What is the Internet's new obsession with Labubu dolls? Netizens find them ‘ugly’, but Rihanna flaunts them

Labubu dolls are now the new keyword of fashionistas across the globe, with the likes of Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian flaunting them in public. Their participation in the Labubu dolls trend has upped the craze about the same, as these dolls give a different charm and edge to their looks, and their fans are simply going gaga.

Social media is currently rife with various forms of Labubu dolls.

What are Labubu dolls?

Labubu dolls are majorly soft and quirky plushie toys, displaying spiky teeth and a crazy smile. The concept of Labubu dolls was initially introduced back in 2015 by a Hong Kong-based artist named Kasing Lung. Labubu dolls began as characters in "The Monsters," a 2015 picture book series by Kasing Lung. His childhood in the Netherlands inspired these Nordic folklore creatures, according to a Blippo report.

Labubu, the lead elf-like monster, debuted with distinctive pointy ears and nine sharp teeth. She was kind-hearted but accident-prone. Initially, Hong Kong company How2Work produced figurines from 2015 to 2019. A major shift came in 2019 when Lung partnered with Chinese toymaker Pop Mart. They mass-produced blind-box collectibles, boosting accessibility. These blindbox sales actually helped boost the worldwide demand that Labubu dolls possess at the moment. And with Rihanna, Madonna or Dua Lipa flaunting them in public, things are expected to get more serious now.

Pop Mart’s marketing strategy ignited wider fame. However, true global frenzy hit in April 2024. Blackpink’s Lisa showcased a Labubu keychain, triggering viral demand. This turned a niche toy into a must-have accessory. Today, over 300 variants exist, from keychains to plush dolls.

Where can I buy a Labubu doll?

Labubu dolls are available across various merchant outlets in the United States and are also available to purchase online at different price ranges. Depending on the kind of Labubu plushie you wish to purchase and its size, the prices may vary. If you are based in India, various e-commerce platforms have Labubu dolls in stock, and their price varies from ₹5000 to ₹12000, according to a WION report.

Here's what netizens think about Labubu dolls:

Despite the hype around the viral Labubu doll, which also made its way into the home of star Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, netizens did not seem to understand why people like these “ugly” dolls.

“Those labubu plush dolls are ugly as f**k and anyone who likes them are either pretending or being weird,” said a social media user.

“Labubu doll is the shitiest thing in the market I've ever seen and idk what people are paying for. They don't even look cute,” another user added.

A netizen also claimed that people might only pretend to like the “ugly doll” because it's trending and they want to “fit in.”

“People who like labubu are the epitome of having no taste, like it’s so obvious you’re buying those ugly dolls simply because it’s trending and you wanna ‘fit in’ like,” the netizen said.

A few users also found the Labubu doll eerie and said they looked “evil, cursed”.

“Can’t tell if these look cute or cursed but our clowns as labubu dolls,” a user said.

“I feel like this doll has some evil meaning behind it. The way everyone is obsessed with it is scary and weird,” another added.