Grown-ups and Their Grinny Gremlins: Why Adults are Falling for Labubu

Who says toys are just for kids? Adults across Mumbai are proudly flaunting their mischievous Labubu dolls—on handbags, at board meetings, even as living room mascots. From fashion students to preschool teachers, everyone’s got something to say about these quirky creatures. Read on to hear their stories!

Sunaisha Spenta from Mumbai’s Andheri said, “I bought a Labubu because I don’t want to feel left out. Apparently everyone is following the trend even at my age. Most people when they get old, feel like they should stand out much less, but I would not want that for myself”

Merehzaad Maneck, a 22 year old Fashion Student says, “I find labubus cute. I agree that it may be very economically and sustainably impractical but the demands from my profession require me to take interests in such trends. My heart has started to grow on it.”

“My daughter flew out to Singapore a few weeks ago and got us all a doll to hang on our bags. It’s funny because I go to my corporate workplace dressed in all formals but there’s also an ugly looking but cute rag doll hanging from my bag. My work mates poke fun with it everyday,” said Shaliana Nehma who works in the insurance industry.

“I bought my first Labubu during lockdown. I was burnt out, and something about its strange little face just made me smile,” says 23 year old Niharika who works for an MNC in Mumbai.

“My 2 children bought a Labubu each in June and they hang them on my bag and I proudly carry it with me to see clients,” says Anahita Lala, a home based fashion designer making custom Parsi style couture. She adds to it and says, “I’m always ready to participate in trends and feel 20 again”

Parinaaz Irani a 40 year old pre school teacher from south Mumbai said, “In my classroom, kids are free to doodle monsters, dream big, and ask questions. At home, Labubu sits in my hall as a souvenir and symbol of that same freedom. Growing up doesn’t have to mean giving up magic. Sometimes, it just means giving it new meaning. It was something I got last month on my trip to South Korea with my family.”