Unless you exist in a blissfully offline experience, you’ll have noticed Labubu hype is at unprecedented high. Even IRL, you can hardly move on the streets of major cities without being nudged by a handbag bedecked with the fang-toothed critters.

Personally, I love her. Yes, despite her gender-fluid appearance and undiscriminating appeal, Labubu is a girl. An elfin character first created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu was conceived as part of a story series called The Monsters in 2015. Then, in 2019, Labubu evolved into the collectible toy market with a line of figurines that became available through a partnership with Chinese retailer Pop Mart. Later, they were developed into plush toys on keychains—perfect timing, to chime with the emerging trend of bag charms, trinkets

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