How (and why) Labubu dolls became fashion’s favourite accessory

Fashion might be fickle, but in recent years, there’s one trend that’s proven it has staying power. Collectible toys—once the domain of childhood bedrooms and niche subcultures—are now the unlikely accessories gracing the bookshelves and Birkins of the global style set. I, for one, resisted the pull of Sonny Angels and Monchichis, but when it comes to the latest plush to enter the collectible lexicon — Labubu Dolls — my willpower is not quite as strong. And I’m not alone. In fact, the Labubu doll has quietly become a cultural monolith, making its way into the hands (or clipped to the designer bags) of everyone from Dua Lipa to Rihanna. So what is it about these red-eyed, wide-grinned monsters that has us so captivated? Below, all your questions about the Labubu Doll, answered.

What actually is a Labubu Doll?

Labubus were born from the mind of illustrator Kasing Lung back in 2015, and were propelled to global fame by collectible toy giant Pop Mart. The dolls were originally created as part of a series of characters called The Monsters, but Labubus, a small monster-like creature with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth, soared to solo popularity. According to Pop Mart, despite its mischievous looks, “Labubu is very kind-hearted and always wants to help others while accidentally doing bad things.” The brand leans into a kind of chaotic optimism: “No matter what difficulties we encounter, we should grin like Labubu, and naturally we will become happy.” That slightly off-kilter wholesomeness is all part of the appeal.

And why is everyone so obsessed with them?

It helps, we suppose, that they’re pretty adorable. But, if you ask us, what really makes the Labubu so covetable is their scarcity. Much like Sonny Angels and Smiski Dolls, Labubu are only available in a blind-box format, meaning you don’t know which Labubu you’ve purchased until you open the packaging. This surprise element is also how, despite Labubu’s being relatively affordable, some collectors spend thousands on the dolls, in pursuit of specific colourways and designs.

This element of surprise—combined with limited editions, seasonal releases, and ultra-rare designs—has created a high-stakes collector culture. Some Labubus fetch hundreds, even thousands, on resale platforms. The thrill of the hunt has turned casual buyers into full-blown obsessives.

There’s also the matter of emotional resonance. Labubu offers something tactile and weirdly comforting in a world increasingly defined by the digital and impersonal. It’s childhood nostalgia, whimsy, and chaos in one pocket-sized package

Where can you buy Labubu dolls?

It follows that Labubus are near-impossible to get your hands on. Constantly sold out onlineNaturally, this level of popularity has its darker side: the resale market is ruthless, with dolls selling for five times their original price, and the blind-box model, while thrilling, breeds compulsive spending.

Similarly, knockoffs are everywhere, making authenticity a constant concern for serious collectors and diluting the original charm of the Labubu with mass imitation. Still, for those who manage to get their hands on one, Labubu is more than just another trend-driven plush. It’s a strangely endearing symbol of what fashion does best—turning the unexpected into the must-have.

Can’t get your hands on one? We’ve rounded up six other toys, trinkets, and bag charms worth coveting next.