Lure of Labubu gains momentum in Oman
When 17-year-old Sharifa (name changed) went to purchase a 'Labubu' from a shop in Oman along with her friends, their hearts beat fast in unison as the box containing her much-sought-after treasure was handed out to her…
The teenagers closed their eyes, held each other's hands, and chanted a childish mantra together as Sharifa opened the box to unveil her luck…seconds later a dramatic chorus of shrill cries made heads turn as they discovered that the box contained a Lychee Berry Labubu in a vibrant pink hue – a hot favourite among young girls,
The digital world, they say, is full of different choices and instant surprises (even shocks), and it now brings on a new trend called Labubu – a fanciful 'Monster' elves doll – that seems to be getting widespread attention from people worldwide.
Labubu is not just a doll, it has become a phenomenon among members of varied cultures the world over, as well as in Oman, where people have started buying it for various reasons, especially getting hooked on to the mystery of every purchase that is delivered with an element of suspense. Every buyer keeps his/her fingers crossed for being landed with a rare (priceless!) Labubu.
This doll – fashioned from fabric and viral among social media users – has been created by a Hong Kong-Belgian designer Kasing Lung. Sold by Pop Mart in China, this doll comes in a playful shape. Yet, from what it seems, it's features – a furry body, wide eyes, pointed ears, sharp teeth – makes it look both playful as well as evil.
Aside from Labubu herself, there are other characters of the 'Monster' elves series – Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, and many more – but Labubu is the most popular.
Labubu began as a character designed by Kasing Lung, who grew up in the Netherlands and later settled in Belgium. It was part of Lung's 'Monster' series, which is influenced by Nordic folklore and mythology which he had enjoyed as a child.
Encashing on the doll's instant popularity, Pop Mart came up with the idea of blind boxes, which are sealed packages that conceal the toy's design within. These mystery boxes feature an addictive behaviour, similar to treasure hunting.
Doll collectors — people who are considered obsessed with collecting the limited editions from different doll industries — buy those editions as soon as they are released, or even book them before release. The doll prices range from RO10 to RO35 and some editions become even more expensive because of their rarity.
The obsession with Labubu's escalated when social media influencers started making videos about getting the blind boxes, unboxing them, and sharing their reactions to what they got, and so on. The doll comes in different sizes; people may attach it to their bags, cars, or use it in different accessories. And, it is not just a toy for children, people of all ages seem to be lured by the doll, regardless of culture.
In Muscat, too many youth – girls and boys are, indeed, enamoured by this toy which they tag onto school bags, handbags, bicycles, car dashboards as well as take them along wherever they go. Surprisingly, adults, too, have been taken up by this doll.
Noah al Wahaibi, a youth in Muscat, said, 'My mom wanted the doll and she used to keep talking about it. I wanted to make her happy, so I bought her one. And, she is now over the moon.'
Fifteen-year-old Thuraya al Rawahi, also said she bought the doll for its shape and to use it as a trinket. There are many other youngsters who have bought it just out of curiosity to follow a trend and be considered 'in' with the times.
Radhia al Ajami, another young fan of the doll, said, 'I bought it because I like it and because it's trendy. I tag it on my bag, often in my car, too.'
Ali Hassan, from YOYOSO, in Mall of Oman, asserted, 'People of different backgrounds come to buy it. Mostly, kids and girls are passionate about it because it's trendy, and we display it on our shop window to catch the attention of customers.
He further said, 'When people buy it, they often sing its song with joy. We didn't have the doll at first, but we procured more stocks when inquiries for it began to soar. Currently, we have more than 200 dolls in the shop, and more in our warehouse.'
Zen, an employee at Mievic – a shop in Muscat that specialises in selling everything related to women (which has showcased this doll prominently) – said, 'Everyone is buying the doll. We sell around 30–50 dolls daily. People buy it because of the trend to possess one. They are also delighted to experience the suspense on purchase (to check out the type and colour of the one they get) as all sealed boxes have an element of mystery and no one knows what's in.'
This worldwide trend – from buyers looking for hidden 'treasures' (as rare editions can be traded for high sums) in their purchase, to retailers looking to make hay while the Sun shines – has made Labubu not just a cultural phenomenon but also a commercial success and a household name.
(Contributed by: Asma al Balushi; photos: V K Shafeer)
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If you've not heard of Labubu, you must be either a boring professional or someone from another planet…as this sensational toy or trinket has now got people of all ages and cultures in its sway. And it's not a cheap fad! When 17-year-old Sharifa (name changed) went to purchase a 'Labubu' from a shop in Oman along with her friends, their hearts beat fast in unison as the box containing her much-sought-after treasure was handed out to her… The teenagers closed their eyes, held each other's hands, and chanted a childish mantra together as Sharifa opened the box to unveil her luck…seconds later a dramatic chorus of shrill cries made heads turn as they discovered that the box contained a Lychee Berry Labubu in a vibrant pink hue – a hot favourite among young girls, The digital world, they say, is full of different choices and instant surprises (even shocks), and it now brings on a new trend called Labubu – a fanciful 'Monster' elves doll – that seems to be getting widespread attention from people worldwide. 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It was part of Lung's 'Monster' series, which is influenced by Nordic folklore and mythology which he had enjoyed as a child. Encashing on the doll's instant popularity, Pop Mart came up with the idea of blind boxes, which are sealed packages that conceal the toy's design within. These mystery boxes feature an addictive behaviour, similar to treasure hunting. Doll collectors — people who are considered obsessed with collecting the limited editions from different doll industries — buy those editions as soon as they are released, or even book them before release. The doll prices range from RO10 to RO35 and some editions become even more expensive because of their rarity. The obsession with Labubu's escalated when social media influencers started making videos about getting the blind boxes, unboxing them, and sharing their reactions to what they got, and so on. The doll comes in different sizes; people may attach it to their bags, cars, or use it in different accessories. And, it is not just a toy for children, people of all ages seem to be lured by the doll, regardless of culture. In Muscat, too many youth – girls and boys are, indeed, enamoured by this toy which they tag onto school bags, handbags, bicycles, car dashboards as well as take them along wherever they go. Surprisingly, adults, too, have been taken up by this doll. Noah al Wahaibi, a youth in Muscat, said, 'My mom wanted the doll and she used to keep talking about it. I wanted to make her happy, so I bought her one. And, she is now over the moon.' Fifteen-year-old Thuraya al Rawahi, also said she bought the doll for its shape and to use it as a trinket. There are many other youngsters who have bought it just out of curiosity to follow a trend and be considered 'in' with the times. Radhia al Ajami, another young fan of the doll, said, 'I bought it because I like it and because it's trendy. I tag it on my bag, often in my car, too.' 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Maybe, next time you're out and about, you'll spot one hanging from a backpack, or maybe you'll be tempted to join in. After all, in a world full of worries, a colourful doll dressed in Dior might just be the happiness boost we all need.
