Fri, 20 Jun 2025

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 Adorable or just weird? How Labubu dolls conquered the world

The dolls have almost tripled their maker's profits - and, according to some, energised Chinese soft power.

* The Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have become a global sensation and a cultural phenomenon.
* The dolls, which feature pointy ears, big eyes, and a mischievous grin, are part of the "The Monsters" toy series and come in various characters, including Labubu's friends Zimomo, Tycoco, and Mokoko.
* Pop Mart, the toy maker behind Labubu, has seen its profits almost triple in the past year due to the dolls' popularity.
* The dolls have been endorsed by celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and Blackpink's Lisa, which has contributed to their widespread appeal.
* Labubu's popularity has spread rapidly around the world, with sales of over 70,000 in various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Singapore.
* The dolls have become a collector's item, with fans competing to get their hands on rare and limited edition versions.
* The success of Labubu has been seen as an example of Chinese cultural IP going global, and has sparked interest from analysts and industry experts.
* The dolls' appeal is attributed to a combination of factors, including timing, taste, and the randomness of social media trends.
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