Have you ever Seen a creepy little doll with big eyes, sharp teeth, and a cheeky grin popping up on Instagram or social media lately?
The toy world, which used to be all about perfect faces and soft, cute looks, is now going through a big shift. The internet is going crazy over a new trend – the Labubu doll. This wide-eyed, sharp-toothed, funny-looking toy is far from what we usually call “cute.” It’s part of a new trend known as “ugly toys,” and Gen Z’s are loving it.
While older generations grew up loving the flawless style of Barbie dolls or the soft hug of teddy bears, Labubu brings something completely different — and a bit strange. With its big eyes, pointy teeth, and cheeky smile, Labubu stands out in a world of picture-perfect toys. It may look scary to some, but that’s exactly why many young people find it cool and special.
Labubu has flipped traditional ideas of beauty in toys on their head. But what exactly is this doll, and why is everyone from pop icons to street-style influencers scrambling to get one?
What Is a Labubu Doll?
The Labubu doll is a collectible art toy from the “The Monsters” series, created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based artist known for his strange, whimsical, and slightly dark character.
Labubu is one of his most iconic creations — a small creature with sharp teeth, big round eyes, elf-like ears, scruffy hair, and a cheeky grin. It looks weird, almost creepy at first glance, but there’s something oddly lovable about it.
These dolls are usually made of vinyl or resin, and often released in limited-edition versions with different themes — from fairytales and mythology to festive or seasonal editions. Some are glow-in-the-dark, while others are decked out in elaborate costumes. This uniqueness is a big reason behind their popularity.
Gen Z Obsession with Labubu Dolls
Where Gen Z has grown up in a world full of aesthetic trends and subcultures. They don’t always go for the stuff which is always “conventionally cute” — they prefer quirky, bold, and authentic.
And Labubu dolls fit that vibe perfectly.
Here’s why Gen Z can’t get enough:
- Anti-Cute is the New Cute: Labubu flips the traditional idea of what’s considered adorable. Its “ugliness” makes it more relatable and real.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Many Gen Z collectors love to display Labubu dolls as room decor — they fit well with cottagecore, dark academia, or even gothic themes.
- Social Media Buzz: Unboxing Labubu blind boxes, showing off collections, or posting reels with them is trending on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Limited Editions & High Demand: With rare drops and limited stock, collecting Labubu is like being in an elite club. It’s a flex!
- Nostalgia Meets Art: They resemble like the stuffed toys we had as kids, but they’re made to look like cool, modern art. but are designed like modern-day art pieces.
The Story Behind Labubu
Labubu’s creator, Kasing Lung, originally worked in illustration and comics. He introduced Labubu as part of his fantastical world of monsters. Unlike scary villains, these monsters have backstories, emotions, and personalities — much like misunderstood children. Labubu, in particular, is meant to represent innocence, mischief, and curiosity, traits that resonate deeply with younger audiences navigating a chaotic world.
Over time, Lung’s work caught the attention of Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company known for creating blind box collectibles. This partnership helped bring Labubu to the global stage, especially in Asia and among Gen Z collectors worldwide.
In a world flooded with picture-perfect content and polished images, Gen Z has embraced the imperfect, the weird, and the wonderful — just like Labubu. What started as a quirky art toy has now become a cultural phenomenon, a fashion statement, and a collector’s dream.
But honestly? These weird-looking Labubu dolls may not be everyone’s cup of tea — and that’s exactly the point.