From Blind Box to Birkin: How Labubu Became 2025’s It-Charm

Have You Heard of Labubu?

If you’ve been scrolling on TikTok, Instagram, or Xiaohongshu lately, you’ve probably seen it. A wild-eyed, elf-like figure with pointy ears and a toothy grin dangling from a luxury handbag. That’s Labubu. The unexpected figurine-turned-accessory from Pop Mart’s The Monsters series, and it has become a sensational item for those trend-conscious.

Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu was initially crafted as a cute collectible. Presently, it has infiltrated the fashion industry and become a global fashion statement in the eyes of many. One may think of it as yet another eccentric trend only Gen Z are taking notice of, but, celebrities, high-end collectors and millennials alike are tapping into this youthful mania that’s now redefining the allure of a luxury accessory.

Labubu as the Ultimate Status Symbol in 2025

Labubu may retail for around $40 SGD, but its limited-edition drops and resale market tell a different story. Some rare variants such as the Labubu Halloween variants have sold for hundreds, even thousands of dollars, on resale platforms. Its blind-box element, an experience similar to gambling for your favourite pick, really elevates the customer experience as it delivers an instant dopamine boost. Many are willing to queue for hours just to get their hands on these limited Labubu releases, with reports of scuffles even breaking out among scalpers, each determined to be first in line. The frenzy isn’t just hype; it reflects the growing perception of Labubu as a profitable good, worthy of investment.

Who are Labubu’s competitors?

When you pair its strength as a currency with its growing prominence in global fashion-forward circles, it’s no doubt how some consumers are starting to shift their focus from traditional luxury accessory mainstays like the Hermès Rodeo, Pegasus charm or Twilly scarf to Labubus. Unlike traditional charms that emphasized refinement and elegance, similar to the ideals behind the Birkin bag, Labubu represents a current dynamic shift towards a playful, expressive, and more personalized take on luxury.

Labubu’s Most Effective Marketing Strategy

Global Superstars like Lisa of BLACKPINK have helped skyrocket Labubu into mainstream fame as she was captured donning her luxury bags with the keychain. As K-pop continues to shape global fashion trends, her endorsement of such quirky, customizable accessories makes them more desirable than ever. The celebrities and buzz created around them was the ultimate push that made its breakthrough possible. Suddenly, it’s not just about owning a luxury bag, it’s about how you make it distinctly yours, whilst still aligning with what’s considered cool, current, and attention-grabbing in today’s fashion landscape.

Jane Birkin Walked so Today’s It-Girls Could Run

This whole shift towards maximalism and “messy luxury” didn’t emerge out of nowhere. It mainly traces back to the rise of “Jane Birkin-fying your bag” – a trend that originated from Tiktok, referencing the iconic style of Jane Birkin, the namesake of the legendary Hermès Birkin. A clip of her showing off ‘What’s in my bag’ in the early 2000s started making its rounds on multiple social media platforms again in late 2024 and provoked this trend.

She was known for using her bag thoroughly, letting the leather scuff, sag, and show its age. Her carefree attitude towards luxury inspired a new generation to reinterpret what it means to “own” a designer bag. That translated into the “used Birkin effect”, the act of romanticizing your everyday bags by making them worn-in, personalized, and full of character. In that spirit, Labubu makes perfect sense as it adds humor, personality, and just the right amount of chaos.

What it Means To Be Yourself in 2025

In today’s world of hyper-curation, that kind of authenticity, even if slightly chaotic, is refreshing. People now want their luxury bags to tell a story, not just look pristine. That is why now more than ever, people are enticed by preloved bags. Not only is it an environmentally conscious choice for mindful consumers, they are able to enjoy bags with embedded personality, fresh off the rack. Bags with distressed leather to excellently complement more rugged, laid back outfits – this casual chic look is in and we are here for it!

What’s the deal with Personalization Culture?

It is worth noting that Labubu represents the current widespread phenomenon of personalization culture well. It is youthful, expressive, and intentionally unserious, yet somehow, it doesn’t feel out of place on a $20,000 handbag. That’s because fashion in 2025 is all about contrast: messy with minimal, childish with chic, ironic with iconic.

Now, entire businesses are creating custom outfits for Labubu, elevating the figure from a toy to a customizable fashion companion. It has become a sort of medium for consumers to express their creativity, showcase their style. The keychains themselves have become mini luxury statements, complete with their own resale communities and collector subcultures.

Louis Vuitton Gets Personal

All in all, there is a noticeable growing market for luxury accessories that have that personal touch, especially since they come with such a hefty price tag. A prime example of a luxury fashion house that excels at offering their customers that liberating creative freedom would be Louis Vuitton. LV has leaned into personalization with interchangeable bag straps, initial embossing, and even custom painted monograms through their “My LV World Tour” and “Mon Monogram” services. Their commitment to such services has helped to foster an increased brand loyalty as customers appreciate the house’s dedication to workmanship quality whilst still pertaining to customers’ requests.

Why Trendsetters Are Pairing Labubu With Luxury Bags

For fashion-forward shoppers and collectors, the message is clear: if you’ve fallen for Labubu’s charm, you need the right bag to go with it. Whichever you get your hands on first, they should complement each other well – right down to the occasion. Whether it’s a Hermès Birkin, Chanel Classic Flap, or even a Dior Book Tote, pairing your collectible charm with a matching high-end handbag amplifies the look and your personal style. It’s a helpful conversation starter and a charming individualistic statement.

Is Luxury Changing for the Better?

In an age where social media trends can influence global buying habits overnight, Labubu has undeniably gone from a simple collectible to a fashion power player. The era of quiet luxury is slowly wrapping up and giving way to an era of fashion that is less polished, more personal. Interestingly, this embellished image of luxury helps open up the space for individuals who have always been interested in luxury but found it too exclusive. Traditional notions of what truly defines a luxury product continues to change, easing into something more approachable and inclusive.

So, whether you’re simply riding the trend wave or are keen to kick-start your luxury collection with a beginner-friendly piece, a preloved designer bag is a smart investment. Surprisingly, it could be a huge confidence boost – the perfect canvas to showcase yourself as an individual!

After all, in 2025, real luxury isn’t about perfection. It’s about being unabashedly authentic with your fashion choices.

Ready to pair your Labubu with the perfect luxury bag?

Explore our curated collection at BJLuxury.com – your luxury journey starts here.