Labubu toy craze arrives in South Africa with exclusive Soul Gallery drop
Known for its curated mix of rare fashion and standout sneakers, the gallery now adds this sought-after collectible to its cultural cachet, signalling a bold new chapter in designer toy culture.
Josh Weinberg, the owner of Soul Gallery, shared his excitement with Saturday Star , revealing what motivated him to bring the collection to SA.
'Honestly, it was a no-brainer. We're always hunting for what's next, the rare, the untapped, the cult gems that haven't hit our shores yet. Labubu isn't just a toy; it's a full-blown movement. There's emotion, story, and soul behind each piece. We knew there was a growing appetite for that level of collectible in South Africa, and we wanted to be the ones to spark it,' he stated passionately.
Speaking on their commitment to offering exclusive collectibles aligning perfectly with the ethos of the toy's release, he stated, 'Soul Gallery has never been about stocking shelves; we curate experiences. Every item we bring in has a story, a purpose, and a certain magic to it. Labubu fits that vision perfectly. It's niche, it's highly sought-after, and it speaks to a global collector culture that we're helping introduce here. That's what our space in Sandton City is built for: to bring culture to life in a way that feels fresh and intentional.'
He also explained the influence of the gallery in shaping and growing the collectible culture in South Africa, further underscoring the essence of understanding the value behind the drops.
"We're definitely not just following trends; we're setting them. Before Soul, the idea of luxury streetwear, exclusive kicks, or even designer collectibles at this level wasn't really a thing here. We've opened up a lane for people to access global culture locally, and more importantly, to understand the value behind these drops. We're not just growing the culture; we're shaping the taste.'
As for what makes Labubu a coveted item, Weinberg elaborated, 'Labubu's not your average toy; it's got character, a story, and a whole vibe to it. There's something raw and emotional about the design; it's playful but a little mischievous, and that duality resonates with collectors. It's also not mass; it's cult. Owning one feels like being part of a quiet, cool club. And that's what makes it special; it's personal, not commercial.'
Looking ahead, Weinberg hinted at what's in store for the collectors frequenting Soul Gallery. 'We've got some wild stuff off our seas; trust me, this is only the beginning. Soul Gallery is already home to names like Goyard, Hermès, Prada, Jacquemus, Valentino, and Bottega, and that's not even the full list. We're also bringing in brands and pieces that South Africa's never seen before. If you're looking for the rare and the real, you'll find it in our Sandton City flagship.'
[email protected]
Saturday Star
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Labubu toy craze arrives in South Africa with exclusive Soul Gallery drop
Labubu, the viral toy craze captivating collectors worldwide, has officially landed in South Africa - making its debut at Sandton City's iconic Soul Gallery. Known for its curated mix of rare fashion and standout sneakers, the gallery now adds this sought-after collectible to its cultural cachet, signalling a bold new chapter in designer toy culture. Josh Weinberg, the owner of Soul Gallery, shared his excitement with Saturday Star , revealing what motivated him to bring the collection to SA. 'Honestly, it was a no-brainer. We're always hunting for what's next, the rare, the untapped, the cult gems that haven't hit our shores yet. Labubu isn't just a toy; it's a full-blown movement. There's emotion, story, and soul behind each piece. We knew there was a growing appetite for that level of collectible in South Africa, and we wanted to be the ones to spark it,' he stated passionately. Speaking on their commitment to offering exclusive collectibles aligning perfectly with the ethos of the toy's release, he stated, 'Soul Gallery has never been about stocking shelves; we curate experiences. Every item we bring in has a story, a purpose, and a certain magic to it. Labubu fits that vision perfectly. It's niche, it's highly sought-after, and it speaks to a global collector culture that we're helping introduce here. That's what our space in Sandton City is built for: to bring culture to life in a way that feels fresh and intentional.' He also explained the influence of the gallery in shaping and growing the collectible culture in South Africa, further underscoring the essence of understanding the value behind the drops. "We're definitely not just following trends; we're setting them. Before Soul, the idea of luxury streetwear, exclusive kicks, or even designer collectibles at this level wasn't really a thing here. We've opened up a lane for people to access global culture locally, and more importantly, to understand the value behind these drops. We're not just growing the culture; we're shaping the taste.' As for what makes Labubu a coveted item, Weinberg elaborated, 'Labubu's not your average toy; it's got character, a story, and a whole vibe to it. There's something raw and emotional about the design; it's playful but a little mischievous, and that duality resonates with collectors. It's also not mass; it's cult. Owning one feels like being part of a quiet, cool club. And that's what makes it special; it's personal, not commercial.' Looking ahead, Weinberg hinted at what's in store for the collectors frequenting Soul Gallery. 'We've got some wild stuff off our seas; trust me, this is only the beginning. Soul Gallery is already home to names like Goyard, Hermès, Prada, Jacquemus, Valentino, and Bottega, and that's not even the full list. We're also bringing in brands and pieces that South Africa's never seen before. If you're looking for the rare and the real, you'll find it in our Sandton City flagship.' [email protected] Saturday Star
