Latest news with #Molly
Economic Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Can a toy make you a billionaire overnight? Meet the Chinese CEO who made $1.6 billion in a day thanks to a viral doll
Chinese CEO Wang Ning earned $1.6 billion in a single day as Pop Mart's viral Labubu dolls took the world by storm. Spotted with global celebrities, the mischievous toys sparked shopping frenzies, especially in the U.S. and U.K., where stores saw near-riots. (Facebook/ Agencies) What do a gremlin-faced doll, Blackpink's Lisa, and a near-riot in a London toy store have in common? The answer lies in one mischievous word: Labubu. This quirky, wide-eyed collectible from Chinese toy giant Pop Mart has not only taken over celebrity handbags and social media timelines—it's also added a staggering $1.6 billion to CEO Wang Ning's fortune in just one day. Yes, you read that right. In the era of high-tech IPOs and AI booms, it's a 10-dollar designer toy, sealed in a blind box, that's redefining wealth creation and retail hysteria. With its eccentric, impish smile and collector appeal, the Labubu doll has become the must-have accessory of the year. Spotted dangling from the designer purses of Rihanna, Jamie Chua, and India's very own Ananya Panday, Labubu is more than a toy—it's a statement. But the craze isn't just cosmetic. A BBC report recently highlighted how demand in the UK spiraled so wildly out of control that Pop Mart had to halt in-store sales after physical altercations broke out among eager buyers. The tipping point? Pop Mart's mobile app shot to the top of the U.S. app store, sending the company's shares soaring and instantly swelling Wang Ning's net worth to a jaw-dropping $18.7 billion, according to Forbes . At 38, Wang Ning has transformed from a Zhengzhou University advertising graduate to the architect of a global toy empire. Founded in 2010, Pop Mart didn't start with billion-dollar ambitions—but with blind boxes. These sealed packages conceal which toy you're getting, encouraging fans to keep buying for a full set. What sounds like a gimmick has turned into genius—thanks to psychological appeal and market-savvy execution. Today, Pop Mart collaborates with renowned artists to create collectible series like Molly, Skullpanda, and Dimoo. With half its sales still happening at physical outlets, and the rest through a robust digital and social media ecosystem, the brand has become a powerhouse of pop-cultural obsession, reaching across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Once confined to dusty toy shelves, collectibles have found their renaissance in what The Financial Times calls 'trendy connoisseurship.' Pop Mart has elevated figurine buying into a lifestyle pursuit for China's young, affluent consumers—and the world is catching on. Blind boxes now command second-hand resale values that attract not just fans but investors, with some venture capital firms reportedly dabbling in this curious market. And amid trade tensions and global economic uncertainty, Pop Mart's irresistible charm has proved its resilience, crossing borders with ease and capturing hearts—and wallets—everywhere it goes.
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly lovers sign up for Celebrity Race Across The World – and they've already secretly filmed BBC hit
Swapping ballrooms for backpacks, fans will see the pair dash across continents without flights or mobile phones love train Strictly lovers sign up for Celebrity Race Across The World – and they've already secretly filmed BBC hit STRICTLY lovers Molly Rainford and Tyler West have signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World - and they've already secretly filmed the BBC hit. Molly, 24, and Tyler, 29, who found romance on the Saturday night favourite in 2022, have taken on the broadcaster's gruelling travel challenge together. 3 Molly Rainford and Tyler West have signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World Credit: Splash Swapping ballrooms for backpacks, fans will see the pair dash across continents without flights or mobile phones. A TV insider told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. "They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. "They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' The last series of Celebrity Race Across the World aired last August and saw famous faces including Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni race across South America. A rep for the show has been contacted for comment. EastEnders star Molly rose to fame for her performance on Britain's Got Talent when she was just 11 years old. Tyler began his presenting career on CBBC before being snapped up by Kiss FM for his very own show. The couple fell head over heels for each other when they both took to the Strictly dance floor in 2022. Last year, they spoke about their plans to take their relationship to the next step and move in together. Inside Molly Rainford and Tyler West's romantic weekend in Marbella as she strips to bikini at wild pool party Tyler told the Mail: "We are good and going strong and are actually moving in together - we're just going through, you know dining tables and sofas and all that kind of stuff, it's exciting. "Molly's turned into a whole interior designer so I'm just taking a complete back seat!" Sharing cute videos of them kissing in their empty living room they said: "Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now." There were rumours an engagement ring was on the cards for the couple after they went on a romantic trip to Paris. Molly previously addressed the engagement clamour in an interview with The Sun. She told us at the tail end of 2023: "Not just yet. I think we will get Christmas out of the way and then go from there." 3 Molly and Tyler found romance on Strictly in 2022 Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Strictly lovers sign up for Celebrity Race Across The World – and they've already secretly filmed BBC hit
STRICTLY lovers Molly Rainford and Tyler West have signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World - and they've already secretly filmed the BBC hit. travel challenge together. Advertisement 3 Molly Rainford and Tyler West have signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World Credit: Splash Swapping ballrooms for backpacks, fans will see the pair dash across continents without flights or mobile phones. A TV insider told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. "They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. "They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Advertisement read more on Strictly The last series of Celebrity Race Across the World aired last August and saw famous faces including Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni race across South America. A rep for the show has been contacted for comment. EastEnders star Molly rose to fame for her performance on Britain's Got Talent when she was just 11 years old. Tyler began his presenting career on CBBC before being snapped up by Kiss FM for his very own show. Advertisement Most read in Reality Exclusive The couple fell head over heels for each other when they both took to the Strictly dance floor in 2022. Last year, they spoke about their plans to take their relationship to the next step and move in together. Inside Molly Rainford and Tyler West's romantic weekend in Marbella as she strips to bikini at wild pool party Tyler told "Molly's turned into a whole interior designer so I'm just taking a complete back seat!" Advertisement Sharing cute videos of them kissing in their empty living room they said: "Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now." There were rumours an engagement ring was on the cards for the couple after they went on a romantic trip to Paris . Molly previously addressed the engagement clamour in an interview with The Sun. She told us at the tail end of 2023: "Not just yet. I think we will get Christmas out of the way and then go from there." Advertisement 3 Molly and Tyler found romance on Strictly in 2022 Credit: PA 3 The last series of Celebrity Race Across the World aired last August Credit: BBC
North Wales Live
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Molly-Mae uses this £29 deep conditioner to keep her blonde hair looking shiny
Molly-Mae has established herself as a Gen Z fashion icon, and it's not only her wardrobe that draws attention but also her signature blonde locks. Having recently set the trend for 'buttermilk blonde', Molly's lustrous hair consistently gets praise among fans about the products she uses, and the 25-year-old has now revealed her haircare secrets. On her Instagram story, Molly-Mae has before posted a selection of her current favourite beauty items, where some fans noticed she opts for the Fenty Hair The Richer One moisture repair deep conditioner, which you can buy from Selfridges for £29. For money-saving tips, This nourishing deep conditioner is packed with beneficial ingredients like green coconut water, celebrated for its light hydration and conditioning properties, along with Replenicore 5, Fenty Hair's exclusive complex designed to mend, fortify and safeguard hair. The outcome? Hair that's softer, smoother and free from frizz, reports the Mirror. Molly isn't alone in her love for the product as it has gained numerous 5-star reviews from customers lauding its hydrating formula. A satisfied customer said: "Very hydrating. My go to for wash day now. I haven't been disappointed in a single fenty beauty product yet. It's all I buy." Another reviewer noted: "Listen.. this entire line is so great. The shampoo and deep conditioner leaves my hair feeling and looking it's best. "The definition of my curls after and for weeks after it's just unbelievable! ! ! ! It smells so good!". Customers have been singing praises for the conditioner's effectiveness on textured hair, with one saying: "I love this conditioner for my daughters 4c texture hair! It helps with the detangling process 100% and it no longer has that dry look. Keeping this in our hair routine!". A minor drawback noted was that several applications might be needed to reap the full benefits of the product. One shopper remarked: "I think this product requires multiple use. The first time I used it, it did not absorb well into my hair and I couldn't use it to detangle but it did however leave my hair soft. On the second use, it absorbed much better into the hair". However, if it's good enough for Molly-Mae, it's good enough for us! Some other favourites from Molly-Mae's current haircare kit include the Kérastase Blond Absolu, Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo at £29.60, and the Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Cicaextreme, currently priced at £42.30.
Wales Online
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Molly-Mae uses this £29 deep conditioner to keep her blonde hair looking shiny
Molly-Mae uses this £29 deep conditioner to keep her blonde hair looking shiny When it comes to her hair, the reality star and influencer has received plenty of admiration over the years - and this is her simple secret to achieving the same luxurious locks Molly-Mae has previously let us in on her favourite haircare products (Image: Instagram @mollymae ) Molly-Mae has established herself as a Gen Z fashion icon, and it's not only her wardrobe that draws attention but also her signature blonde locks. Having recently set the trend for 'buttermilk blonde', Molly's lustrous hair consistently gets praise among fans about the products she uses, and the 25-year-old has now revealed her haircare secrets. On her Instagram story, Molly-Mae has before posted a selection of her current favourite beauty items, where some fans noticed she opts for the Fenty Hair The Richer One moisture repair deep conditioner, which you can buy from Selfridges for £29. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here READ MORE: 'I tried protein shakes for women and lost weight while getting more energy' READ MORE: New Look's 'perfect' chunky flatform sandals are 'comfortable for wide feet' This nourishing deep conditioner is packed with beneficial ingredients like green coconut water, celebrated for its light hydration and conditioning properties, along with Replenicore 5, Fenty Hair's exclusive complex designed to mend, fortify and safeguard hair. The outcome? Hair that's softer, smoother and free from frizz, reports the Mirror. Molly-Mae shared her current favourite haircare products on Instagram (Image: Instagram @mollymae ) Molly isn't alone in her love for the product as it has gained numerous 5-star reviews from customers lauding its hydrating formula. A satisfied customer said: "Very hydrating. My go to for wash day now. I haven't been disappointed in a single fenty beauty product yet. It's all I buy." Another reviewer noted: "Listen.. this entire line is so great. The shampoo and deep conditioner leaves my hair feeling and looking it's best. "The definition of my curls after and for weeks after it's just unbelievable! ! ! ! It smells so good!". Customers have been singing praises for the conditioner's effectiveness on textured hair, with one saying: "I love this conditioner for my daughters 4c texture hair! It helps with the detangling process 100% and it no longer has that dry look. Keeping this in our hair routine!". A minor drawback noted was that several applications might be needed to reap the full benefits of the product. One shopper remarked: "I think this product requires multiple use. The first time I used it, it did not absorb well into my hair and I couldn't use it to detangle but it did however leave my hair soft. On the second use, it absorbed much better into the hair". However, if it's good enough for Molly-Mae, it's good enough for us! Article continues below Some other favourites from Molly-Mae's current haircare kit include the Kérastase Blond Absolu, Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo at £29.60, and the Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Cicaextreme, currently priced at £42.30.
