You might not know what a Labubu is, but we’re willing to bet you’ve seen one dangling off a Birkin on your Explore page. The fashion crowd has made one thing clear: your designer handbag isn’t fully dressed without a little plush companion—or two—swinging from its strap.
Creepy-cute, snaggle-toothed, and unapologetically weird, Labubu is the plush toy crashing the front rows of fashion week and taking over your social feeds. So far, we’ve seen one swinging from dangling off Rihanna’s Louis Vuitton tote,Dua Lipa’s vintage Gucci, and the entire front row at Copenhagen Fashion Week, making us wonder where the Labubu obsession comes from.
But let’s backtrack; what is Labubu?
Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, who teamed up with Chinese collectibles powerhouse Pop Mart to release the elf-like creature as part of the “The Monsters” series. The twist? You can’t just pick your favorite. Part of Labubu’s pull is the thrill of the chase. Pop Mart sells the dolls in blind-box capsules, meaning you won’t know which colorway—or mood—you’ve bought until you crack the seal.
That mix of mystery, scarcity, and nostalgia is a deadly combo. Needless to say, Labubu dolls sell out almost instantly, only to resurface on resale platforms like eBay and StockX for eye-popping prices. In a fashion landscape obsessed with blending irony, luxury, and nostalgia, Labubu is the perfect storm. It’s weird. It’s collectible. It’s making a serious bid for the title of most unexpected status symbol.
Beyond the exclusivity, there’s a playful irony in pairing a five-figure handbag with what looks like a stuffed goblin you might win at a carnival. It’s the kind of fashion contradiction we live for. Plus, it taps into that age-old urge for personalization.
Scroll down to see how the fashion crowd is styling their bags with the labubu toy.
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