Labubu Dolls Spark Global Craze Among Celebrities and Fans

The Labubu doll phenomenon has taken the world by storm, transforming into a coveted toy among children and celebrities alike. These small, furry monsters have been spotted with stars such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian, becoming a must-have accessory and status symbol for fans everywhere. The demand for Labubu dolls has skyrocketed, leading to chaotic scenes in stores, including mini-riots and robberies.

Originating from the creative mind of Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015, the Labubu dolls are part of a character collection called The Monsters. Their rise to fame can be largely attributed to the toy company Pop Mart, which acquired the rights to produce them and specializes in “blind boxes.” Customers are unaware of which character they are purchasing until they open the box, adding an element of surprise that has fueled their popularity.

The appeal of Labubu dolls lies not only in their bright colors and unique designs but also in limited-edition releases and collaborations with fashion designers. Collectors are particularly drawn to the ultra-rare versions, with some selling for thousands of dollars online. In June 2023, a rare Labubu sold for a staggering 1.08 million yuan (approximately £110,000) at an auction in Beijing.

In the first half of this year alone, Pop Mart reported a remarkable 400 percent increase in profits, bringing their total revenue to over £496 million. This impressive growth has positioned the company as one of the most valuable toy manufacturers globally, surpassing traditional giants like Hasbro and Mattel combined.

The dolls gained international attention after Lalisa Manobal, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, began sharing images of them on social media. This exposure triggered a wave of interest, leading to sightings of Labubu dolls on the bags of celebrities including Lizzo and David Beckham. The trend has sparked a flurry of interest, with children begging their parents for “just one more” doll, often leading to frustrated parents who find their wallets under siege.

As the craze escalates, incidents of chaos in stores have grown. In May, Pop Mart temporarily halted sales in the UK after fights broke out among fans eager to buy the dolls. Shoppers reported overwhelming crowds at stores, with some individuals camping overnight to secure their chance at purchasing a Labubu. Victoria Calvert, a shopper at Westfield Stratford in East London, described the scene: “There were big crowds of people hovering around the shop, and there was this really negative vibe.”

In response to the increased demand and subsequent turmoil, Pop Mart has implemented a new system that allows customers to buy dolls only after winning an online raffle. This shift aims to reduce the frenzy surrounding in-store sales.

The popularity of Labubu dolls has not only captured the attention of fans in major markets like China and the UK but has also led to criminal activity. Recently, a store in California was burglarized, resulting in the theft of approximately $30,000 worth of dolls. Additionally, authorities in Iraq confiscated 4,000 dolls and banned their sale, although they denied rumors linking the toys to any negative connotations.

Despite the controversies and chaotic scenes, the Labubu phenomenon seems to be far from over. With the dolls now a staple in celebrity culture, their presence is expected to grow even further. Upcoming events, such as a gig hosted by singer Pixie Lott at a secret location in West London, will likely continue to fuel the excitement surrounding these unique collectibles.

As the world remains captivated by Labubumania, one thing is clear: these furry monsters are not just toys; they have become a cultural phenomenon that reflects the current trends in celebrity influence and consumer demand.