Latest news with #Labubus
NZ Herald
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
How Labubu dolls and other pop culture trends are taking over the world
Plush toy collectables, Labubus, are taking the world by storm. Collecting, coveting, and curating have been pop culture staples for decades. There's an innate human need to purchase the new 'in' thing. Whether it's a hacky sack, troll dolls, Tamagotchis, fidget spinners, Pokémon cards, or Beanie Babies - consumerism is quick to take hold of a fad and make
Time of India
2 days 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.
Yahoo
3 days 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
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Which Labubu Are You Quiz
If you've noticed people carrying around a little doll or keychain resembling a creature that looks part elf and part gremlin, then you've seen a Labubu in the wild. Labubus, which came from a Nordic-inspired picture book written by Kasing Lung, originated from Hong Kong and has been released as collectible plushies by Pop Mart since 2019. Labubus went viral not only due to celebrity influence and how cute they are, but also because of the mystery that comes with purchasing them. Labubus are collectibles, but they're primarily sold through blind boxes, meaning you don't know what color or rarity you're going to get until you open it. Because of that, Labubus are in high demand, making them difficult to get your hands on. (I got mine out of a Pop Mart vending machine!) But, even if you can't get your hands on a Labubu (or you just don't want one), luckily for you, you can find out which Labubu you are for free! Let's start! Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Is BLACKPINK's Lisa Behind The Labubu Trend? Deets Inside
Last Updated: Lisa has been frequently spotted with the viral Labubu plushies, making the dolls even more popular. A big head, sharp teeth, large eyes and those fuzzy outfits—this is what the internet is obsessed with. While the Labubu dolls might appear creepy to some, others have found them quite endearing, resulting in global popularity. The dolls have lately become a favourite among fashion lovers and influencers, who want to do anything to collect them. And we have the likes of Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, Rihanna and now BLACKPINK's Lisa onboard the newest obsession. Lisa has been largely credited for starting the Labubu craze, owing to her appearances with plushies of the collectible toy as well as a smaller bag chain. Renowned fashion magazines like Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue have also highlighted the role of Lisa in popularising the Labubu plush toys, leading to a surge in demand and establishing it as a cultural icon. LISA is recognized by Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue as the driving force behind the worldwide surge in popularity of Labubu plush, highlighting her pivotal role in setting the global trend. — Pop Core (@TheePopCore) May 26, 2025 Originally created by Kasing Lung, who earlier had a modest fan base, saw a rise in his dolls' popularity after Lisa's enthusiastic and visible endorsements. The idol made frequent appearances with Labubu-themed merchandise and various accessories in public outings, social media posts, live performances and even fan meets. I still can't believe LISA is the one who started the whole Labubu craze. Its literally everywhere — ꧁★ As per Vogue Italia, Lisa's global influence transformed Labubu from a niche item to an international phenomenon, which has now been embraced by fans and fashion lovers alike. 'Lisa has an instinctive ability to spot and amplify niche trends," the magazine notes. just lisa never beating the labubu enthusiast allegations Likewise, Teen Vogue also stressed Lisa's role in shaping global youth culture, adding that her way of promoting Labubu plushies encouraged her fandom, elevating the doll into a symbol of creativity and self-expression. It is worth mentioning that the BLACKPINK star has herself admitted to being obsessed with the Labubu dolls. Previously, in a conversation with Variety, she said, 'I can't stop talking about Labubus. I've been going crazy for them for almost a year, but now I can't really get a new Labubus. They're really hard to find. I'm kind of sad." A Febre Labubu: O Toque Mágico da LISA — a thread — LISA BRASIL (@lalisabrasil) May 14, 2025 Noting that she has about three or four dolls in her collection, Lisa wishes to have an entire box filled with them, including one based on her own personality that she believes would blow up the Internet. With that said, with Labubu dolls getting immensely popular, one can directly purchase them from the monsters from Pop Mart, their official Amazon store, or major retailers. The unique design and growing fan base have also resulted in counterfeit versions flooding the market. First Published:
