“Labubu Captures Gen Z – What’s the Next Trend?”
Why it’s trending: Background & Motivations Aesthetic Rebellion & Individuality Fatigue with “perfect cuteness” or minimalist neatness has led to appreciation for imperfection, eccentricity, and asymmetry. Labubu’s jagged teeth and odd face shape embody this shift. Social Media & Celebrity Effect Celebrities showcase them as bag charms or post them online, boosting brand visibility. K-pop idols and global stars often feature Labubu. Scarcity, Collecting Instinct & Blind Box Marketing Blind boxes, limited editions, and exclusives fuel demand and create a thriving resale market. Emotional Comfort & Healing Appeal In a stressful, uncertain era, awkward but lovable dolls offer psychological comfort — functioning as healing items or emotional anchors. Social & Psychological Significance Changing beauty standards: uniqueness and imperfection matter more than symmetry. Consumer identity expression: choosing a style/brand signals personality and taste. Emotional refuge: “unconventional cuteness” offers relief in stressful times. Strengthened collector culture: scarcity and resale enhance the value of ownership. Future Outlook The “ugly-cute” aesthetic will likely remain popular, especially among Gen Z with their SNS-driven consumption. Brands that combine refined design, scarcity strategies, and storytelling (artist collaborations, design narratives) have the best chance of survival. In contrast, mass-produced copycat products risk fatigue and loss of trend power. Secondary markets (resale platforms, fan communities) will expand further, highlighting artist-driven creations.
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