The Birkin of keychains, a soft rebellion – maybe the monster under your bed wasn’t so bad after all…
In an economy where everything seems to be getting more expensive by the minute, are we gravitating toward little luxuries as emotional life rafts? Sure, a Labubu doesn’t come cheap – especially once it hits the resale market – but when you compare it to yet another Chanel bag, it starts to make sense. Why not let a tiny, offbeat monster dangle off your old Birkin and give it a new kind of charm?
We’ve seen this phenomenon before: the celebrity effect. As soon as our favourite idols sport something – in this case, Lisa from BLACKPINK or Rihanna – we feel a burning need to own it, to feel a little closer to the rich, the fabulous, and the seemingly untouchable. But Labubus are more than just another trend on the arms of A-listers. They’re plush toys, yes, but also tiny emotional support monsters, tiny talismans of comfort, whimsy, and sometimes even chaos.
What Are Labubus?
Labubus are plush toys inspired by Nordic folklore, brought to life by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung. While they’ve existed since 2015, their explosion into the mainstream has only truly happened recently. Stores are selling out, queues form hours before releases, and resale prices can go double the original. A mystery box format adds thrill to the experience – you don’t know which character you’ll receive, which only heightens the stakes and the desire.
In fact, during my research and chats with fans, I noticed a common thread: buying a plush toy isn’t just about collecting – it’s about reconnecting. Reverting back to childhood. Times are uncertain: wars, economic instability, the rise of far-right movements. In moments like these, comfort becomes currency. And Labubu, with its hauntingly adorable appearance and strange charm, is cashing in.
Ranging from 20-60€ can make it a splurge, for sure, but one that feels oddly reasonable. Especially in a post-manufacturing-scandal luxury market, where consumers are increasingly aware of production margins and feeling a bit duped by big names. Suddenly, the price for a unique, niche designer plushie doesn’t seem so bad – especially if it gets to ride shotgun on your Hermès.
My Labubu Moment
Even though the Big Into Energy series had just launched, I had my eyes set on something else: the Excited Macaron collection. Specifically, Lychee Berry – the one that first made me fall head-over-heels. I told myself I’d be happy with any of the little monsters, and I meant it – I have this thing where I feel terribly bad for discriminating other Labubus (or any plushies for that matter). But when I dramatically ripped open the box… out came Lychee Berry. Worn by Rihanna. Desired by many. Somehow, mine. My first-ever Labubu, and it was perfect.
My friend wasn’t immune to the fever either. She opened her own mystery box and ended up with Hope from the Big Into Energy series. Moments later, I got a text: “I want another one.” When I asked what made her crave more, she said:
“The rush I feel right before I open the box, when I don’t know yet what’s coming for me.”
And honestly? Same. It reminded me of birthdays and gift-giving celebrations — the thrill, the wonder, the nostalgia. Maybe we’re all chasing that joy again.
She also told me,
“The Big Into Energy series feels like a tarot reading. All seven characters mean something. I opened it saying this will set the tone for my energy this year that I will act on.”
And just like that, it clicked – it’s more than a toy. It’s modern mysticism, self-expression, and a little chaos magic wrapped in faux fur.
Why Are We So Drawn to Them?
There’s something defiant about carrying a Labubu – a plush monster, just a little grotesque, deeply imperfect, and totally fabulous. In a world obsessed with polish and perfection, Labubus offer an aesthetic rebellion. The fellow fans agree:
A Strong Case Of Creepy Couture
They let you express personality in unexpected ways. Don’t want to rock couture to your corporate 9-to-5? Let your Labubu do it. Yes, they have their own branded clothing and accessories now. And it’s a low-stakes creative playground: styling, accessorising, even customising – all without breaking the bank or facing judgment.
I Am Loving The Monster And The Monster Is Me
“They offer a way to embrace imperfection and difference in a world obsessed with perfection and conformity. (…) We’re drawn to the monster aesthetic because it reflects the parts of ourselves that don’t always fit into the polished, curated versions of adulthood we’re expected to embody.”
30 Going On 13
“Maybe it’s because many of us didn’t have much growing up, and now that we finally can, we’re indulging in the childhood we always wanted.”
The crushing weight of responsibility that comes with adulthood in a world looking more doom than gloom than glamour makes a trip into nostalgia neighbourhood all the more enticing.
And isn’t that what Labubu is really about? A plush paradox – innocent and edgy, comforting and chaotic, simple and collectible. A pocket-sized rebellion wrapped in pink fur and rhinestone collars.
What about you? Have you already gotten your Labubu?
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram @labubu_love_birkin
