Latest news with #KasingLung
Time of India
10 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Labubu who? People are now ditching originals and buying the fake ones called Lafufus
Labubu, the mischief-eyed plushie with devilish teeth, started as a niche collectible from Chinese brand Pop Mart, inspired by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung's storybook characters. But once celebs like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian flaunted them, they exploded on TikTok. Suddenly, everyone from Shanghai to London was queuing up for the furry creatures. Meet Lafufu: The bootleg baddie everyone is now loving Labubus became the status accessory. Retailing in blind boxes from $20 to $30, their secret editions sell for hundreds, with one life-sized version auctioned for over $170,000. But here is the plot twist: Pop Mart does not sell in India. So naturally, the bootlegs crept in. Enter the Lafufu. When Bollywood girlie Ananya Panday casually flexed her Labubu keychains, she had no idea she was flaunting Lafufus. Her friend Orry exposed the doll drama in a viral video, revealing Ananya's friend had accidentally ordered 100 fake Labubus online. Tragic? Maybe. Iconic? Absolutely. Lafufus are the chaotic evil twins of Labubus. With wonky eyes, crooked teeth, and random colour schemes, they are so bad, they are good. Victoria Bystritsky from California admitted her gas station Lafufu had her cracking up because it looked so off. Gen Zs are embracing the cringe and loving the irony. Why Lafufu (the fake Labubu) is the new 'it' toy Let us be honest. Rare Labubus are harder to get than a Taylor Swift ticket. Lafufus? Dirt cheap, street-available, and full of weird charm. Reddit threads are spilling tea on where to get them. TikTok is full of Lafufu unboxings. Shein, Alibaba, even gas stations are selling them. And owning a Lafufu is not embarrassing anymore. Millennials and Gen Z are flipping the narrative, proudly posting their knockoffs. The counterfeit is becoming a cultural icon, not a shameful dupe. Labubu vs Lafufu: How to spot the fake Real Labubus have nine precise teeth, a peachy matte face, and a hidden UV seal. They come in premium packaging with QR codes. Lafufus? Expect questionable stitching, neon eyes, and chaotic energy. Pop Mart is not laughing though Pop Mart is fuming. China is seizing thousands of fake dolls. Europe is cracking down too, with 370 dolls seized in Scotland for being unsafe. The company has now filed a trademark for "Lafufu" as a defensive legal move. But for now, the Lafufu army continues to grow. Also the peer pressure is too much now, are you planning to buy it anytime soon?
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Labubu dolls get a fashion makeover
It started as a quirky collectible, but Labubu has now taken over the hearts and social media feeds of fans across the world. These wide-eyed, slightly odd-looking dolls, created by artist Kasing Lung for his Nordic folklore-inspired series The Monsters, are no longer just toys. They've become tiny canvases for creativity. For many fans, owning a Labubu doll isn't enough. They go a step further, adding a personal touch to every detail. From dressing the dolls in miniature outfits to giving them manicures and personalised clothing stitched with their owner's surname, each Labubu is treated like a tiny, stylish companion. Adding a personal touch Hamsha Thavaseelan, a digital creator, recently took her Labubu to two Tamil weddings. For the occasion, she even customised a dress to give the doll a Tamilian look, complete with a bindi, flowers, and a tiny bag – all matching her outfit for the wedding. Similarly, artist Gurnoor Anand took her Labubu to a boutique to have custom clothes made. Meanwhile, on Instagram, digital creator Christine Doan gave her Labubu a full makeover, adding fluttery eyelashes, 3D nail art, a miniature handbag, and matching charms. Her doll looks every bit the influencer it was destined to be. Fans are investing not just money, but also time in their Labubus. On social media, one Labubu wears custom-made grills from a dentist, while another is seen diving underwater, clearly geared up for adventure. Some are even dressed in tiny Kanjeevaram saris – proving that fashion knows no size. Whether it's the joy of dressing them up or simply giving them a personality, Labubu dolls have become much more than just collectibles. AI TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LABUBU TRULY YOURS Custom-made outfits Design tiny, one-of-a-kind outfits using fabrics like denim, tulle, or even old accessories. Whether it's a streetwear look, fairy costume, or desi avatar, tailor Labubu's wardrobe to your style or mood. Mini accessories with big personality Add tiny sunglasses, hats, scarves, or miniature handbags. Even doll-sized jewellery or funky shoes can make Labubu look runway-ready and reflect your aesthetic. Themed dressing for seasons and festivals Dress Labubu according to seasons—think monsoon raincoats, summer florals, or winter knits—or deck them out for Diwali, Christmas, or even your birthday celebrations! Scented fabrics or perfumed closets Infuse Labubu's outfits or storage box with a soft, safe fragrance using sachets or scented drawer liners. It adds a sensory layer to the pampering experience. Tiny tattoos or face stickers Use washable markers, bindis, or nail art stickers to give Labubu little tattoos, freckles, or face art that can be changed depending on their 'mood.'
CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
What is a Labubu and why are they so popular?
A new trend has people shelling out some serious cash. CTV's Ashley Bacon takes a look at why Labubus are flying off shelves. There's a new highly-coveted collectible that's turning heads – and causing some confusion. Labubu is a brand of designer plush characters based off of storybook characters created by children's book illustrator Kasing Lung. He was born in Hong Kong and moved to the Netherlands at an early age. It was there were he first became interested and influenced by local folktales. Lung's fascination led to a series called 'The Monsters' which inspired what we now know as the rabbit-eared Labubu. The creatures have been spotted around the world, clipped onto bags as fashion accessories or proudly displayed as artwork. But there is also debate about their appeal. Many find their sharp toothed-grin offputting while others, like Rihanna and Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink, have sported the impish accessories. Labubu figures have been available since 2019, but it wasn't until recently that they surged in popularity. Buying blind Pop Mart, the Beijing-based company behind the critter craze, is well known for selling 'blind boxes,' meaning consumers don't actually know what they are getting until buying the item and cracking open the packaging. Although it is possible to buy individual Labubu figures, most hope for the best by making a blind purchase. 'It doesn't matter if you're a kid or if you're a grown adult with your own money,' Jing Wan, associate professor of marketing at the University of Guelph, said. 'What is appealing is the element of surprise, that every purchase is a bit of a gamble.' Online streamers have also hopped on the trend and hosted livestreams where they open boxes and bags in the hopes of unveiling a rare variant to a captivated audience. 'Even though we might not think of these purchases as gambling per se, you're still spending money buying in uncertainty,' Wan said. 'You're buying a probability. You describe that excitement of unboxing right in that moment. You don't know what's in there, but you know that there is a chance there's something you really want.' Building excitement The excitement of the unknown is nothing new. For years, content creators have posted videos opening packs of Pokemon cards in hopes of finding something rare. In the 2000's, Hatchimals also had a line of blind box products that retailers struggled to keep on store shelves. 'I think the allure of blind boxes and mystery bags will stick around,' Dan Mayhew, owner of B&K Collectibles in Kitchener, Ont., said. 'Whether or not they're going to be specifically for Labubus, I can't say that as much.' B&K Collectibles Dan Mayhew, owner of B&K Collectibles, posed for a photo on July 22, 2025. (Ashley Bacon/CTV News) The thrill and potential disappointment is part of the process. 'As soon as you open it, that sense of excitement rushes through you and even if you don't get the one you wanted, the anticipation, the excitement, the hope will still reinforce you, [and] make you want to do it again,' Wan said. For people who aren't willing to take the risk, Labubu products are available through resellers and third-party marketplaces. But experts urge caution as knockoffs, sometimes known as 'Lafufus', often plague online catalogues.
Fashion United
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Labubu vs. 7-11: Global boom fuels Pop Mart's legal offensive against imitators
Labubu, a fluffy-eared elf character with a wide-toothy grin, has become the unassuming centrepiece of an intellectual property dispute. Once a niche collectible, the keychain figurine has evolved into a fashion-forward accessory that has garnered a cult-like following, and competitors have taken notice. Now, Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant behind Labubu, is aggressively defending its rights. Its latest target is convenience store chain 7-Eleven. In a lawsuit filed with the US District Court for the Central District of California, Pop Mart has accused the retailer, along with eight of its California-based franchisees, of selling counterfeit versions of the popular character. With this filing, 7-Eleven joins a growing list of companies facing legal action from Pop Mart, as the brand works to solidify its position in the accessory toy market. First things first, what is Labubu? Where did it come from? And why is it so popular? Despite first hitting the market in 2015, Labubu's viral rise to fame didn't take off until early this year. Originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, who based the figurines of characters from his 'The Monsters' book series, the elf-like character had initially gained modest recognition in niche circles. It wasn't until 2019, when Lung secured a partnership with Pop Mart, Labubu's commercial reach expanded, laying the groundwork for its global appeal. Now considered a cultural sensation by some, Labubu's current popularity-spike has often been accredited to an initial endorsement of the figurine by Blackpink star Lisa, whose social media posts about her own Labubus are said to have aided in the doll's trajectory into the mainstream. Other celebrities, like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, only nurtured the hype, further facilitating social media buzz for the products. In the world of fashion, brands like Uniqlo, Pronounce and Pharrell's Joopiter bet on the doll through collaborations. Its upsurge also went hand-in-hand with a wider trend of handbag customisation, seen at recent fashion weeks. As such, Labubu can now most often be found hanging from the designer bags of their respective owners, making them the 'must-have' fashion accessory. Labubu's exclusivity has enticed trendsetters, and eventually their followers, many of whom are encouraged by the figurine's limited availability and collectible status. Pop Mart's fervour for Blind Boxes, the contents of which are unknown to buyers, further exasperates anticipation, reaffirming the intended premium status of the product. The Labubu-craze has escalated so much so that stores in regions like the UK and South Korea were forced to either halt or suspend in-store sales of the fluffy companions due to the outbreak of fights. In just a few short months, the shopping frenzy could see Pop Mart triple its half year revenue, while, according to a report by Forbes in May, the company's CEO, Wang Ning, became 1.6 billion dollars richer in a single day due to an influx in sales. An influx of lawsuits It is therefore no surprise that Pop Mart has set about battering down the hatches when it comes to protecting the IP of Labubu. The company has long initiated legal counters to companies that it alleges to have attempted to ride on the coattails of the elf's success, and such challenges have only risen as the popularity of the figurine skyrockets. Many such cases refer to claims of unauthorised sales, counterfeiting or IP infringement. Labubu takes over European fashion weeks. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Last month, courts in China ruled in favour of Pop Mart for two cases; one against an online platform accused of using the Labubu Sports Series without authorisation, another against merchants selling 3D-printed replicas of the products. More broadly, the region has also aided Pop Mart's attempts to protect its positioning. Recent reports have suggested that all Labubu figurines have been removed from Yiwu, a market once rife with counterfeit toys, while customs in Shanghai are said to have seized around 6,000 unauthorised Pop Mart products from cross-border shipments. Pop Mart's legal pursuits have not only been limited to China. The company has issued cease-and-desist orders against companies in Singapore and Taiwan, addressing cases related to everything from food products to influencer-related issues. Its attention has now also turned to the US, which has emerged as a leading market for Labubu. Here, sales were said to be up 5,000 percent in June compared to the year prior, according to estimates from research platform M Science, cited by the BBC. Pop Mart currently operates around 40 stores in the US, compared to 400 in China, the media outlet stated, while the resale market for the keychain accessory has simultaneously boomed. Labubu vs convenience stores The Labubu's prominence in the US as a cornerstone of the wider business only underlines the critical nature of Pop Mart's lawsuit against 7-Eleven. According to Pop Mart, the cited franchisees sold products that both closely resembled the official doll and were poor in quality, with manufacturing defects like faulty stitching and distorted heads noted within the complaint. Labubu's design is described by Pop Mart as a legally protectable trade dress, with its wide grin and pointed ears referenced as distinctive, recognisable traits that contribute to its brand identity. Images portraying the differences between the original and allegedly infringing products were shared as exhibits in the filing, as was video footage of a customer visiting a 7-Eleven store with the intent of purchasing a Labubu, only to find a poor quality alternative instead. With this in mind, Pop Mart has made claims in the realm of trademark, copyright and trade dress infringement, as well as unfair competition against 7-Eleven and the stated franchisees. The toy maker further accuses the convenience store chain of failing to exercise control over its Californian counterparts, several of which were said to be selling the alleged infringing products without interference from their parent company. Pop Mart therefore finds 7-Eleven liable for the infringing activity. In the lawsuit, Pop Mart said it was seeking monetary damages, a correction to advertising that is said to have harmed the brand and an injunction to halt future sales by the franchises of the counterfeit products. FashionUnited has contacted 7-Eleven with a request to comment.
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Russia Today
Russians spending millions on Labubus
Russians have spent more than 1.5 billion rubles ($17.6 million) on Labubu toys this year, according to data from e-commerce platform Wildberries & Russ, cited by TASS. Created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung for his book 'The Monsters', the small elf-like character with sharp teeth became a global collectible sensation after Chinese company Pop Mart launched it in blind box format in 2019. Its popularity surged in 2024 when Thai-born K-pop star Lisa shared photos of the dolls on Instagram, triggering a wave of celebrity endorsements. Singer Rihanna was later seen with one clipped to her Louis Vuitton bag, Kim Kardashian displayed a collection of ten figures, and former England football captain David Beckham posted an image of a Labubu gifted by his daughter, making the toy an international trend. Although Labubu-themed products appeared on Wildberries in July 2024, the company said sales remained negligible until May this year, when demand jumped by 4,700% compared to April, reaching tens of millions of rubles. 'The popularity of the toys continued to grow in June: Labubu sales set a new record – compared to May, turnover increased by another 1,190% and almost reached 1 billion rubles ($11.1 million). As of today, total sales of Labubu products on Wildberries (since January 1) have amounted to 1.582 billion rubles ($17.6 million). On average, every tenth Russian has bought Labubu on Wildberries,' the company told TASS on Sunday. The surge in popularity of Labubus has sparked debate among Russian lawmakers. Ekaterina Altabaeva, deputy chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, and MP Vitaly Milonov have both urged a ban, citing the toys' 'monster-like' appearance and potential harm to children. Another legislator, Tatyana Butskaya, warned that many of the items lack proper labeling and called for tighter regulation. State quality watchdog Roskachestvo said the figures meet safety standards and described Labubu as a 'kind, toothy elf.' Pediatric specialists argue there is no evidence of psychological risk, emphasizing the role of parental supervision.
