“Labubu” Doll: Between Psychological Stimulation and Collective Fashion Obsession
The “Labubu” doll has recently taken the cultural and social scene by storm—not only because of its peculiar appearance, combining a mysterious smile with long ears—but also due to the widespread reactions it has sparked among both children and adults.
In an unexpected twist, Labubu has moved from toy store shelves to the frontlines of global fashion, triggering a wave of mass obsession. With its unconventional look—featuring mismatched colors, prominent teeth, and features that lean more toward bizarre than beautiful—the doll has become a new symbol of contemporary culture, appearing alongside global stars like Rihanna and Dua Lipa.
The phenomenon hasn’t remained confined to China or Hollywood. It has reached the streets of the Arab world, where demand for Labubu has surged dramatically—so much so that altercations have reportedly occurred in stores among eager fans trying to get their hands on one.
Behind this cultural craze is artist Kasing Lung, who designed Labubu in collaboration with Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, launching a hybrid product that blends art, play, and fashion.
The intense attention Labubu has received raises questions that go beyond mere commercial appeal, touching on psychological and sociological analysis of consumer behavior.
Psychologists point to what is known as the “appeal of ugliness” or the “attractive unfamiliar”—a phenomenon where children, especially in early stages of cognitive development, tend to engage more with strange or unusual objects as a way to spark their imagination. In this context, oddity itself becomes a form of psychological attraction.
This theory is supported by the frenzy surrounding Labubu, which reached new heights when a life-sized version of the doll was sold for 1.08 million Chinese yuan (about $150,000). This extraordinary price demonstrates how visual strangeness can turn into immense market value. This is especially striking given that original Labubu dolls by Pop Mart are priced at less than $7—highlighting the doll’s transformation from a simple toy into a powerful cultural and social icon.
Ultimately, the Labubu phenomenon opens a broader discussion about the psychological impact that atypical objects can have on children’s minds. It also prompts a rethinking of beauty standards and social engagement among a new generation that seems increasingly willing to break away from traditional aesthetics and embrace what is different.
