls until June 2025.
