You've probably already seen it on TikTok by now. Whether with a celebrity, your favourite influencer, or with someone's designer bag, it's the Labubu doll trend. This trend has been on the rise globally for months and has recently reached Egypt. So, let's delve into why it's been so compelling for everyone.

What's a Labubu?

Labubu is a mischievous character from the Monsters Chinese toy series. This series was created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung in 2015. Labubu gained widespread popularity after a collaboration with the Chinese toy company Pop Mart in 2019. Since its popularity in 2025, people from all over the world have been collecting these cutesy vinyl figures as adorable toys, glamorous keychains, or lucky charms for purses and designer bags. Despite its seemingly mischievous smile, Labubu is a kind-hearted and clumsy character who always wants to help.

Why is it Trending Now?

The trend started globally when Lisa from BLACKPINK posted her Labubu on a social media platform and later showed her entire Labubu collection in an exclusive interview with Vanity Fair. Since then, Labubu has taken the world by storm as a 2025 fashion trend. 

Labubu has emerged as a global fashion statement, where keychains and plush versions are used as bag charms, often seen clipped to designer handbags and sneakers, symbolising a blend of pop culture and personal style. Additionally, the purchase and collection of Labubus marks a new way to obtain mini luxuries that spark excitement without breaking the bank.

The Labubu craze was amplified by social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram. Celebrities, creators, and users continued to share their experiences with their Labubu collections, from purchasing and unboxing to taking them everywhere or aesthetically styling them in their homes. 

One of the highlights of the Labubu trend is a circulating TikTok that many users have created their own versions of, where they reenact what they would do if someone tried to steal their bag with the Labubu. This trend emphasises the personal and emotional stakes that people have invested in their collectables.

The Labubu Trend in Egypt

In Egypt, the Labubu trend has surged recently, captivating collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking for something cute for themselves. A significant part of its popularity in Egypt stems from the nostalgia it evokes due to its resemblance to the 2000s monkey chains. Since its arrival, the Labubus have been selling out so quickly that people line up for hours, pre-order, or spend considerable amounts to get any of these adorable vinyl figures and join in on the global fashion trend. Even Ahmed Saad couldn't resist the hype and charm of Labubus. Recently, he released a video on Instagram of himself unboxing his own Labubu.

How to Get the Right Labubu?

Getting a Labubu extends beyond making a simple purchase. It's not just something you pick and buy; the product has a little element of surprise in its purchasing process, which creates mental and emotional stimulation associated with getting a Labubu. Customers can't decide or know which colour they'll be getting from the series until they unbox it. This mystery has made it mandatory to manifest the colours you desire before purchasing in hopes of intuitively getting the ones you actually want.

Labubu Is Not Just An Accessory

This trend is emotionally engaging due to the small, adorable figures' facial expressions, which convey relatable and inherently human emotions, such as happiness, curiosity, or even mischief. What adds more meaning is also how the fans find it extremely exciting to collect the editions and discover little surprises in between, such as stumbling upon a blind box, a secret colour, or a rare edition, ultimately enhancing the wonder and excitement.

People have also been dressing up their Labubus to make them look as glamorous as possible, whether to match their bags as a charm, complement their outfits, or serve as a new channel for expressing their personal style. Fortunately, there are no restrictions when choosing a style for your Labubu, as you can easily add tattoos or piercings by applying adhesive stickers, using fine-tip markers, or glues.

Take Care of Your Labubu

A part of having a Labubu is taking care of their hygiene and protecting their spotless sparkle. That's why it requires tender handling and care. Some collectors place their Labubus in clear plastic cases, enclosed boxes, or display bags to keep them dust-free and safe. Labubus can also be cleaned if necessary, but they can't just be thrown in the laundry. First of all, any kind of setting in a washing machine should be avoided; even with mesh bags, the Labubu might be ruined beyond repair. 

The best way to wash a Labubu, and possibly the only one, is to hand wash with cold water and a mild detergent designed for delicates. For stubborn stains, a Magic Eraser can be used, but be cautious as it may remove the doll's paint. After washing, allow the Labubu to air dry and gently brush its fur, as recommended in a YouTube video.

Labubu's rise in Egypt reflects a global trend where designer toys intersect with fashion and social media, creating a unique cultural phenomenon that resonates with a broad audience.