OPINION - Labubu: Yet Another Micro-Trend

Labubu is a collectible plush toy created by Hong Kong-born designer Kasing Lung and brought to mass popularity by POP MART in 2019. The dolls have rabbitlike ears, pointed teeth, and expressive faces, sold in “blind boxes” that make them highly sought-after and collectible. Labubus have inspired a wider cultural trend, blending digital internet culture with physical products, and have even become part of the “IRL Brain Rot” aesthetic. Fans participate in this trend by buying multiple items like themed chocolates, matcha drinks, and other quirky objects that create a surreal lifestyle. The craze reflects both the nostalgic appeal of toys and the power of social media to turn small objects into global symbols.

I think Labubu perfectly reflects how internet culture shapes the way people consume objects and express their identity in real life. The blind-box format is a genius move, tapping into both the thrill of chance and the deep human desire to feel part of a cultural moment. This unboxing excitement is a shared experience that becomes amplified on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It's a prime example of how social media can elevate niche trends into major global phenomena, influencing everything from fashion to lifestyle choices. While some may see this obsession as silly or excessive, I believe it powerfully demonstrates creativity and the compelling modern need to be part of a distinct niche. For many, a Labubu figure isn't just a toy  it's a form of social currency. Owning one is a quick, visual way to signal that you are in on the latest cultural moments and belong to a specific aesthetic. This mirrors how vinyl records became a massive thing in certain subcultures, initially seen as the coolest and most authentic thing to own. Back then, collecting vinyl was a sign of a deep, unique passion for music, a way to separate yourself from the mainstream. However, now that vinyl has become widely popular again, it's seen as trying too hard or simply being mainstream. In a similar vein, the Labubu trend will likely run its course, becoming too common and no longer niche enough. When that happens, its value as social currency will disappear, and collectors will move on to the next unique trend. Overall, Labubu and its surrounding trends reveal how physical objects can serve as crucial extensions of our online personas and community engagement.