Latest news with #PopMart
Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘This is terrifying!' Labubu doll fans say after discovering what's behind the viral toy's cute, furry exterior
Plus, how you can get your hands on one DARE TO BARE 'This is terrifying!' Labubu doll fans say after discovering what's behind the viral toy's cute, furry exterior Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 furry dolls - made popular by Chinese toy company Pop Mart - have caused shoppers to go into a frenzy in recent months. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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, Labubu dolls have surged in popularity since being spotted on the bags of celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Attwood and Gemma Collins - and even David Beckham. 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. More on labubus BAG IT I wasn't going to pay for a Labubu so nabbed a budget B&M alternative instead 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.' 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. 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 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. 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 Pop Mart website, as well as in the toy retailer's various UK outlets. 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. 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.
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The 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 furry dolls - made popular by Chinese toy company Pop Mart - have caused shoppers to go into a frenzy in recent months. 5 5 With their bunny ears and creepy smiles, Labubu dolls have surged in popularity since being spotted on the bags of celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Attwood and Gemma Collins - and even David Beckham. 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. 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.' 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. 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 5 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. Where to buy Labubu and how much do they cost? 5 Labubu dolls are sold on Amazon, the Pop Mart website, as well as in the toy retailer's various UK outlets. 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. 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.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Chinese customs seize 144 Pop Mart Labubu blind boxes at Wuhan Tianhe Airport
Wuhan customs detain Pop Mart Labubu figures for suspected resale Customs officers at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport confiscated 144 Labubu 3.0 blind boxes , collectible figures on June 17, from Pop Mart ( after identifying suspicious items during luggage scans. The incident involved two inbound passengers who used the 'no declaration' channel while arriving on a supervised international flight. According to a statement from the official WeChat account 'Customs Release,' customs authorities flagged irregular images in the luggage scans. Upon physical inspection, officials found that both individuals had packed large quantities of Pop Mart dolls, 144 units in total, all belonging to the Labubu 3.0 series. Also read: Rs 1.5 crore for a doll? The viral rise of Labubu and the madness behind it The passengers stated that the purpose of importing the Labubu figures was to assist others in bringing them into the country, with the intention to resell them for profit. As of now, the detained items have not been released and are being held in accordance with customs regulations . Live Events Labubu, a product under the Pop Mart IP brand, has gained massive popularity worldwide, with collectors often queuing overnight to secure blind boxes upon release. The Labubu 3.0 series, in particular, has seen strong demand across Asia, making it a target for cross-border resale. Chinese customs regulations require individuals bringing commercial quantities of goods to declare them upon entry. The 'no declaration' channel is reserved for personal-use items within permitted limits. Failure to disclose commercial quantities may result in confiscation, fines, or further legal action. Wuhan customs officials seized 144 Labubu 3.0 blind boxes from two inbound passengers at Tianhe Airport. The figures, popular collectibles from Pop Mart, were intended for resale. The passengers chose the 'no declaration' lane and admitted to importing the goods for profit. The items are currently being held by customs Chinese customs seize 144 Pop Mart Labubu blind boxes at Wuhan Tianhe Airport Pop Mart continues to experience growth across international markets due to the success of IP figures like Labubu, Dimoo, and Skullpanda. The company has responded to increasing demand by expanding its distribution, though unauthorized resales and grey market imports remain ongoing challenges.
West Australian
an hour ago
- Business
- West Australian
Fears of Labubu crackdown in China sink Popmart shares
Pop Mart shares dropped in Hong Kong after a Chinese state media commentary called for stricter regulation of blind-box toys and trading cards, stoking concern over the company's wildly popular Labubu dolls. While the commentary didn't call out Pop Mart by name, it spooked traders who have propelled the company's stock to a nearly 170 per cent gain this year amid the craze for its toothy monster dolls. Pop Mart often sells its dolls inside a blind box, which means the buyer doesn't know what specific character is inside until they open it. Shares of the Beijing-based toymaker, which has a market value of about $US40 billion ($61.7b), dropped as much as 6.6 per cent after tumbling 5.3 per cent on Thursday. China should further refine regulations for 'blind cards' and 'mystery boxes' as some of the current business models induce minors to become addicted to purchasing these products, according to a feature story carried on the 19th page of the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, citing legal experts. 'The commentary has weighed on investor sentiment, flashing some overheating signs in its business,' said Steven Leung, an executive director at UOB Kay Hian Hong Kong, referring to Pop Mart. 'Still, it's a mild reminder as it didn't come directly from a government official.' In China, the government prohibits sales of blind boxes to children under the age of eight due to concern over potential addiction. Before the authorities imposed such guidelines in 2023, regulatory risk was a key concern among investors. But even with the slump this week, Pop Mart shares are still the best performers in the MSCI China Index, as consumer fervour for its toys has turned it into one of the hottest Chinese growth companies. Wall Street analysts have been increasing their price targets for the company, citing the growing influence of its intellectual property. Celebrities including Rihanna and BlackPink's Lisa have been spotted carrying Pop Mart's toys, making it one of China's most notable consumer brands to gain popularity globally. Policymakers in Beijing have sought to encourage such success stories, which may temper expectations for a more disruptive crackdown. 'We believe the government remains supportive of China's IP development, but wants to protect minors and iron out irregularities,' Jefferies analysts including Anne Ling wrote in a note. 'In the short term, there will be pressure on share prices for the entire pop toy segment, especially those that have outperformed year-to-date.' Kayou, a Chinese maker of trading cards, pushed back its plan for an initial public offering in Hong Kong last year after negative publicity surrounding the industry from Chinese state media. It refiled for the listing in April.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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 $40, 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 told AFP 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 told AFP. 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) told AFP 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 told AFP. "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 told AFP. 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 told AFP 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. "So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China." tjx/reb/fox
