An Ode to Our Inner Child: Why Pop Mart toys are the Hottest Fashion Accessories Right Now

From Toybox to Runway, Fashion’s Newest Obsession

From Pop Mart’s toothy Labubu figurines to the cherub faced Sonny Angels, collectible toys have become the latest must have fashion accessory. Forget minimalist leather totes and quiet luxury, we’re witnessing a playful takeover where the runway meets toybox. 

From Storybook Monster to It-Bag Charm 

Labubu, a rabbit-like monster with a mischievous grin, was born from a children’s book series. Now, it’s one of fashion’s most coveted accessories. Much of Labubu’s popularity can be traced to Lisa from Blackpink, who revealed her obsession with the doll in a Vanity Fair interview. Her influence helped shift the toy from a niche collectible to a global phenomenon. Other celebrities have followed the trend with both Rihanna and Dua Lipa spotted with Labubus. We have seen them dangling from luxury bags like Birkins, fusing toy store charm with high fashion. 

A Viral Trend to Emotional Touchstone 

Labubu’s blind box model, where buyers don’t know which version they’ll get, only adds to the appeal. TikTok is full of unboxing videos, each one a mini drama of suspense and surprise. The latest release, Labubu the Monsters Big into Energy, sold out globally and became the most successful collectible drop on StockX. The fascination isn’t just about trendiness. These toys tap into something deeper: nostalgia, identity, and joy. They offer a playful escape from the pressures of adulthood. 

The Comfort of Cute 

Critics dismiss the trend as part of the “regression-core” movement, a retreat into childhood comforts during uncertain times. Others argue it’s just another cycle in consumer culture, destined to fade when the next viral item appears. British Vogue’s Daniel Rodgers called Labubu’s “just another colourful flash on the internet’s radar.” Still, the emotional connection cannot be denied. As brands lean into ‘cute culture’, it’s clear there’s value in joy and storytelling. 

Toys on the Runway 

At Fashion Weeks across London, New York and Copenhagen, plush toys have been seen everywhere. Toys have been dangled from designer bags creating unexpected style statements. Brands are now getting involved in this movement.  

Coach has launched charm keychains, and Bottega Veneta has created plush animal chairs. These playful objects are becoming extensions of personality, injecting humour and identity into polished looks. 

Ultimately, these toys are more than just accessories. 

From Trend to Expression 

Despite some controversy, they have become symbols of individuality in a world leaning toward sameness. A Labubu hanging from a structured tote says can express a belief in wonder. Which just might be the real appeal. 

Whether it’s about comfort, creativity or collecting, Labubu and its plush peers have found a permanent place in the cultural landscape. Not just as trends, but as tiny tokens of joy.