By: Adlynna Batrisyia binti Ahmadul Adi
Let’s say that a plate of Nasi Lemak Daging Masak Hitam rounds you off to RM14 (not including delivery fees). Six plates of that would have been the equivalent of a single Labubu doll depending on the set that you were planning to get. That’s like, more than enough nasi lemak to last for a family of four, or maybe solo if you’re leaning on a “too lazy to cook” mentality from the day’s responsibilities. Well, that’s what I told my mum at one point before she instinctively picked up that horrifying, Cheshire-cat smiling devil-in-a-box from the shelf and made a beeline for the cashier counter at the local Miniso.
In her defense, it would have been a great gift anyway for my baby cousin, assuming that she doesn’t get bored within half a day into playing with the doll. But, surprisingly, even adults tagged along for the craze: lining up hours upon hours at their local Pop Marts with anticipation while guessing among themselves how much they’d spend before entering the venue. Which, is a hilarious concept to think about because… since when did we get so competitive over spending money?
Labubu: Luxury In A Box
Labubu itself had just hit its global peak of a staggering $1.8 billion sales with Southeast Asia accounting for an all-time high record of 41.4% as of July 2025. The toy itself was actually invented in 2015 under a completely different look, but later its popularity skyrocketed thanks to being photographed by larger-known celebrities such as Blackpink’s Lisa, Rihanna and the Lakers themselves.
By the looks of it, you can take Labubus as the prime example of an “it takes 10 years to have an overnight success” story.
It’s So Ugly That It’s Cute
Boxes ranging from sizes of 15cm to 79cm become home to these fang-toothed, rabbit-furred gremlins. Prior to their viral fame, ‘Labubu’ was an original creation made by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, which were inspired by Nordic fairy tales.
The way that Labubus are often shown off, either hanging from designer bags by celebrity artists or plainly hung around someone’s bag strap is the equivalent of showing off one’s wealth. Labubus themselves cost a fortune already within Southeast Asia, despite their unconventional appearance and virality.
Frankly, it’s a form of social security. To own one means to be financially independent, or at least well-off enough to purchase one at their own pleasure. By parading it around, it shows you’re “keeping up with the times”.
Conclusion, if the economy is gonna collapse, I might as well be holding onto a Labubu for it.
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