HOW LABUBU DOLL SPARKS GLOBAL FASHION CRAZE AS TREND GROWS ONLINE
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Labubu doll has taken social media by storm, making a bold global fashion statement embraced by people of all ages—women, men, teens, and even children. From backpacks to handbags and home décor, these quirky dolls are now a favorite accessory.
Originally designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart International Group, Labubu is known for its distinctive toothy grin. The character is based on Lung’s The Monsters Trilogy, a graphic novel series inspired by Nordic mythology.
Each Labubu doll comes with a hinged key ring, making it easy for fans to attach them stylishly to their belongings.
Their popularity has soared thanks to viral unboxing videos, especially of the “seat blind boxes,” shared by enthusiastic fans—most notably women and boutique owners showing off new arrivals online.
From China to Canada, South Korea to the U.S., the U.K., Italy, Spain, the UAE, and across Southeast and East Asia, the Labubu craze is sweeping the globe.
The trend reached new heights when K-pop superstar Lalisa Manobal (Lisa of BLACKPINK) spotlighted her personal collection, including Labubu bag charms, further fueling the global obsession.
Several international celebrities—including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Amelia Gray, David Beckham, Lizzo, Hailey Bieber, Simone Biles, Holly Madison, Sharvari, and Olivia Attwood—have embraced the trend.
While no Nigerian celebrities have publicly joined the craze, many Nigerians are fueling the trend in unique ways.
Some have put a humorous spin on it, swapping the iconic Labubu for old plastic dolls or even local ‘Shigidi’ effigies.
These creative twists have added a layer of comedy, making the trend even more viral.
TikTok influencer Kasibaby (@lifestyle_ng) also joined in, sharing her excitement in an unboxing video featuring a lemon-colored 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 ended up receiving a grey one instead—and responded by cutting it up with scissors.
In New York, a recent Labubu meetup at Washington Square Park featured a tattoo artist inking Labubu figures on the spot.
The event also included a fashion contest, rewarding attendees with the best Labubu-themed outfits.
Online unboxing reactions have been mixed. While some fans celebrate rare colors like pink, others express disappointment over less appealing shades like grey or brown.
Some users now display their quirky dolls in homes or cars, often dressed in protective coverings for extra flair.
A recent BBC report revealed that a human-sized Labubu figure (131 cm/4 ft 4 in) sold for a staggering 1.08 million yuan ($150,324; £110,465) at Yongle International Auction in Beijing—setting a new record as the world’s most expensive toy of its kind.
Since its debut in 2019, Pop Mart has released over 300 unique Labubu figures.
Prices range from $15 for a standard 3-inch vinyl toy to $960 for the 31-inch mega edition.
However, counterfeit versions—marketed under the name “Lafufu”—have started to appear.
Genuine Labubu figures are distinguished by their high-quality craftsmanship: soft fur, pale peachy skin, glossy eyes, airbrushed blush, and precisely nine teeth.
Authentic dolls also bear the “Pop Mart” and “Kasing Lung” logos on the right foot, often accompanied by “The Monsters” branding.
According to Forbes, Pop Mart’s founder, Wang Ning, 38, has now entered China’s top 10 richest list—thanks to the global Labubu phenomenon.
His net worth has soared to $22.7 billion, underscoring the explosive rise of collectible designer toys.
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