Labubu charms are transforming luxury fashion, blending collectibles with high-end accessories. These playful, sharp-eared figures, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, have evolved from $13 toys to status symbols worth over $1,000. Their popularity surged after celebrity endorsements from BLACKPINK‘s Lisa and Rihanna, and they now dominate social media with over 1.4 million TikTok videos. Labubu charms offer:
- Personalization & Style: Attach them to luxury bags like Hermès, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton for a playful twist.
- Exclusivity: Rare designs resell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Emotional Connection: Fans see them as nostalgic, joyful, and a way to express individuality.
- Cultural Relevance: Labubu’s appeal taps into the "kidult" trend and the desire for affordable luxury.
What Is A LABUBU And Why Is It Everywhere? | CONTROVERSIAL Bag Charm Trend Explained
What Makes Labubu Charms Special
Labubu’s rise as a beloved icon is no accident. Its charm lies in a mix of bold design, exclusivity, and an emotional pull that resonates deeply with fans. These qualities have positioned Labubu charms as must-have luxury accessories.
Playful and Quirky Design Features
Labubu’s mischievous, elf-like look – complete with pointy ears and a toothy grin – makes it stand out in the luxury market. This quirky, edgy aesthetic leans into whimsical maximalism, offering a lively alternative to the more traditional, serious luxury designs. When paired with luxury bags, Labubu charms add a layer of warmth and fun. As Drew Haines, merchandising director at StockX, explains:
"It’s just this very fun and whimsical character."
Christopher Byrne, an independent toy analyst, agrees:
"It’s creepy-cool and I think that’s the appeal of it."
This playful design captures the imaginations of collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Collector Culture and Limited Availability
Labubu charms also thrive on their exclusivity. The blind box format taps into what fans describe as "the thrill of the chase", where each purchase feels like a gamble with the potential for a big reward. A great example of this is the Labubu the Monsters Big into Energy Series, which sold out globally upon release. It became the top collectibles release on StockX, with an average resale price of $208 – 24% higher than its original retail price of $168.
This scarcity-driven model resonates with collectors, creating what one fan calls "that Hermès effect":
"It’s something rare, hard to get, and once you get it, you feel like you’ve won."
The rarity and exclusivity turn each charm into more than just an accessory – it’s a prize.
Emotional Connection with Buyers
Labubu charms go beyond aesthetics and rarity by forging deep emotional bonds with their owners. Their unconventional charm reflects the complexity of modern self-expression, particularly among younger generations seeking to showcase their individuality. For many, collecting Labubu feels like reclaiming childhood joy. As one social media user shares:
"It’s very much inner child work for me. I couldn’t have stuff like this growing up, but now I can give that joy to myself. It’s healing in a weird, silly way."
The blind box experience adds another layer of excitement, turning each purchase into a moment of anticipation. Pop Mart founder Wang Ning notes:
"Many young people are telling their own stories through Labubu."
Labubu’s appeal also fosters a sense of community. TikTok creator Gina Alva mentions:
"I love when I see someone else with a Labubu. There’s this instant connection – like, you know."
Emily Brough from Pop Mart highlights how fans drive the brand’s momentum:
"Much of this momentum is fan-driven. People are genuinely excited to share their collections and personal connections to the character."
Ultimately, Labubu charms offer more than just a collectible – they’re a way for people to express themselves, connect with others, and embrace a sense of joy and creativity.
Labubu Charms as Social Currency
Labubu charms have transitioned from quirky bag accessories to coveted status symbols, signaling a shift in how luxury is perceived. Once just collectibles, these charms now exude exclusivity and cultural awareness in ways that traditional luxury items often can’t match.
How Labubu Reflects Status
Labubu charms have become instant markers of social standing. Unlike legacy luxury brands, their value stems from scarcity and cultural relevance. Harry Bainbridge, Head of Strategy at Highsnobiety, explains this phenomenon:
"It’s also a new symbol of cultural knowledge. Roll your eyes all you want. It’s global fandom. It’s status, exclusivity, even taste. It’s the gold dust brands are desperate for."
These charms, sold as limited-edition blind-box vinyl figures and bag accessories, often resell for five to ten times their $27.99 retail price. Some rare versions go even higher – like the Macarons Chestnut Cocoa Vinyl Plush Pendant, which commands a 741% markup. The most sought-after pieces can even top $1,000 on digital marketplaces.
At Paris Fashion Week, Thai Princess Sirivannavari showcased her Hermès Birkin adorned with two Labubu plush charms, proving that these $30 trinkets can hold their own alongside luxury handbags worth thousands.
Labubu’s appeal lies in its playful, irreverent take on luxury. While traditional brands lean into sophistication, Labubu charms embrace personality and fun. As Dubai-based stylist Chloe Louise puts it:
"It exudes playful mischief that defies traditional luxury."
This unique positioning is amplified by social media, where Labubu’s exclusivity and charm gain even more traction.
The Role of Social Media
Celebrity endorsements have played a massive role in Labubu’s rise. When Rihanna was seen carrying a pink Labubu on her Louis Vuitton tote, the charm became a must-have fashion accessory. On TikTok, the hashtag #labubu has been used in 32,000 posts in the U.S. alone and in over 1 million posts globally. Meanwhile, on Whatnot, Labubu live sales surged by over 250% in April 2025, with watch time for Labubu-related shows increasing more than fourfold.
The blind-box format also fuels its popularity, creating viral unboxing moments. Armand Wilson, Vice President of Categories & Expansion at Whatnot, highlights this trend:
"The Labubu rise in popularity is a one-of-a-kind moment. There is interest across categories – we’re seeing luxury bag buyers, sneaker heads, blind box enthusiasts, and toy collectors joining in on the trend."
These online dynamics have solidified Labubu’s reputation as a modern social currency.
Labubu’s Role in Fashion
Labubu charms have become a badge of belonging in contemporary fashion circles. They signal an awareness of current trends and a willingness to embrace bold, playful aesthetics. Financially, the numbers speak volumes – Pop Mart’s The Monsters franchise, which includes Labubu, generates over $419 million annually. In Q1 2025 alone, Pop Mart reported a 170% year-over-year revenue increase, with sales in the Americas growing ninefold and its market value reaching nearly $34 billion.
What sets Labubu apart is its accessibility compared to traditional luxury. By making luxury culture more inclusive, Labubu allows more people to express their individuality. Even Prince William acknowledged the trend, saying:
"My children will love these. They are children’s currency."
This shift reflects fashion’s embrace of youthful, joyful styles over understated elegance. As live selling host Saira Noorani explains:
"They’re unapologetic about how they look and how they make you feel."
Collector J.R. Tinapay adds:
"Labubus inject a little bit of personality and joy into what we’re wearing. Labubus make fashion fun."
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How to Style Labubu Charms with Luxury Bags
Labubu charms are the perfect way to add a playful twist to your luxury handbags. By combining Labubu’s whimsical designs with the elegance of high-end bags, you can create a look that’s both stylish and personal. Below are some tips and popular pairings to help you make the most of this unique accessory combination.
Popular Luxury Bag Combinations
Hermès and Labubu make an eye-catching duo, blending luxury with a touch of fun. On June 13, 2025, Lisa Manobal of BLACKPINK showcased this pairing by attaching a blue plush Labubu charm from the Exciting Macaron series to her Hermès Constance crossbody bag in Epsom blue. The color coordination between the charm and the bag gave her outfit a polished and intentional vibe.
For Hermès Birkin owners, adding a Twilly scarf to the handles and pairing it with a matching Labubu charm creates a cohesive and visually balanced look.
Chanel Classic Flaps pair beautifully with neutral-toned Labubu charms. For instance, a beige Labubu charm clipped onto a black Chanel flap bag adds a subtle yet playful touch. The contrast between Chanel’s structured elegance and Labubu’s soft, rounded design brings an extra layer of visual intrigue.
Louis Vuitton bags are ideal for bold styling choices. In April 2025, both Rihanna and Lisa of BLACKPINK were spotted accessorizing their Louis Vuitton bags with Labubu charms. Rihanna opted for a pink Labubu charm on her LV tote, while Lisa chose a similarly vibrant style. Bags like the Neverfull and Speedy work especially well with brightly colored Labubu charms, as their canvas material complements the playful aesthetic.
Mini bags are a great match for tiny Labubu charms. The smaller scale of both elements ensures that neither overpowers the other, creating a harmonious and balanced look.
Style Tips for Personal Touch
To elevate your styling game, focus on small details that make a big impact. For example, pair furry Labubu charms with smooth leather bags for a textured contrast. Attach the charm to existing hardware to avoid scratching the bag while achieving a seamless look. This thoughtful placement makes the charm feel like a natural part of the bag.
Experiment with color coordination to make a statement. A bright orange Labubu charm clipped onto a navy bag can add a pop of energy without appearing mismatched. Alternatively, resin charms are a quieter option that reduce noise during movement, and rotating attachment points can help prevent wear and tear on your bag.
Seasonal and Theme Matching
Limited-edition Labubu charms are perfect for seasonal styling. These special releases often align with current fashion trends, making them an easy way to keep your look fresh and on-point.
For spring, pastel-colored Labubu charms – like soft pinks or mint greens – paired with light-colored bags create a fresh, cheerful vibe. In fall and winter, opt for deeper tones such as burgundy or forest green to complement the season’s richer palettes while maintaining the charm’s playful edge.
Holiday-themed Labubu releases are especially popular and can serve as conversation starters. These charms also tie into viral trends, like the "birkinify" movement on TikTok, which shows how adding charms can transform classic luxury bags into modern, trendy pieces.
Styling Labubu charms for specific events is another way to make them versatile. A subtle, neutral charm can work well in professional settings, while bold, colorful options are perfect for casual outings or creative environments.
As creator Kasing Lung explains:
"Each piece is meant to carry a feeling, like a little charm you wear to remind yourself of who you are or what you need that day. It’s a way to bring art and emotion into everyday life – playful, personal, and full of meaning."
Custom Sports Bags and Labubu Charms: A Perfect Match
Custom sports bags are stepping into the spotlight as a creative way to bring Labubu’s charm from the world of luxury into the realm of active lifestyles. By combining playful Labubu charms with functional sports bags, you get a unique blend of style and practicality, perfect for both athletic pursuits and daily activities. Let’s dive into how these two worlds come together and explore some tips for design and care.
Adding Labubu Charms to Custom Bags
Custom sports bags are an ideal canvas for showcasing Labubu charms. Unlike standard athletic bags, these custom designs can incorporate features that make charm attachment seamless – think dedicated attachment points, matching color schemes, and materials that complement the charms.
What makes this pairing so special is the chance to create a unified design story. Imagine designing a tennis bag in soft pastel shades and pairing it with Labubu charms in coordinating tones. This level of harmony is something off-the-shelf bags just can’t achieve.
Sports bags also offer more space and versatility for charm placement. Whether it’s a golf bag, gym bag, or pickleball bag, the variety of zippers, handles, and hardware points allows for creative arrangements. You’re not limited to a single charm like you might be with a luxury handbag – you can go all out with a mix-and-match approach.
And don’t worry about durability. Custom sports bags are built to handle the movement and weight of attached charms without losing their structure or functionality, making them perfect for active use.
JUNYUAN BAGS: Customization Options
JUNYUAN BAGS takes customization to the next level by incorporating Labubu charms right from the design stage. Their services include everything from logo placement to material selection and reinforced attachment points, ensuring your bag is both stylish and sturdy. Whether you’re looking for a golf bag, tennis bag, gym bag, or even a tool bag, JUNYUAN BAGS has you covered.
Material choice is especially important when it comes to charm compatibility. With JUNYUAN BAGS, you can pick fabrics and finishes that enhance Labubu’s soft, plush look. For instance, smooth nylon offers a sleek contrast, while canvas materials add a casual, playful vibe that pairs perfectly with the charms.
You can even work with their designers to include charm-specific features, such as custom pockets to safely store extra charms when they’re not in use. Plus, their OEM and ODM services allow businesses to create branded sports bags tailored to the Labubu charm trend, tapping into an ever-growing market.
Durability and Practical Tips
To keep your custom sports bag and Labubu charms looking their best, a little extra care goes a long way. Sports bags endure more wear and tear than luxury handbags, so proper maintenance is key.
- Keep charms dry: Wipe them immediately if they get wet, and store them separately until they’re fully dry.
- Secure attachments: Use existing hardware to avoid creating stress points that could damage the bag or charms.
- Store safely: When not in use, keep charms in velvet or anti-tarnish bags to protect them from scratches, sun exposure, and oxidation.
Regular upkeep is just as important. Clean your sports bag with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals that could harm the charms. A fabric protector spray can help guard against water damage, while conditioning any leather elements a few times a year will keep them looking fresh.
One more thing to keep in mind: security. Rare Labubu charms can fetch over $1,000 on resale sites, making them a target for theft. If you’re heading to a public space, consider removing valuable charms to keep them safe.
"Fashion, at its best, is about joy, identity, and personal storytelling. So whether your bag is decked out in plushies or left completely bare, that choice should be celebrated, not criticized." – darthvadette, Top 1% Commenter
This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of custom sports bags adorned with Labubu charms. They’re more than just accessories – they’re a way to bring a little joy and individuality into your everyday life, whether you’re hitting the gym or heading out on an adventure.
Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of Labubu Charms
Labubu charms have shown they’re much more than a fleeting trend – they symbolize a shift in how we view luxury fashion and personal expression. By blending art, style, and status into a single, playful accessory, these charms have secured a lasting spot in the world of fashion.
The numbers tell the story. Pop Mart contributed a staggering $420 million to China’s economy last year through Labubu sales alone. Meanwhile, the demand for bag charms and embellished bags surged by 352% by the end of 2024. StockX also reported that Labubu’s latest launch became its top collectible release ever, with over 8,000 sales since its debut.
Labubu charms tap into the nostalgia of the "kidult" trend, where adults find joy in revisiting childhood experiences. As Professor Carolyn Mair PhD explains, this phenomenon highlights the emotional connection these charms create.
"Labubu isn’t just a toy. It’s a statement. A personality. A plush projection of a generation that craves individuality, contradiction, and something that feels imperfectly real." – Yao Yuxin, Writer with China Daily
These charms have also disrupted the minimalist luxury aesthetic that has dominated for years. Even a relatively affordable Labubu charm can transform a luxury bag into a bold, colorful statement of personality and uniqueness.
What makes Labubu charms even more special is how they’ve made luxury personalization accessible. While a custom designer bag might be out of reach for many, adding a Labubu charm allows anyone to create a one-of-a-kind accessory. These charms become personal keepsakes, sparking conversations and bringing joy to their owners.
The cultural influence of Labubu reaches far beyond individual style. With endorsements from celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna, these charms have evolved from collectible toys to full-fledged fashion statements. They’ve shown that luxury can embrace fun and playfulness without losing its edge.
In a constantly changing fashion world, Labubu charms remind us of something enduring: the universal desire for connection, creativity, and self-expression. They prove that fashion doesn’t always need to take itself too seriously to make an impact. Sometimes, the most powerful statement is choosing joy.
FAQs
How do Labubu charms make luxury bags more stylish and unique?
Labubu charms bring a fresh twist to luxury bags, adding personality and making them stand out as true fashion statements. These playful, eye-catching accessories let you customize your bag to reflect your personal style while amplifying its high-end allure.
But there’s more to Labubu charms than just their visual appeal. They’ve become a status symbol, representing individuality and exclusivity. With rare designs and limited editions, these charms are highly coveted by fashion lovers, turning them into a modern form of social currency. Whether you attach one to a sleek handbag or a bold tote, Labubu charms effortlessly combine creativity with elegance, ensuring your bag feels genuinely one of a kind.
What makes Labubu charms so valuable in the resale market?
Labubu charms are highly prized in the resale market, thanks to their limited production, one-of-a-kind designs, and the high demand they generate among collectors. Their appeal is often amplified by celebrity endorsements and social media buzz, which elevate their desirability and perceived importance.
Many designs are produced in small quantities or as special editions, making them rare and highly coveted. This scarcity, paired with their ability to add a distinctive and personal flair to luxury bags, has transformed them into both a contemporary status symbol and a treasured collectible.
How does the ‘kidult’ trend drive the popularity of Labubu charms in luxury fashion?
The rise of the ‘kidult’ trend has significantly boosted the popularity of Labubu charms, blending childhood nostalgia with a touch of modern luxury. This trend, which embraces playful, childlike designs for adult consumers, has transformed Labubu charms into coveted accessories that showcase both personal style and social status.
Labubu charms stand out by pairing whimsical, imaginative designs with premium craftsmanship. This combination appeals to those looking to add a playful yet exclusive touch to their luxury bags. Their fame has only grown thanks to celebrity endorsements and viral social media moments – think unboxing videos that rack up thousands of views. These factors have propelled Labubu charms into a full-blown fashion phenomenon.
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