How Labubu, the tiny toy, became fashion’s newest obsession—and how to style it

If you’re the kind of person who notices what hangs off someone’s handbag before clocking the bag itself, it's likely that you have spotted it already. Wild tufts of hair, a toothy grin, and a pair of wide eyes that fall somewhere between charming and unhinged. Yes. That’s Labubu.

Introduced by Hong Kong-based illustrator Kasing Lung, as part of his The Monsters series, the creature draws inspiration from Nordic folklore and forest spirits. Labubu gained cult status through Pop Mart, a Chinese collectible brand known for its blind-box model—where buyers don’t know which figurine they’ll receive until they open the box. For a while, Labubu lived mostly within toy collector communities, until something shifted. Its chaotic-cute energy and distinct design struck a chord with a different kind of audience. An audience that knows their Balenciaga from their Balmain.

Luxury fashion quietly adopted Labubu—not as a trend but as a statement. In a landscape increasingly drawn to objects that are offbeat, personal, and rooted in emotion, Labubu offered something tactile, strange, and slightly irreverent. It became more than a collectible. It became an accessory.

From Plush to Prestige

The transformation from a figurine to a collectible unfolded organically. As global fashion leaned into maximalism and personal expression, Labubu emerged as the ideal companion—quirky yet high-quality, rare yet widely desired. Celebrities and influencers across Asia began incorporating Labubu into their luxury wardrobes. BLACKPINK’s Lisa styled hers with Louis Vuitton. Singaporean fashion icon Jamie Chua has an entire shelf of Labubus sharing space with her Hermès collection. In Thailand, Araya Hargate has styled it into editorial shoots with the same ease as a diamond choker.

Closer home, Indian stylists and collectors are catching on. Labubu now appears in fashion flat-lays beside rare perfumes, in #BagGoals posts featuring Bottega and Goyard, and even styled in miniature couture looks of its own. Its presence signals not just style, but connoisseurship—the sort that quietly nods to the collector culture while keeping one eye on fashion’s future.

What makes Labubu’s appeal enduring is how it doesn’t try to be fashionable. It simply is, by being itself. The juxtaposition of its eccentric look against clean tailoring, heritage embroidery, or an iconic It-bag creates tension—and that tension is fashion gold. It’s an aesthetic rebellion, wrapped in faux fur.

How to Style Labubu Without Looking Like You Borrowed It From a Toy Shelf

Whether you’re carrying it or curating it, Labubu is not the kind of companion you tuck away quietly. It belongs in the spotlight—styled with intention and just the right amount of drama. Here are five ways to make Labubu look like it was made for luxury.

Pair it with a structured bag

Let Labubu hang off a sharply tailored handbag—think a Lady Dior, a Saint Laurent Manhattan, or a Rimzim Dadu metallic tote. The contrast between clean geometry and wild detail is what makes this pairing pop. It signals polish, with a wink.

Match your outfit to its colour story

Labubu drops come in multiple editions—from bubblegum pink and deep forest green, to Gothic monochrome. Choose one that matches or echoes your outfit’s palette. A rust-toned Labubu with an autumnal silk co-ord or a pale lavender one against ivory Chikankari—that’s your moodboard right there.

Dress it in miniature couture

Yes, it is a thing—and yes, it’s fabulous. Etsy creators and niche collectors craft entire wardrobes for Labubu: tweed jackets, puffer vests, even tiny sunglasses. Styling Labubu in designer-inspired looks and placing it in your flat-lays or on your vanity table turns it into a fashion artefact. It’s storytelling at seven inches tall.

Make it part of your airport look

The most effortless way to wear Labubu is when you’re in “off-duty model” mode. Think oversized sweatshirt, wide-leg trousers, a sleek duffel, and a Labubu charm clipped to your crossbody. It adds personality to even the most minimal travel look—and doubles as a conversation starter in lounge queues.

Use it as the centrepiece of your shelfie

Sometimes Labubu doesn’t have to be worn. It can simply exist beautifully. Place it next to your curated perfume tray, vintage coffee table books, or your favourite pair of shoes. In still life moments, Labubu brings just the right amount of chaos to an otherwise perfect scene.

Lead image: Getty Images

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