You’ve seen them. Honestly, if you’ve stepped foot in a mall in Singapore, Bangkok, or New York lately, you couldn't miss them. Those fuzzy, slightly chaotic-looking monsters with serrated teeth and high-pointed ears dangling off the handles of expensive designer totes. It’s the Labubu doll on purse trend, and it has turned the collector market upside down.
It's wild. People are literally paying hundreds—sometimes thousands—for what is essentially a vinyl plush toy produced by Pop Mart. But this isn't just about "toys." It’s about a massive shift in how we signal status and personality through our accessories.
What’s the Deal With This Monster?
Labubu isn't new, though it feels like it exploded overnight. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015 as part of "The Monsters" series, Labubu was inspired by Nordic mythology. Kasing Lung wanted something that looked mischievous but had a kind heart. That’s why Labubu has those signature nine teeth and a bit of a devious grin.
The character lived in the niche "Art Toy" world for years. Then Pop Mart got involved.
By mass-producing these as "blind boxes," they turned a niche collectible into a global gambling-adjacent obsession. But the real catalyst? That happened in 2024 when Blackpink’s Lisa posted a photo on Instagram clutching a Labubu plush. The "Lisa Effect" is real. Suddenly, every fashion influencer wasn't just buying the doll; they were figuring out how to style a Labubu doll on purse setups to match their Birkins and Goyards.
The Art of the Hang: Why Putting Them on Purses Matters
It sounds simple. You clip a toy to a bag. Done.
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Except it’s not that simple. Styling a Labubu has become a form of "high-low" fashion expression. You take a $3,000 Prada bag and "vandalize" it with a $30 (retail) fuzzy monster. It’s a way to say, "I have the money for luxury, but I don't take it too seriously."
The Macaroon Series Dominance
The specific line you’ll see most often on purses is the "MACARON" Vinyl Face series. These are pastel, soft, and sized perfectly for a handbag charm.
- Sea Salt Coconut: A soft blue that pops against tan leather.
- Toffee: The neutral king that looks great on Louis Vuitton monogram canvas.
- Lychee Berry: A vibrant pink for the "coquette" aesthetic.
- Green Grape: A lime-ish hue for those who want to be noticed.
There’s also the "Fall in Wild" series, which features Labubu in a little hat and denim overalls. That one is significantly harder to find and usually commands a 300% markup on the secondary market. If you see someone with a Fall in Wild Labubu on their bag, they either got very lucky at a Pop Mart vending machine or they spent a week's grocery budget on a resale site like StockX or Xianyu.
Why This Isn't Just a "Kid Thing"
There's a psychological layer here. We’re seeing a massive trend of "kidulting"—adults buying things that reclaim their childhood joy. But with Labubu, it’s paired with the scarcity model.
Pop Mart is brilliant at artificial scarcity. They release a set, it sells out in minutes, and then the "Secret" (the rare chase figure) becomes a holy grail. When you see a Labubu doll on purse dangling from a commuter's shoulder, you're seeing a trophy. It says the owner is "in the know."
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The market has become so intense that "Labubu outfits" are now a thing. You can buy miniature sweaters, tiny glasses, and even little boots for your doll. People are customizing their charms to match their own outfits. It’s a meta-layer of fashion that feels weirdly personal.
Spotting the Fakes (Because They Are Everywhere)
Because the demand for a Labubu doll on purse is so high, the counterfeit market is booming. If you find one for $10 on a random street corner, it’s fake.
Real Labubus have a specific weight and "squish" to the face. The vinyl shouldn't feel like cheap, hollow plastic. Look at the feet. Authentic Pop Mart items have very crisp, clear branding on the bottom of the foot. The fur texture is another giveaway; genuine Macaron series Labubus have a "disheveled but soft" look, whereas fakes often look like a matted carnival prize.
Also, check the box. Every authentic Pop Mart product comes with a QR code under a scratch-off layer. You scan it with your phone, and it takes you to the official verification site. If that code has already been scanned or doesn't work, you've got a dud.
The Resale Economy and the "Lisa Effect"
Let’s talk numbers. A standard Macaron Labubu retails for around $15–$20 USD if you can find them in a Pop Mart store. On the resale market? You’re looking at $60 to $150. If it’s a rare colorway or a limited edition collaboration, prices can hit $500.
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This isn't just a toy; it's an asset class for some people. In Thailand, the obsession reached such a fever pitch that the government actually issued warnings about scams involving Labubu sales. It’s rare to see a toy transcend from "cute accessory" to "national economic phenomenon," but here we are.
How to Secure Your Own (Without Getting Scammed)
If you're looking to jump on the trend, don't just buy the first one you see on a social media ad.
- Pop Mart Official Stores: This is the only way to pay retail. Check their restock schedules. They usually announce them on Instagram or TikTok.
- Verified Resellers: Platforms like StockX or SNKRDUNK have authentication processes. You’ll pay more, but you won't get a "Labubu" that looks like it’s seen a ghost.
- The "Blind Box" Risk: Remember, if you buy a sealed box, you don't know which color you're getting. If you specifically want the "Soymilk" white one to match your cream purse, you’re better off buying an "opened box" (where the box is opened but the foil bag is sealed) from a reputable collector.
Making It Stay: Don’t Lose Your Monster
One tragic thing I see often: people lose their Labubus. The standard clasp that comes with the doll isn't always the strongest. If you’re putting a Labubu doll on purse straps that see a lot of action, replace the clasp.
Go to a craft store and get a heavy-duty carabiner or a screw-gate key ring. It’s a small price to pay to ensure your $100 tiny monster doesn't take a tumble in the middle of a subway station.
What the Future Holds for Labubu
Is this a fad? Probably. Most things are. But Labubu has stayed relevant longer than most "blind box" toys because the character has personality. Kasing Lung is constantly evolving the designs, and the collaborations with fashion brands are only just beginning.
We’ve seen similar trends with Sonny Angels and Jellycat charms, but Labubu has a certain "edge" that appeals to a slightly older, more fashion-conscious crowd. It’s the perfect mix of weird, cute, and exclusive.
Actionable Steps for Your Labubu Collection
- Check Authenticity Immediately: Use the Pop Mart scratch-off QR code on the box before you throw the packaging away. This is your only guarantee of value.
- Secure the Attachment: Swap the flimsy ball-chain for a high-quality metal lobster clasp to prevent the doll from falling off your bag.
- Protect the Fur: If you're carrying your Labubu daily, use a small brush (a clean toothbrush works) to keep the fur from matting, especially after it rains.
- Monitor Resale Trends: Use apps like Carousel or Xianyu to track which colors are gaining value if you're looking at your doll as a potential investment.
- Coordinate the Look: Match your Labubu's "outfit" or color to your purse's hardware. Gold-toned Labubus look best with brass or gold bag chains, while the "Sea Salt" blue pops against silver.