Ooh la Labubu

 

 

"Art Monsters" Labubus at the Louvre

Ever have a feeling your life is missing something? A mysterious "extra" that would elevate your very existence? What if I told you that you could BUY that “something”? Wouldn’t it be worth a fortune? Of course it would!

 

Luckily, happiness costs much less than that. Your ticket to fulfillment, according to Pop Mart, starts at a rock-bottom $20, though prices soar into the stratosphere from there, especially for "secret edition" items. I’m talkin’ bout Labubus, of course. Yup, those furry creatures with devilish grins that, we are told, are what our paltry, humdrum lives have been lacking.

Launched in 2015, Labubus are modeled on the Monsters book series by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Lung, who moved to the Netherlands as a child, was charmed by Nordic folklore, especially elves. He created “mischievous creatures” who, though always well-intentioned, often cause chaos. In 2019, the Asian toy giant Pop Mart began selling them, using the clever marketing strategy of the ”blind box,” and the rest is adorably fuzzy history. 

 

The concept of the “blind box” is nothing new, as those of us who used to buy Cracker Jacks solely for the toy surprise inside understand (I know no one who ever actually enjoyed EATING a Cracker Jack, myself included). An unopened pack of baseball cards offers the same thrill. Have you acquired a Mickey Mantle? Or just a Gordon Seyfried (no relation) (I think), a pitcher who, in 12 seasons, played in a whopping five MLB games?  It’s a bit of taking a chance, rolling the dice, succumbing to the allure of the unknown, that is within us all. One purchases, THEN one discovers that which one has purchased! So you don’t know if your Labubu will be pink or green or orange, if it will sport a tiny motorcycle helmet, a princess crown, or wings. It’s a glorious moment when you, the buyer, realize you’ve shelled out a king’s ransom for a plush toy with a face that could give you nightmares! 

 

And don’t take their popularity from me. Ask Rhianna! Ask K-Pop sensation Lisa of Blackpink! Ask Dua Lipa! All of these megawatt stars have been seen with Labubus hooked to their handbags. There are even Labubus dressed as Mona Lisa and The Girl with a Pearl Earring, sold at the Louvre. Kid you not. 

 

I am personally not tempted. This is not my first toy rodeo. I remember the rare Princes Di Beanie Baby, which we were PROMISED would one day skyrocket in value. Still waiting. Fool me once, shame on you, TY. Fool me twice, shame on me. Thankfully Sher and Yaj are not rushing out to buy blind boxes for under the Christmas tree. 

 

However, I guess I do see the appeal. In this world of uncertainty and angst, what’s one more mystery? And also, doesn’t “well-meaning creatures who often cause chaos” describe most of us humans? Labubus, like ‘em or not, are here to stay.

 

Until the next crazy fad comes along, that is. 

Julie and friend Laura pose with some Beanies, circa 2000