The Labubu craze: What are the little monsters, why are they causing fights and should I have one hanging from my handbag?
For those of you not familiar, Sonny Angels originate from Japan. They have cute rosy cheeks, some form of hat and are usually trouser-less. Very odd when written out, but to look at they're adorable. Part of the appeal of these 'blind box' collectibles is that you can't see into the box that they come in, so you don't know which specific one you're going to get from the general theme you've chosen. I complimented Isobel's bag charm, and then joked about how many she had: her house is covered in them. They're not only keychains, people also stick them on shelves, laptops – any surface really.
She informed me she had got an ultra-rare one which she bought for €15.90, but can be sold for around €150 online. Apparently bag charms are big business!
If naked baby charms aren't your, ahem, bag, there's many more options. Jellycat stuffed animals – meant for kids but beloved by adults – have also hopped on the bag charm bandwagon, offering a wide range priced from €23-€30. Maybe you need a grumpy cloud to adorn your Birkin? Or you could keep it classic with a fluffy bunny. Or perhaps a monkey that sucks his thumb? In that case, look no further than a Monchhichi, the cute primate doll that first launched in 1974 whose latest incarnation is in keychains that start at around €20. Monchhichi hails from Japan, which is also the home to Sanrio, the company that created characters like Hello Kitty (also born in 1974) and Cinnamoroll, which are both popular for bag charms.
However, today's most in-demand charms come from China. Labubus were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015 but only recently sprung into mainstream popularity after Rihanna and K-Pop star Lisa, from band Blackpink, paired them with their designer bags.
Little monsters inspired by Nordic fairy tales, these guys look like they're up to no good! You can buy a Labubu surprise box on popmart.com for €19.20 – if you're lucky enough to find them in stock. The retailer recently halted selling the toys in its UK stores due to reports of fights between customers when new stock dropped.
If you can't find the real deal, there's always 'Lafufu' – the name by which fake Labubus have become known. Yes, these little guys are in such high demand they're being counterfeited. Curious, I bought one from a store on Dublin's Moore Street. Just like a counterfeit handbag, it had all the tags included: a Pop Mart logo, a Kasing logo stamped on the foot and branding sewn onto the keychain strap. One major difference was that mine came in a clear box, so it wasn't a surprise. Probably for the best: I recently saw a TikTok of two girls unboxing their 'Lafufu' in the city centre. It looked nothing like the pictures listed on the box, one eye was bigger than the other and its feet were twisted in opposite directions… ouch.
I'm undecided about this trend. On one hand, these charms are a symptom of late-stage capitalism. We're collecting items that are essentially worthless once they've been opened, and we're encouraged to buy them in mass – the more hanging off your purse the better.
On the other hand, I think people are just trying to have fun. In a world that feels increasingly dark, why not have a silly little monster attached to your bag? Plus, there's always a cheaper Lafufu. I can't guarantee his eyes, or even his limbs, will even be facing in the right direction… but doesn't that add to the charm?
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RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart's Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Cher. Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a "cool" China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America. Labubus, which typically sell for around €35, are released in limited quantities and sold in "blind boxes", meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive. The dolls are "a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate", interior designer Lucy Shitova said at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys. "Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different." While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein. There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products. "It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation," the University of Maryland's Fan Yang said. Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as "lafufus" and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity. Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years. "It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable," Yang said. TikTok effect Through viral exports like Labubu, China is "undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners," said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting. Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image "similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo". Video app TikTok - designed by China's ByteDance - paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally. Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said that "TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China". TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population. The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital "refugees". A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu. Labubumania Cultural exports can "improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services", CFR's Kurlantzick said. "I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government," he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might. While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said. "The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously," she said. At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation. "It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it," Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova said at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing. Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue. "In our country, they love Labubu," she said.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘This is terrifying!' Labubu doll fans say after discovering what's behind the viral toy's cute, furry exterior
THEY'RE the must-have accessory of the summer - but people have been left horrified after seeing what is behind the viral Labubu dolls. The Advertisement 5 People have been going wild for the monster-like Labubu dolls Credit: EPA 5 People have been shocked seeing what a 'naked' Labubu doll looks like Credit: With their bunny ears and creepy smiles, But now people are realising what the dolls look like without their fluffy exteriors. One social media user has gone viral after sharing a photo of their toy without its iconic hooded outfit and soft clothes. The bald-looking doll looked rather less endearing, with its large, toothy smile and claw-like feet. Advertisement More on labubus The X user showed how the doll is wearing underwear with a bow under its recognisable fluffy onesie. One person wrote: 'THIS S*** LOOKS HORRENDOUS WHAT THE F***.' Another added: 'THIS IS TERRIFYING.' A third commented: 'Now why would you undress the Labubu? [It's] looking like when a man shaves off his beard and has no chin.' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Many people said the worst part of the exposed doll was the three-toed, alligator-like feet. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the vinyl figures are sold in £17.50 'blind boxes' — so fans do not know which version they are getting. I wasn't going to fork out for a Labubu so nabbed a budget alternative from B&M instead - it's SO much cuter too Labubus come in an array of vibrant colours, unique shapes and various sizes, spanning from plush toys to striking vinyl figures - and rare models are re-selling online for up to £1,000. CELEB APPEAL Former England captain David revealed that his daughter Harper, 13, had bought him one, showing off a snap of a rare 'secret' edition character. Advertisement Kim Kardashian posted a shot of her collection, while former Love Island star Olivia went further by having a Labubu-themed birthday party. Rihanna was also pictured sporting one on a Louis Vuitton handbag in LA. 5 Olivia Attwood even had a Labubu-themed birthday party Credit: Instagram/olivia_attwood 5 Towie favourite Gemma declared she's 'obsessed' with the dolls Credit: Threads Advertisement And Towie favourite Gemma declared she's 'obsessed', adding: 'It's all about the Labubu.' The brand made its debut in 2015, but skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019. The first three months of 2025 were wildly successful for the brand, with Brits searching high and low to nab one of the quirky figurines. Since opening stores in London and Manchester over the last 12 months, Labubu dolls have become cult collectibles among grown British women. Advertisement Where to buy Labubu and how much do they cost? 5 Labubus come in an array of vibrant colours, unique shapes and various sizes Credit: Getty Labubu dolls are sold on Amazon, the Among these are London's famous Oxford Street, as well as Westfield shopping centres and Manchester's Chinatown district. A single model can cost anywhere from £13.50 to £211, depending on the rarity of the design. Advertisement A blind box of six from Pop Mart will set you back a cool £105. You can also pick up the figurines in Harrods for a limited time. What are Labubu and why are they so popular? LABUBU is a brand of plushies designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and loved by celebrities like Olivia Attwood, Dua Lipa and Rihanna. The brand made its debut in 2015, but skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019. Pop Mart is a Chinese toy retailer, known for its collectible designer models that are often sold in a blind box format, meaning you don't know what you've got until you've opened it. After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has now made its way to the UK. The first three months of 2025 were wildly successful for the brand, with Brits searching high and low to nab one of the quirky figurines. Since opening stores in London and Manchester over the last 12 months, Labubu dolls have become cult collectibles among grown British women. Labubus come in an array of vibrant colours, unique shapes and various sizes, spanning from plush toys to striking vinyl figures. They come as little toys you can hook on your handbag, as well as mega-sized figures and quirky home decorations.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
H&M is selling a £20 dupe of a £1,500 Prada bag and it's the perfect accessory for your summer holiday
H&M's new summer tote is a dupe for a popular designer bag - and it's a fraction of the price The Straw Tote bag is available in a range of colours, with its beige version being branded a dupe for the Prada Crochet Tote Bag. Advertisement 4 H&M's new straw tote bag is available for £19.99 online and in-store Credit: H&M 4 It has been named a dupe for Prada's £1,500 Crochet Tote Bag Credit: Prada But while the A The bag is unlined, weighs just 272 grams, and has a height and width of approximately 35cm making it the perfect size for all your summer essentials. Its features a holed crochet pattern, with a closer knit at the bottom to ensure your belongings stay secure. Advertisement Read more Fabulous It is embellished with 'Amour Paris '. The bag is also available in a red and dark brown design, adding a pop of colour to liven up your outfit. With a 4.8 star rating, the bag is clearly a hit among shoppers. One wrote: "Lovely summer bag. Also good as a beach bag. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "Not too big but can carry a towel, flip flops and a few other essentials easily." Others described as "perfect for summer" while another said that it "looks a lot more expensive than it is." The summer trend dividing style queens - some call it a 'girl's best friend' but it brings back bad memories for others Its more-expensive Prada comparison is similarly sized, and is available in natural (similar to beige), and olive green. With a slightly more structured shape, the key difference between the bags is that instead of 'Amour Paris', the designer counterpart reads ' Advertisement This is adorned in a triangle at the centre of the bag, rather than at its base, giving more space for the looser knit design also featured on the £20 dupe. A Prada "A new interpretation of Prada's emblematic triangle decorates the front and is embellished at its centre with the embroidered lettering logo." 4 It comes in three colours: beige, red and dark brown Credit: H&M Advertisement 4 It's the perfect size to take to the beach on a hot summery day Credit: H&M It's part of a wider collection of crochet bags designed by the luxury fashion brand - which includes a card holder for £1,020, and a mini bucket bag for £1,760. A similar compact-sized They also have a Advertisement Eager shoppers can snap up the summer bargain both online and instore. It's great for pairing with the rest of H&M's Summer 2025 collection, now available while stocks last. Why you should always buy a dupe over designer... Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says it's time fashion snobs stopped looking down their noses at affordable versions of designer buys. Bargain US supermarket Walmart became a social media sensation when its £60 dupe of Hermès' Birkin bag, dubbed the Wirkin, went viral. Influencer @styledbykristi gushed: "Eighty dollars (£60), you can pretend that you got a Birkin. I mean, everyone will probably know it's not, because who the hell has the money to spend on the real Birkin? Not me.' Me neither. And why bother? I would never spend that on a designer bag (although if someone wants to buy one for me, that's a different story). Plus, if I splashed that much, I'd feel I was being ripped off... We've all been told how the leading brands use the finest leather, thread, dyes and craftsmanship in the world. But all that is inflated by fashion houses to create the desired illusion of exclusivity. Just last year, Dior came under investigation for paying £44 to assemble a bag that sells for £2,000. So while you might think you are paying for top-level craftsmanship carried out by a true artisan, chances are the poorly paid workers are not seeing any of your hard-earned cash. Dupes — not to be mistaken for knock-offs that copy everything from the logo to the inside label — are a more practical and all-round sensible way to go. I bought my first when I was 18. It lasted me four years and only broke after I wore it in the shower. And these days, British high streets have plenty of dupes. In the past three years, Marks & Spencer, H&M and Mango have all seen huge spikes in sales thanks to their canny copies. They use the same viral, must-have marketing tactics that pricey brands have. Fashion folk will tell you that you are making an investment and buying a 'heritage piece' and will turn their noses up at a high street equivalent. But we've been wearing looks inspired by catwalk designers for decades. If we can buy a bag that's the spitting image of the pricier version, but doesn't mean you have to remortgage, why not?
