Imagine an elf, a gremlin, and a macaroon had a chaotic little lovechild, that¡¯s Labubu, the creepy doll. With those pointy ears, oversized eyes, and a grin that is equal parts cute and unhinged, this tiny character is the latest obsession that has crept its way out of art books and into the clutches of global pop culture. And plot twist, Labubu has now officially entered India. While many are hating on it, the craze of this doll is not dropping anytime soon, especially in millennials.
Created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu started as a sketch, a giggly, fairy-tale creature inspired by Nordic folklore. Fast forward a decade, and Labubu is not just a doodle, but a full-blown cultural tsunami. From Lisa of BLACKPINK flaunting it on her designer handbag to fashion royalty like Kim K and Rihanna giving it their seal of approval, Labubu is the toy du jour that¡¯s slaying your For You page and your wallets.
Part of the whimsical universe called The Monsters, Labubu is actually a girl, though her sharp grin and rogue energy often say otherwise. With over 300 versions in circulation ¡ª think glittery, punk, dessert-themed, even One Piece crossovers, Labubu¡¯s versatility is one of her biggest flexes. Some even blink. Others sit. Most steal hearts (and coins).
But here's the real tea: Labubu dolls are sold in blind boxes, which means you do not know which version you are getting until you rip it open like it¡¯s Christmas morning. It is giving emotional roulette, and people are addicted. Pop Mart, the Chinese toy brand behind the madness, has made nearly $400 million off Labubu in 2024 alone.
Now for the juicy part, where to get her in India. You can find Labubu online on Indian sites like Kalakaar, Hype Fly India, and Crep Dog Crew. Prices start around Rs 5,000, but special editions and plush charms can shoot up to Rs 12,000 or more. Hype Fly even has a Buy One Get One deal, so yes, double the chaos.
In short, Labubu is not just a toy, she is a vibe, an aesthetic, and now, an accessible Indian obsession. Get ready to hunt, unbox, and join the cult of the cheeky little elf with a devilish smile, and put it on your luxury bag, either to ruin its vibe or to ¡°just hop on the trend.¡±