A couple of months ago, our social media feeds introduced us to a certain keychain known as Labubu. We saw people queuing up outside stores to be the first ones to get hold of it. When we finally ended up seeing what the next viral thing looked like, audiences had two distinct reactions-
“Eww, what is that demon-looking thing?”
“Aww, that looks so adorable, I want one.”
While it first made its appearance as a bag charm, the internet soon comprehended and gave it meaning of its own. It’s not just a doll or a bag charm anymore; instead, it is a symbol. We saw them on Birkins, on Guccis’, and other high-end luxury bags, and we questioned why.
If you expected to see them dangling off bags or at most, on cakes, you are in for a surprise. Prepare to frown in both confusion and astonishment. The following are 10 times you will see Labubu in places you never expected.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLU1tzpR62X/?igsh=YnByMjI5MnlmbGx0
Social media influencer Gurnoor decided to up the looks of her beloved charm. Why should you be the only one dressed to impress when your keychain can too? In this video, you see a tailor taking measurements of the Labubu doll to customize outfits. Too glam to give a damn.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLM9u9wIG4g/?igsh=MWRneml3ZThiemdpZA==
In another instance, Labubus covered an entire car from top to bottom. But the real showstopper? A man stepping out of the car, sporting a hat adorned with dangling keychains. That is not it, he also had a sling bag with multiple Labubus hanging from it. The real question- how many is too many?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLGSjzIy_N_/?igsh=dmJzOWM1bWZ0NDls
Kelly Ann Shuman, a social media personality, had her twist on this trend. Known primarily for her tattoos on her arms and legs, she not only purchased the charm but also permanently tattooed it on her leg. We for sure know that this is not just a passing trend for Kelly; it’s here to stay.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLPUoTeTnqt/?igsh=MWkwNHV6enpvcW13cg==
During a graduation ceremony in Beijing, two students turned heads when they brought their Labubus on stage to graduate with them. Dressed in their cap and gowns, they made sure their Labubus didn’t miss out on the iconic tassel turn, just like every other graduate. Study buddy much?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLCZ1lbhjRd/?igsh=MWY0MzRycTQyYjltdw==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLN32JBB778/?igsh=M3VhdnM1ZGV1dnV6
Next up, Labubu makes it to the kitchen, this time in the form of broccoli. One Instagram user took things to the next level by grilling a Labubu lookalike, but broccoli.
Another user’s take on this trend was by baking cookies, but Labubu. You sure need some sugar after the broccoli, innit? What’s crazy is how realistic-looking both the food items are.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLUyuK1zsfI/?igsh=ZmxycHhvazQ2aHlu
An influencer based in Dubai filled his G-Wagon with Labubus and drove around a well-known street in the city, and gave away free Labubus to whoever spotted them. Adding a fun twist to the segment, the people who approached them were to reveal the secret code. What was it? Simple, Labubu G-Wagon. A perfect way to hook consumers to the latest.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKG_ZsKs7Lf/?igsh=cnQ4dm96bWtmM3Ez
Stepping into the world of beauty, a Russia-based nail artist crafted a set of artificial nails featuring miniature 3D Labubu dolls. Each extra-long nail showcased a differently colored doll, turning her fingertips into an exclusive Labubu collection.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHQc1riyveX/?igsh=MWlucHA0MmQyM3FnZw==
In a crazy twist on the classic bouquet toss at a wedding in the USA, the bride swapped the traditional flowers for a Labubu doll. She threw it separately to the men and women, but it was the men who stole the spotlight with their unexpectedly enthusiastic reactions.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKNr4s1urAa/?igsh=c3doMzduNTd4NWsy
Last on the list is a hilarious take on a dentist who crafted dentures inspired by the Labubu doll’s teeth. When worn, the front teeth jutted out just like Labubu’s signature grin, creating a wildly amusing look. We have got to ask, how far is too far?
While Labubu is soon going to be obsolete, claiming the title of “just a passing trend,” it will be interesting to see people’s interpretations and reinvention of the charm in their creative ways.
As a consumer of the internet, you must have seen Labubu in places you never thought you would. Let us know in the comments when you finally hit your Labubu limit and which video caused it?