Latest news with #Paul
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cutie and the Beast
A strange little creature with a mischievous smile that stretches wider than it should. Nine pointed teeth flashing at you. Glassy eyes that gleam and seem to hold a secret. Sounds like the stuff of bad dreams? No. Just a $420-million pop culture phenomenon. Labubu , one of Chinese toymaker Pop Mart 's hottest properties, has generated over $420 million in 2024 alone, about 24% of the company's total revenue. Not too bad for something that's considered 'ugly-cute'. 'Labubu's success is a brilliant example of bold character design, heartfelt storytelling and irresistible collectability, which has turned the toy into a global icon. People crave more than [just] play; they seek connection, identity and artistry,' says Suhasini Paul, a toy designer who has created more than 400 toys, including surprise toys for Kinder Joy . In Labubu's case, Paul says, traditional notions of cuteness are being challenged, which makes it more memorable. The expressive facial design plays a huge role too. 'That emotional depth helps fans form a strong connection. And it's instantly recognisable. The toy is a great example of a character designed for both visual impact and collectability,' she adds. Success factor Jatin Varma, founder and ex-CEO, Comic Con India, points out how not too many people even knew what a Labubu was until just a few months ago. But once 'a BLACKPINK member [Lisa] was seen with one, it's the internet's new favourite thing'. 'Shelves filled up overnight, resellers priced it like limited sneakers, and people started dropping words like 'collector' and 'fan' as if they'd grown up with it,' he says. So, in a way, the Labubu's success is down to it being at the right place at the right time. 'It's fascinating, the speed at which something can go from niche to a status symbol. Not because of the story, not because of meaning, but because it entered the right frame, in the right photo, with the right person,' says Varma. The element of surprise is another marketing tactic that worked in Labubu's favour. 'The fact that you don't know what you're buying, so there's always a surprise in every box. I think there are various bits, which added to its craze,' says Abhijit Avasthi, founder, Sideways Consulting. Blind box marketing There's no secret sauce to marketing ugly-cute. You just have to lean into what makes the product stand out, experts say. 'I feel the basics remain the same, which is building on the attributes and peculiarities, and building an interesting, engaging personality for the product. You have to fight convention many times in categories as well as fight category codes. The idea is to charm people into liking and admiring what you're offering,' says Avasthi. So, how marketable is ugly-cute? Designers are always trying to push the line between ugly and cute, says Joshua Paul Dale, an academic who teaches courses on the phenomenon of 'cuteness' at Japan's Chuo University. 'If they go too far, fewer people will feel attracted to it. If they get the balance just right, they have a hit on their hands. There's no magic formula. There are many failed products for every successful one. Endless variations, along with blind box marketing, can make people feel that there's always a delightful surprise waiting around the corner,' Dale says. Building a personality Thanks to Labubus, the ugly-cute aesthetic is having a moment — but it's nothing new. 'One of the earliest examples is the way Volkswagen launched the Beetle decades ago. There was a print campaign, and it would clearly say, yes, it's an ugly car, but that's OK — it's hyper practical,' explains Avasthi, saying that they built a personality for the car: Very self-effacing and not shy of taking a dig at its own looks because it was an ordinary car. 'Ugly-cute branding is not just about tolerating the unconventional — it's about transforming it into identity. And often, the key lies in turning what seems like a weakness into a bold, lovable differentiator,' adds Ashwini Deshpande, founder, Elephant Design. Embrace the odd 'We've seen a cultural shift, especially among Gen Z , towards embracing the unconventional and quirky. Young adults have a strong affinity with characters that they feel a connection with and that reflect a sense of individuality,' shares Alex Baillie, vice-president and general manager, Disney Consumer Products, South Asia Pacific, The Walt Disney Company. Another standout example of ugly-cute is Disney's Stitch character from Lilo & Stitch . 'This summer in India, we saw phenomenal traction —Stitch's playful spirit and cross-generational appeal makes him a standout in storytelling and retail,' Baillie says, adding that Disney is 'leaning into the personalities and values of our characters… Audiences respond to authenticity, and that's what we focus on'. If you're not authentic, Varma cautions, your product will 'move too fast, mean too little and leave almost nothing behind except shelf clutter and algorithm residue'. Another key question is, what should be the ratio of ugly to cute while designing ugly-cute products? 'It's important that the design has enough cuteness so that our immediate response is 'it's cute'. In other words, cute with a bit of ugly thrown in has the best chance of success,' says Dale. Conquering cuteness In an Instagrammable world curated to perfection, ugly-cute stands out as a rare thread of authenticity amid the gloss of AI and Photoshop touch-ups. But what does success look like in this landscape? Is it about fleeting virality or sustained fandom? 'Success isn't a one-size fits-all — it depends on the brand's ambition and category. But a few forms of success can emerge,' says Deshpande. It can be cultural virality — gaining immediate visibility through social media, memes, influencer unboxings and online reactions. 'I can think of slimy toys that went viral and became part of the subculture of ugly-cute. Over time, some of the characters even attain fandom,' she elaborates. Another example is merchandise and brand licensing. 'When a not-so-cute toy or a character evolves into a cult brand, it can unlock other revenue streams like apparel, content, stickers, etc. Think of the SpongeBob SquarePants,' Deshpande adds. Finally, success comes from longevity, through consistency. Cute, ugly, authentic or clever, Paul describes the virality of the Labubu best, saying, 'Design created the magic, marketing turned it into a global phenomenon.' Own the Ugly 'The human mind is always intrigued by the unusual and unexpected,' says Ashwini Deshpande, founder of Elephant Design. She explains that some brands deliberately use contrast and emotional dissonance as strategies to capture attention. According to Deshpande, there are various approaches a brand can take when marketing a product that doesn't fit traditional ideas of being 'cute' or 'aesthetic'. Own the ugly: Instead of hiding the oddity, brands celebrate it. Think of the success of Crocs: What began as awkward soon became iconic because the brand stood by its form. And now, it is even adding cute with an array of flawed beauty: Brands build emotional hooks around imperfection through humour, rebellion or even nostalgia. The Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy is all about finding beauty in imperfection. French hypermarket chain Intermarché made a business out of it by launching 'UGLY Fruit & Vegetables' followed by with intention: The 'ugly' isn't careless; it's crafted. Strategic colour palettes, character traits and packaging aesthetics elevate it from being merely unattractive to 'ugly-cute' or 'so-bad-it's-good'. Labubu toy monsters are a perfect example of tactile or sensory joys: A toy, accessory or dish may look unconventional, but as long as it feels satisfying, it wins people over with the play value rather than visual/ functional or taste appeal. Ugly squishy marshmallows are a thing. Etsy even has a whole section on 'ugly cute squishy'.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
New ‘isolated' ex-gangland enforcer chief suspect details in dad's chilling murder amid ‘people know what he did' plea
A FORMER gangland enforcer is the chief suspect in the murder of dad-of-two Paul Byrne, the Irish Sun can reveal. Paul was just 20 Advertisement 4 An ex-gangland enforcer is the chief suspect in the murder of dad-of-two Paul Byrne 4 He disappeared just weeks after discovering partner Martina McQuillan was pregnant 4 Paul's mother Ashley Dempsey, with Martina and Abbey Credit: Niall Marshall/News Group Newspapers Ltd His skeletal remains were found in a wooded area near Blessington, He disappeared just weeks after discovering he was to Advertisement Shortly after his disappearance, his family were also subjected to a campaign of intimidation when leaflets about his disappearance were vandalised. At the time, gardai also confirmed that the dad-of-two wasn't involved in organised As the Garda investigation continues, Paul's killer is still being hunted by gardai. The prime suspect Advertisement And just days after he was released, he was caught with a huge stash of drugs. Before his arrest for Paul's murder, he had been regarded as an enforcer operating in the Tallaght area. One source said: 'This individual is a violent criminal who's suspected of killing Paul Byrne. 'VERY ISOLATED' 'He has been ostracised by many in the criminal world and is now very isolated. 'There are people who know what he did but he's longer in a position to terrorise people.' Advertisement Meanwhile, Paul's mother Ashley Dempsey told of her family's ongoing pain. She said: 'We have been through hell and no family should have to experience such a living nightmare. 'BRUTALLY TAKEN' 'Paul was a precious son and we all just miss him so much. 'He was brutally taken from us and it's awful to think that we had to wait such a long time before we were able to give him a Christian burial. 'We will never forget Paul and he will always keep his memory alive.' Advertisement The grieving mum also said: 'This terrible murder has had a horrendous effect on my family - the pain will never go away. 'DESERVES TO HAVE JUSTICE' 'He deserves to have justice and that means those responsible for his murder being brought to justice. 'My son was killed without ever getting to meet his daughter.' Although five people have been arrested over the murder, no one has ever been charged. Following Paul's disappearance, the local gang suspected of killing him imploded. Advertisement 'MURDER DIVIDED THE GANG' Since then, the suspects have been involved in criminality but aren't part of any major crime gang. One local resident told us: 'Any hold these individuals may have had in the Tallaght area is now gone. 'They were a local gang and they went their own way after Paul's murder. 'The murder divided the gang and when new groups came to the fore they no longer posed the same type of threat. 'SLEEPLESS NIGHTS' 'The chief suspect was an enforcer and used violence in the past and he has gone on to lead a very isolated and chaotic life. Advertisement 'Paul's murder must have caused many sleepless nights to those involved and his family deserve justice.' 'He was brutally taken from us and it's awful to think that we had to wait such a long time before we were able to give him a Christian burial." Ashley Dempsey Paul's mother They also said: 'Paul would have known some of these people but he was keeping his distance from them in the weeks before he went missing.' At present, the ongoing case is being run by Det Insp Seamus Ryan and the team at Blessington Garda station. FAMILY 'DEEPLY AFFECTED' The senior officer said: 'Paul's family have been deeply affected by his murder. 'They are anxious that he's not forgotten and our investigation is active and ongoing. Advertisement 'I have no doubt that there are people in the Tallaght community who have information on this callous murder but have yet to come forward. 'There are people who know what he did but he's longer in a position to terrorise people.' Irish Sun source 'I want to reassure anyone who has information that they will be treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. 'Relationships and allegiances may have changed over the years so it's never too late for people to come forward with the slightest bit of information, no matter how insignificant they think it might be. 'Paul's family are anxious for the investigation to progress so that it can bring them some closure.' 4 Paul's family and friends 'are anxious that he's not forgotten' Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire Advertisement
Hype Malaysia
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
2000s OG Dancehall Icon Sean Paul To Perform In Malaysia This October
Do you recognise the familiar beat as you pass through the bar areas of KL that's been playing since forever? The iconic Jamaican singer who brought us club hits from the 2000s is set to light the stage in Malaysia with nostalgic beats and endless energy. Jamaican dancehall icon Sean Paul is set to perform live in Malaysia on 10th October 2025 (Friday) at Idea Live Arena, Petaling Jaya. Bringing his 2000s hits such as 'Temperature' and 'Get Busy', expect to be on your feet with a night of energy-filled anthems. The Jamaican singer and rapper had won a Grammy for 'Best Reggae Album' in 2003 for his 'Dutty Rock' album and was nominated for 'British Best of the Year' for his feature in 'Rockabye' by Anne-Marie and Clean Bandit. Outside of his music career, Paul is also an activist in climate change, where he attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015 and founded the 'Sean Paul Foundation' in 2020 to aid less-fortunate communities in Jamaica. 'Every time I get the chance to meet fans from all over the world, it's a blessing. I can't wait to come back to Malaysia. The support and energy from Malaysian fans is incredible', says Paul to Harian Metro. The 52-year-old singer had last visited Malaysia back in 2018 and is back now to unveil his newest track, 'Ginger', to awaiting fans. Whether you've been waiting for his return or this is your first time seeing him live, here are details to his upcoming show: Sean Paul Live In KL Date: 10th October 2025 (Friday) 10th October 2025 (Friday) Time: TBA TBA Venue: Idea Live Arena, Petaling Jaya Idea Live Arena, Petaling Jaya Organiser: Epic Elation Epic Elation Ticketing: TBA Ticketing and seating plans will be announced by the organisers soon. Head on over to Epic Elation's social media page for the latest updates on Sean Paul's concert in KL! Sources: Harian Metro, Instagram Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
LeBron James greeted Lakers coaches, took photo with teammates on Monday
A post shared by NBA (@nba) There is a lot of noise these days that LeBron James and his camp are unhappy with the Los Angeles Lakers and that it is just a matter of time before he asks to be traded. That noise has stemmed from a cryptic statement his agent, Rich Paul, made on June 29 when he decided to exercise the player option on his contract for this coming season. There is a very real chance that all this talk is nothing more than people running away with a couple of parts of Paul's statement and that there are no real hard feelings between James and the Lakers. He has been in attendance for their last couple of summer league games, and on Monday, he shook hands with several members of their coaching staff, as well as Rob Pelinka, their general manager. The superstar also took a photo with teammates Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton. #LakeShow in Vegas supporting the Summer squad 👏(📸: @NBA) It is very possible that Paul's quote merely put the Lakers on notice that James wants to win his fifth championship as soon as possible, and that if doing so isn't realistic, the door is open to James asking for a trade as a last resort. But as usual, people will make all types of speculation about James, especially given how polarizing and passive-aggressive he is.
The Age
10 hours ago
- The Age
WA news LIVE: Burswood crash victims parents say it's a miracle teen is still alive
Latest posts Latest posts 9.32am Burswood crash victim's parents say it's a miracle teen is still alive The parents of a Perth teenager hit by a speeding car during a cruise meet in Burswood have thanked first responders overnight, saying it's a miracle their daughter Caitlyn, 17, is still alive. 'We can't believe what has happened and are still in shock,' Paul and Bec Dickson said. 'We are so very grateful to the first responders. 'It is a miracle that our beautiful girl is still alive – thanks to your efforts. Caitlyn is a fighter, and we know is in for the fight of her life.' Caitlyn remains in intensive care at Royal Perth Hospital in a serious but stable condition. She has suffered broken bones and internal injuries. A fundraising page, set up to support the teen's recovery, has raised more than $16,000 in less than 24 hours. 9.32am Across the country and around the world Here's what is making news across the country and around the world today: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit the Great Wall later today, on t he fourth day of his China visit. It follows his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing's Great Hall on Tuesday, which Albanese said was guided by Australia's national interests and is 'aimed at co-operating wherever we can, disagreeing where we must'. Bradley John Murdoch, one of Australia's most notorious killers, has died in custody in the Northern Territory, NT News is reporting. Murdoch, 67, was serving a life sentence for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001. His death from throat cancer means Falconio's family may never know where the backpacker's body was dumped. The Australian sharemarket is set to retreat today after Wall Street slumped as US inflation accelerated to 2.7 per cent last month, from 2.4 per cent in May. Economists pointed to increases in goods generally imported to other countries, such as clothes and toys, which could be rising due to the proposed global tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.
