Labubu Dolls Overshadow Global Rivals
The Labubu doll craze has taken the world by storm, with its quirky design and collectible charm captivating fashion enthusiasts globally.
From China to Nigeria, the doll’s popularity has transcended geographical boundaries, with people embedding them as accessories on bags, backpacks, or displaying them as home ornaments.
Labubu’s journey to stardom began with its creation by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and production by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart International Group.
The doll’s inspiration from Lung’s ‘The Monsters Trilogy’ graphic novel series rooted in Nordic mythology added to its allure. The Labubu wave gained massive traction after K-pop superstar Lalisa Manobal (Lisa of BLACKPINK) showcased her collection, including Labubu bag charms.
Global celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham have jumped on the Labubu bandwagon, further fueling the trend. These celebrities have been spotted with Labubu dolls attached to their luxury handbags, solidifying the doll’s status as a fashion statement.
Although no Nigerian celebrity has publicly endorsed the trend, some locals have embraced it with creativity. Some have taken a humorous turn by using old plastic dolls or local ‘Shigidi’ effigies in place of Labubu, adding a comic twist to the trend.
TikTok influencers like Kasibaby and Angela Nwosu have shared their experiences with the doll, with Kasibaby spending N260,000 on a lemon-colored Labubu.
The Labubu craze has led to a booming demand for collectible designer toys, with Pop Mart releasing over 300 different Labubu figures since 2019. Prices range from $15 for a 3-inch vinyl figure to $960 for a 31-inch mega version.
A human-sized Labubu figurine was sold for a record $150,324 at an auction in Beijing. The trend has also contributed to the success of Pop Mart’s founder, Wang Ning, who has joined China’s top 10 richest individuals with a net worth of $22.7 billion.
Genuine Labubu dolls are identifiable by their superior quality, soft fur, pale peachy skin tone, glossy eyes, airbrushed blush, and exactly nine teeth.
Authentic versions also feature the “Pop Mart” and “Kasing Lung” logos on the right foot and often include “The Monsters” branding. However, fake dolls have emerged under the name “Lafufu,” making it essential for collectors to verify authenticity.
