A surprising new fashion trend has captivated the A-list, with celebrities eschewing traditional luxury accessories in favor of small, collectible figures known as Labubus. These quirky charms, often bought for around £20, have become the latest must-have item to adorn designer handbags. However, this phenomenon has drawn sharp criticism from style queen Nicky Hambleton-Jones, former presenter of Channel 4's 10 Years Younger and author of Bolder Not Older, who unequivocally brands the fad not only childish but a 'style crime.'

Hambleton-Jones expresses her strong disdain for Labubus, describing them as 'ugly, really, really ugly' and 'ghastly charms' that are 'juvenile and gauche.' She argues that these accessories contradict the very essence of discreet, understated, and quiet luxury that designer labels represent. The trend, according to her, is a prime example of 'plastic tat' fueling consumer demand, largely driven by celebrity endorsement. The movement reportedly began with Lisa from the South Korean girl group Blackpink, who attached a Labubu to her Louis Vuitton bag and has since embraced Labubu-themed outfits. Other high-profile figures seen sporting Labubus include Rihanna, Dua Lipa (with grey and pink versions), Lady Gaga (who had one custom-made to match an outfit), and even Cher. Reality TV stars like Kim Kardashian, Gemma Collins, and Olivia Attwood have also jumped on the bandwagon, with Attwood famously buying 100 Labubus for guests at her birthday party.

The Labubu character, described as a 'menacing-looking plushy toy with strange, pointy teeth and rabbit ears,' was created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung. Labubu is depicted as a kind but mischievous elf from a mythical forest, known for inadvertently getting into trouble. In 2019, the Chinese company Pop Mart began selling Labubu and its companion 'Monsters' online. Labubu quickly became the breakout star, offered in various series such as 'Big Into Energy,' 'Coca-Cola,' and 'Lazy Yoga.' A key appeal is the 'blind box' element, where purchasers don't know which specific Labubu is inside until opened, adding an element of surprise and collectibility.

This collectibility has transformed Labubus into highly sought-after items. While initially retailing from £16 to £80, they frequently sell out, leading to robust resale markets where prices can soar into hundreds of pounds. The demand has created an intense buying frenzy, exemplified by an incident in May where a fight broke out among customers at a Pop Mart store in Westfield, Stratford. This led the retailer to temporarily remove the toys from all 16 of its shops to prevent 'potential safety issues.'

Nicky Hambleton-Jones further criticizes celebrities for fueling this hype, suggesting their motivations are often tied to 'social media likes.' She notes that Labubus have become an 'affordable statement accessory' for ordinary people who cannot afford luxury items like a Birkin bag but wish to emulate the celebrity lifestyle. However, this accessibility comes at a cost, as it 'kills the idea of quality, of good fabric and conscious shopping.' The market is also rife with counterfeits, known as 'Lafufus,' available for as little as £2.50. These dupes, almost as popular as the originals, pose potential safety risks as they may not undergo proper safety checks. Hambleton-Jones firmly concludes that Labubus belong in children's bedrooms, not as displayed charms on adult luxury bags, predicting that 'I give it a year before all these Labubus are filling up landfill sites.'