Labubu, the whimsical toothy doll from China, has become an unexpected global fashion accessory, now spotted on bags, shelves, and even car dashboards from Seoul to Lagos. Originally imagined by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and brought to life by toy behemoth Pop Mart, Labubu has exploded from cult art figure to viral status symbol, especially after endorsements from celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian.

With over 300 variants released since 2019, Labubu dolls range from $15 blind boxes to mega figures worth nearly $1,000. The craze hit a record in Beijing when a human-sized Labubu sold at auction for $150,000. The design, inspired by Nordic folklore, comes with trademark features: fluffy fur, nine prominent teeth, pale skin, and glossy eyes—marking the difference between authentic versions and cheaper “Lafufu” knockoffs.

In Nigeria, social media influencers are now fueling the trend, despite no celebrity adoption just yet. TikToker @lifestyle_ng shared her excitement over spending ₦260,000 on a lemon-coloured Labubu, while influencer Angela Nwosu echoed the confusion and thrill of owning the “world’s weirdest fashion toy.” For many, it’s about aesthetics; for others, it’s a form of comic relief or emotional therapy.

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The toy’s rise in Africa has sparked humorous twists, with some local fashionistas attaching cheap dolls or traditional ‘Shigidi’ effigies to their handbags as satirical takes on the trend. This cultural remix has amplified its virality in Nigeria and beyond, making Labubu both fashion and meme in one fell swoop.

Globally, the toy now stars in fashion competitions, street pop-ups, and even tattoo events. Its unpredictable unboxing nature—from coveted pinks to “ugly greys”—has fueled a new kind of FOMO among collectors, with some fans paying hundreds for rare editions and others destroying disappointing ones on TikTok.

Behind the sensation is Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning, who now ranks among China’s top 10 billionaires, with a reported net worth of $22.7 billion. His brainchild is no longer just a toy—it’s a movement, bridging luxury, streetwear, meme culture, and digital obsession in one plush, peculiar package.