Labubu Mania: Inside the Cult Following of the Furry Toy Taking Over Los Angeles
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A new phenomenon is sweeping across Los Angeles, uniting ravers, celebrities, and collectors in a shared devotion to a furry, Ewok-like collectible known as Labubu.
Inside the cavern of Catch One nightclub on the last Friday in August, neon laser beams illuminated a dance floor pulsing with energy as hundreds flocked to celebrate the toy that has captured the zeitgeist. The scene was a microcosm of a larger trend: a cultlike following for Labubu, seemingly defying the fleeting nature of viral sensations in the age of TikTok and AI influencers. Approximately 250 attendees, aged 18 and up, gathered, united by their appreciation for what some are calling their new “toy god.” A line snaked through the parking lot,and the air carried the scent of festivity – and a hint of weed smoke.
the Rise of a Toy Deity
“It’s the Labubu rave,baby!” exclaimed a 27-year-old law student,identified only as John,who attended the party with friends. he proudly displayed a limited-edition Coca-Cola Labubu from his backpack, holding it “as if it were a trophy.” “I just think that they’re really cute,” he admitted, acknowledging the role of consumerism but ultimately succumbing to the toy’s appeal. “It’s a trend. Things catch on.”
Originally conceived in 2015 by Chinese-Dutch artist Kasing Lung,Labubu’s global ascent has been particularly dramatic in the past year,fueled by endorsements from a constellation of stars. Rihanna, BTS, Kim Kardashian, and Naomi Osaka – who showcased four crystal-encrusted limited editions at the 2025 US Open – have all publicly embraced the collectible. Today, Labubu is sold by the Chinese toy maker Pop Mart as part of its “The Monsters” franchise. The company reported generating over $670 million in revenue during the first six months of 2025, a staggering 668% increase compared to the same period last year.
A Rave for the Furry faithful
The atmosphere inside Catch One was electric. A movie-theater-size LED screen displayed animations of the furry deity, while the DJ orchestrated the crowd’s devotion. “Everybody put your Labubu up,” he commanded, and a sea of hands launched the collectibles into the air. The bass reverberated through the room as the DJ dropped Lily Palmer and Maddix’s techno track,”Late at Night,” igniting a collective eruption of energy. labubus swung from necks, were raised in triumphant fists, and swayed from vest pockets.
“It’s a good fashion statement,” explained Aiden, a 21-year-old manager for a clothing company. “If you match it well,depending on the colors,put a good outfit on and take a photo,it’s a look.” He described owning a Labubu as a signal of taste, a marker of belonging. “People who have one already know, like, ‘Oh shit, a Labubu. OK you’re cool.'”
The Labubu phenomenon represents more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a testament to the power of collectibility,celebrity influence,and the e
