Why Labubu Dolls Are the New It-Bag Must-Have in 2025

In a fashion world where accessorizing your luxury handbag is practically an art form, 2025 has ushered in an unexpected yet delightful new trend: Labubu dolls. Once a niche collector’s toy, the wide-eyed, snaggle-toothed creature has leapfrogged traditional charms and found a new home dangling from the arms of Birkin-toting fashionistas.

These quirky figures, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung for the toy brand POP MART, have become the fashion crowd’s latest obsession—seen clinging to Chanel flaps, Bottega Veneta totes, and Dior Saddles in viral social media videos and celebrity paparazzi shots.

From Blind Boxes to Birkins

Labubu dolls were first introduced as part of POP MART’s “The Monsters” series back in 2015. Initially beloved by toy collectors for their whimsical, slightly chaotic energy, the dolls have since broken free of the collector world and into the luxury fashion scene.

The shift started slowly but has gained momentum thanks to TikTok’s FYP algorithm and a growing cultural affection for childlike nostalgia. Now, Labubu dolls are practically status symbols themselves, not for their price tag, but for their rarity, personality, and playful contrast against high-end bags.

A-Listers Lead the Trend

It’s not just influencers showing off their Labubu-styled purses. Global stars are fueling the trend. BLACKPINK’s Lisa reportedly owns a full spectrum of the dolls, including oversized versions. Rihanna, never one to shy away from a trend with edge, was recently seen with a Labubu clipped to her Louis Vuitton. Even Real Housewives of Dubai star Caroline Stanbury has embraced the charm, cementing its place as a fashionable fixture in the Middle East.

In Dubai, the dolls are more than just a passing fad. From appearing at a Valentino pop-up as exclusive giveaways to being styled in tiny Prada outfits on the handles of luxury bags, Labubu’s place in fashion seems secure—at least for now.

From Elegance to Whimsy

Bag charms have always had their moment in luxury fashion. Hermès offered its famous Rodeo horse charm, the winged Pegasus, and the beloved Twilly scarf as ways to personalize high-end pieces with a refined touch. But Labubu signals a shift—from elegance to expressive individuality. Unlike their more subdued predecessors, these spiky-haired figurines add a burst of humor, chaos, and personality to a bag’s otherwise polished exterior.

TikTok trend analyst and fashion commentator Wadzi Joe weighed in on the phenomenon in a recent post. “Originally, Birkin charms were all about elegance and restraint,” she said. “Now, we’re seeing a move toward joyful maximalism. Labubu isn’t trying to be elegant—it’s unapologetically quirky, and that’s the appeal.”

She also pointed out the irony: while Labubu dolls cost significantly less than traditional Hermès accessories, they still hold an exclusive appeal. “They’re only sold through POP MART and come in limited quantities. Their resale value is high, and you can’t just walk into a store and pick the one you want. That scarcity makes them feel just as exclusive as anything Hermès offers.”

The New Face of Luxury Accessories

So, are Labubu dolls truly redefining luxury fashion? Possibly. In an age where fashion increasingly values uniqueness and cultural play, the Labubu charm brings something fresh to the table. It’s nostalgic without being childish, luxurious without being stuffy.

Whether clipped to a Kelly, perched on a Prada, or bouncing off a Bottega, one thing’s clear: the Labubu doll is no longer just a toy—it’s this year’s hottest handbag accessory.

And for now, at least, the fashion world is perfectly happy letting a snaggle-toothed monster steal the spotlight.