Labubu or Lafufu? Delhi NCR streets are obsessed with the little monster doll

A wide-eyed, mischievous little creature with punk energy and weird-looking teeth is taking over India’s pop culture scene. Meet Labubu — the latest collectible craze that’s escaped the shelves of Pop Mart and landed smack in the middle of Delhi NCR’s streets, markets, and fashion corners.

Labubu-themed T-shirts, prints and stickers are everywhere. From Instagram Reels to weekend flea markets, this vinyl figure — originally part of The Monsters series by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung — has evolved from niche toy to full-blown streetwear icon. Once a darling of collectors and designer toy enthusiasts, Labubu has become the must-have accessory for India’s Gen Z and millennial crowd.

In Delhi’s trendiest pockets — from Shahpur Jat to Khan Market — you’ll find Labubu-themed totes, tattoos and tech accessories popping up faster than you can say ‘limited edition’. But here’s the twist: Is it Labubu or Lafufu? That’s the question confusing half the internet. There are some distinct patterns where you can distinguish between the two, however, several unsuspecting fans have walked away with a Lafufu thinking it was the real deal.

What’s Behind the Labubu Hype?

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), a user wrote: “Labubu has reached the Delhi street market, where you can buy it for Rs 300-400. The first thing I did as I touched it was twist its hands and feet—such a satisfying feeling.”

Social media influencers have only intensified the excitement. Labubu unboxing videos are clocking up thousands of views, and stylists are now pairing streetwear with Labubu keychains for that cool look. Even artists are reimagining Labubu through AI-generated Indian versions, including saree-clad versions and desi-themed dioramas.

Despite prices ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 2,000 or more per figure, the hype hasn’t slowed. Yes, that hasn’t deterred its growing cult following. If anything, the thrill of the blind box— where you don’t know which version of Labubu you’re getting—is what keeps fans coming back for more.

Labubu got into the trend because of Lalisa Manobal, the K-pop sensation and member of BLACKPINK. Lalisa is recognised by Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue as the driving force behind the worldwide surge in popularity of Labubu plush, highlighting her pivotal role in setting the global trend. In an interview with Vogue Italia, Kevin Zhang, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Pop Mart International, explained: “The rise of the Labubu plush toy is mainly due to an organic post by Lisa from BLACKPINK earlier this year. It initially turned into an online meme, followed by a buying frenzy in Thailand, where many local celebrities and KOLs were hunting for this collection. It then spread to other well-known figures, including Thai royals. This trend then began to expand in the Southeast Asian region until it went viral and even reached the West.”

So whether you’re on team Labubu or you’ve accidentally picked up its doppelggnger Lafufu, one thing’s clear: this isn’t just a toy, it’s a full-blown cultural takeover.

From Lisa’s Insta post to Delhi’s fashion lanes, Labubu’s rise is a wild mash-up of K-pop, streetwear and Gen Z’s eternal love for all things oddly adorable.

So next time you spot a grinning little monster dangling from someone’s tote or peeking out of a kurta pocket, don’t be alarmed. That’s just Labubu, living its best life.