Latest news with #Labubu
Vogue
3 hours ago
- Business
- Vogue
And They Call It Plushie Love: Fashionable People on Their Labubu Obsession
Unless you exist in a blissfully offline experience, you'll have noticed Labubu hype is at unprecedented high. Even IRL, you can hardly move on the streets of major cities without being nudged by a handbag bedecked with the fang-toothed critters. Personally, I love her. Yes, despite her gender-fluid appearance and undiscriminating appeal, Labubu is a girl. An elfin character first created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu was conceived as part of a story series called The Monsters in 2015. Then, in 2019, Labubu evolved into the collectible toy market with a line of figurines that became available through a partnership with Chinese retailer Pop Mart. Later, they were developed into plush toys on keychains—perfect timing, to chime with the emerging trend of bag charms, trinkets, and toys in fashion; Pop Mart's first Labubu keyring series was called the 'Exciting Macaron,' and dropped in October 2023. Inspired by Nordic folklore, the pastel shades of Labubu's fluffy body and the gently devilish facial expressions that differ with each iteration of the character are the perfect blend of cute and ugly. She's the latest in a long line of iconic characters that have emerged from Asia; Hello Kitty, Sonny Angel, and Gudetama are her foresisters. Pop Mart's Cry Baby series seems to be following fast in her footsteps. Labubu has been spotted on Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and perhaps most notably, Lisa from Blackpink, who spoke to Vanity Fair about her obsession—certainly, one of the sparks that lit the match for Labubu's now-worldwide domination. But, as with anything that becomes too beloved, too hyped, too memed, the backlash has begun. In the UK, Pop Mart was forced to pull Labubu from stores after an altercation in a queue occurred in May 2025. Overzealous resellers, it seems, resorted to violence to get their hands on the coveted critters. Fans remain furious with the pause. Labubu is, after all, the number one piece to collect on resale platform StockX. Some roll their eyes: Why are all these people—not even children—queueing for toys at a time like this? There are plenty of critiques from those harbouring hate—Labubu aren't recyclable, they're just a 'recession indicator,' a part of so-called 'regression core.' The mimetic desire they create feeds into the capitalist whirl of consumer culture! This type of collecting is a silly, frivolous pastime! As British Vogue's Daniel Rodgers writes: 'The Labubu is just another colorful flash on the internet's radar: Something we consume for a few months until the next trend arrives, kicking off a fresh cycle of thinkpieces.'
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Not drugs or gold, Chinese officials uncover cuddly Labubu toy smuggling
Chinese customs officers recently made an unusual discovery, finding dozens of Pop Mart's popular Labubu toys hidden in suitcases and being smuggled for resale. Far from drugs or weapons, these quirky and popular toys are now part of a growing illegal resale market. The plush characters, created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, have become a hot trend not just in China but across the globe, thanks in part to celebrity endorsements from Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink's Lisa. Some were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week. The toys' scarcity is fuelling desperation among fans. During a recent visit by CNN to a Pop Mart store in a busy Beijing mall, not a single Labubu was found on sale — only display models remained under lock and key. 'They're sold out in seconds,' said Evelyn Lin, a long-time fan. 'It's almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels.' That scarcity has pushed many into the arms of smugglers and resellers. According to a CNN tally of official notices, Chinese customs authorities have confiscated 462 Pop Mart toys since April. In one post, China's customs administration confirmed the toys were intended 'for profit by resale' and were seized in accordance with the law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo However, it did not confirm if any legal charges had been filed against the individuals involved. Labubus, known for their bunny-shaped bodies and mischievous elf-like faces, with sharp pointy teeth, now retail for extremely high prices on second-hand platforms. One blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 collection, initially priced at 584 yuan (£64), is reportedly reselling for between 1,000 and 2,000 yuan (£110–£220), according to Chinese state media. Pop Mart itself is thriving, as the company's latest financials show global gross profit more than doubled last year, and its revenue in mainland China surged to over $1.09 billion, a 34% increase from the year before. But with skyrocketing demand comes risk. Beijing resident Kate Yang, an avid collector, says she's been duped twice after purchasing what turned out to be fake Labubus online. 'Because they are not available on official platforms, if you're in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can't manage to get the popular ones in time,' Yang explained. 'You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms.' As Pop Mart's most famous creature continues to charm fans around the world, the lengths people are willing to go to get their hands on one may be the most surreal chapter yet in Labubu's wild rise.
NDTV
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Matcha Latte To Labubu Charms, Why Gen Z Is All About The 'Little Treat Culture'
No one vouches for 'little treats' like Gen Z does. It is a term that they have coined for periodical - daily or weekly indulgences, such as their favourite matcha latte, fresh bakes, weekly manicures, a luxury lip treatment, a stuffed toy or a Labubu charm, or a trinket they always wanted to get their hands on. It might serve as a momentary dopamine hit, and more, as a form of practicing self-love and self-care. What Is The 'Little Treats Culture'? Little treats culture is an on-trend lifestyle practice where Gen Z makes use of small delights and pleasurable experiences such as snacks or treats from time to time, to keep themselves motivated. This motivation is to keep up with their daily tasks while overcoming all the hiccups and hurdles that are part of daily life. This trend, like all trends these days, is social media-fuelled. Take, for example, the Labubu dolls and the cultural storm that they have caused. Labubu is part of a character group, The Monsters. These adorable plushies have become a must-have accessory for every Gen Z (and millennial) after celebrities K-pop star Lisa were spotted with them. Or, swapping a mug of boring americano for a prettier looking matcha latte, for a premium, of course. All of these fit right in with the little treat culture, where people share how they literally bribe themselves with these small but significant treats to accomplish tasks and manage their responsibilities. It went viral on social media back in 2024, and since then, there has been no stopping for Gen Z. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rhode skin (@rhode) What Experts Say Are experts on board with the 'little treats culture'? What do they have to say? NDTV spoke to Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist from New Delhi, who backs the idea of the little treat culture. "It is about giving oneself small, enjoyable rewards like a dessert, a coffee, or even a 10-minute break as a way to cope with stress, lift mood, or acknowledge daily efforts. It's a form of self-recognition that helps people feel emotionally supported, in small ways," he says. Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO and Senior Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, Gurugram, agrees. He tells NDTV, "Little treat culture is popular because it's simple, comforting, and emotionally grounding. At a time when stress is high and big wins feel far from reality, little treats offer a sense of control, relief, and encouragement. They remind us that small joys still count, and that's a powerful message for today's generation." What Are These Little Treats? Dr Astik tells NDTV, "A chocolate is absolutely enough if it gives a sense of comfort or pleasure. In fact, a 'treat' can be anything such as a walk, music, journaling, or even saying no to something that is overwhelming. But the value lies in its emotional impact, not its size or price." Let us be honest, a little treat bandage applied over a gaping wound caused by stress, anxiety or daily life works like magic on the healing front. Little Treat Culture In The Age Of Social Media In this era of social media, it would be sheer blasphemy to not factor in the plethora of netizens' opinions, and the influence it has on Gen Z. Social media adds fuel to the engine of little treats by showcasing relatable, everyday self-care practiced by Gen Z via reels, videos, memes, and other quick content formats. While the social media storm on self-care and the joy of giving oneself a treat makes life worth living and encourages the self-treat culture, it could also introduce a pressure to keep up with these treats while not overspending on them. So, now, to the good and the bad. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Big Chill Café (@bigchillcafe) Why The Little Treat Culture Works First, the pocket-friendliness, which makes the little treat culture attractive to Gen Z. Most Gen Z people are conscious of their finances. So, the idea of affordable treats are totally up their alley. It not only makes this culture inclusive and sustainable, but also helps them feel rewarded without a crippling financial guilt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Theobroma Patisserie India (@theobromapatisserie) These little treats have the potential to offer periodic dopamine hits that keep us getting back to the grind. This happens while we are juggling things like hectic work weeks, intense arguments or more such triggers in real life. They also help life feel a little in control. What Little Treat Culture Does For Gen Z And What It Doesn't Dr Astik Joshi says, "This habit can offer quick emotional relief, improve motivation, and encourage self-compassion. However, it's important to understand its limits." Little treats cannot replace therapy; a much-needed deep emotional healing, or consistent mental health support when people are dealing with anxiety, depression, a burnout and more. So, while it is a source of comfort, it comes with its limitations when it comes to mental health problems. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez (@rarebeauty) "Little treats may help your mental health positively by providing affordable rewards to self and a sense of accomplishment upon dealing with daily life stressors," Dr Astik Joshi tells NDTV. Basically, little treats work as treat-style baits you reward yourself with to help overcome things or experiences that helps you deal (better) with daily stress. Dr Astik says, "Rewarding oneself builds emotional resilience. These little acts tell the brain, 'effort is worth it,' which reinforces positive behaviour and nurtures self-worth. It supports emotional fulfilment by helping Gen Z take voluntary pauses for sheer joy." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Benefit Cosmetics India (@benefitindia) Is The Tittle Treat Culture Worth Your Money? It all lies in the name. Little treats are called little because they won't particularly break the bank. Speaking to SELF, financial therapist and speaker Lindsay Bryan-Podvin says, "Millennials and Gen Z are rejecting 'grit language' and fear of punishment as motivators. Instead, these young folks are responding to the promise of satisfaction and self-reward." While a person's emotional relationship with their comfort purchase is an important one for the pursuit of their happiness, this elusive happiness should not be the only factor that should be considered. The little treats that Gen Z sees as small expenses in the moment, certainly add up over time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by arsheen ִ𐙚 (@tooshietrash) Lindsay says, "If this sweet little treat is impacting your bottom line, then you need to be mindful about where to pull back." The key, of course, is to know when to step back. One does deserve a little treat from time to time and every bit of the joy coming their way along with it, but only till it doesn't take a heavier toll in the long run. In a world full of iced matcha lattes, peptide lip treatments, deli-made fresh bakes and shiny trinkets, all we can say is that little treats are winning. And Gen Z certainly is on board.
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Labubus in UAE: Monster doll-themed ice creams, cakes now 'best sellers' across stores
What started as a quirky little character from Hong Kong has now become a craze in the UAE. Labubu, the mischievous creature with spiky hair, wide eyes, and a cheeky smile, has made its way into the hearts and homes of residents across the country. From toys and keychains to cakes, ice cream, and even chocolates, Labubu is everywhere. 'I had no idea what Labubu was until my daughter turned seven,' said Misha Fernandes, a resident of JLT. 'She wanted a Labubu cake for her birthday, and when I got her one, the reaction from her and her friends was priceless. They didn't even want to cut the cake because it looked too cute.' Themed cakes have become a huge hit, with bakeries across the UAE receiving frequent orders for Labubu-inspired designs. Occasions Cakes UAE and Gateau Gourmet are offering custom creations, with prices starting at Dh200. Customers can place orders online and get them delivered to their doorstep. But it's not just cakes. Head to any supermarket or discount store, and you are likely to spot Labubu keychains hanging near the checkout counters. They range from Dh3 to over Dh300, depending on the size and quality. Some are plush, some are plastic, and others even have lights or sound effects. 'It's not just the kids who are crazy about Labubu,' said Abdul Rahman, a father of two from Muweilah. 'Even I have started noticing how cute it is. We bought Labubu-shaped ice creams last week, and the kids were over the moon. It's such a fun way to enjoy dessert.' Labubu ice creams are available at the Frozen Factory and have become a hit at birthday parties and family gatherings. According to a staff member at the Al Zahia branch, the ice cream is flying off the shelves. 'We have seen a sharp rise in customers coming in just for Labubu ice cream,' said a salesperson. 'Parents come in with their kids, and some even call ahead to check if it's in stock. It's become one of our best sellers.' Soft toys are another hot item. Labubu plushies of all sizes are now common in supermarkets and toy shops. While some are official merchandise, others are local versions made to resemble the beloved character. In Sharjah, a well-known discount centre has become a hotspot for Labubu fans. 'Every single day, people come in asking for Labubu toys, snacks, and keychains,' said Hameed Shukur, a salesman at the store. 'We restock constantly, and still, it's hard to keep up with the demand.' What makes Labubu so appealing? For many, it's the character's expressive design and playful energy. For others, it's the growing trend on social media, where influencers showcase Labubu-themed hauls, gifts, and decorations. 'My son carries a Labubu keychain on his school bag, and now his whole class wants one too,' said Arfa, a resident of Abu hail. 'It's cute, harmless, and makes the kids happy.' As Labubu fever continues to spread, it's clear this little creature has found a big fan base in the UAE. Whether it's a cake, a plush toy, or a scoop of ice cream, Labubu has become more than just a trend.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
These toys are so hot that Chinese customs agents have seized hundreds of them in recent weeks
Unveiling their latest seizure in front of news cameras last month, two Chinese customs agents revealed not drugs or weapons – but suitcases full of plush toys. The stash on display included dozens of Pop Mart Labubus - the toothy, fluffy figurines that have sparked buying frenzies around the world, and in some cases, brawls among fans outside shops selling them. Even in China, where Pop Mart is based and most of its toys are made, people are struggling to get their hands on Labubus. When CNN recently visited a Pop Mart store at a bustling shopping mall in downtown Beijing, Labubu dolls were nowhere to be found on shelves, with only display samples remaining in glass cabinets. Labubus are typically 'sold out in seconds' when released, longtime Pop Mart fan Evelyn Lin told CNN. 'It's almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels,' she said. Fans are instead turning to unusual sources - including buying from smugglers. A total of 462 Pop Mart toys have been confiscated by customs authorities across China since April, according to a CNN compilation of multiple official posts. Details and footage of one seizure were posted by China's Customs Administration on social media, which stated that that the toys were intended 'for profit by resale' and seized in accordance with law. The post did not say whether any of the Labubu smugglers faced other legal consequences. Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and it has quietly built a loyal following since its 2015 debut. But in recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creature — equal parts grotesque and adorable — has soared in popularity. Stars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink have worn Labubus like lucky charms, and the toys were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week this year. According to Chinese state-owned media outlet Cover News, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series, originally priced at 584 yuan ($81), has been selling for between 1,000 ($139) and 2,000 yuan ($278) on the second-hand market. Pop Mart's annual results show that the company's global gross profit surged by over 125% last year, while its revenue in mainland China reached more than $1.09 billion, 34% higher than 2023. But buying from resellers carries risks. Kate Yang, a Beijing resident and Labubu enthusiast, told CNN that her two last purchases from resellers both turned out to be fakes. 'Because they are not available on official platforms, if you're in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can't manage to get the popular ones in time,' said Yang. 'You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms.' CNN's Marc Stewart and Martha Zhou contributed reporting
