In the world of collectibles, every generation has its own unique “ugly doll” that captures hearts and sparks a frenzy. From the quirky designs of the past to the latest sensation, Labubu, these dolls have a way of becoming beloved despite—or perhaps because of—their unconventional appearances.
Labubu: The Latest Ugly Doll Craze
Labubu, inspired by Nordic folklore and created by illustrator Kasing Lung, has taken the world by storm. These toothy, fluffy figurines come in palm-sized “blind boxes,” adding an element of surprise to each purchase.
The latest collection, “Big Into Energy,” features six vinyl plush pendants representing emotions like love, hope, and happiness. Celebrity endorsements from stars like Lisa from Blackpink have fueled Labubu’s popularity, making it a must-have item for fans across Asia and beyond.
Previous Ugly Dolls Loved by Generations
- Troll Dolls (1960s): With their wild hair and beady eyes, Troll Dolls became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s. These dolls were often seen as good luck charms and were collected by children and adults alike.
- Garbage Pail Kids (1980s): These trading cards featured grotesque yet humorous characters with names like “Adam Bomb” and “Leaky Lindsay.” Despite their controversial nature, they became incredibly popular among kids in the 1980s.
- Beanie Babies (1990s): While not traditionally ugly, Beanie Babies had their fair share of quirky designs. Their limited availability and unique characters made them highly sought after during the 1990s.
- Uglydolls (2000s): True to their name, Uglydolls embraced their unconventional looks. Created by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, these plush toys gained a cult following for their endearing ugliness.
Why We Love Ugly Dolls
Ugly dolls often resonate with us because they break the mold of traditional beauty standards. Their imperfections make them relatable and endearing. Labubu’s mischievous grin and kind-hearted nature are perfect examples of how these dolls can capture our hearts despite—or because of—their flaws.
From Troll Dolls to Labubu, every generation finds its own version of an ugly doll to love. These collectibles remind us that beauty is subjective and that sometimes, it’s the quirkiest characters that leave the biggest impact on our lives.
To learn more about Labubu, check out this article on CNN – Labubu: The ‘kind of ugly’ plush toy that has taken the world by storm