Labubu Charms: The Mischievous Mascot Taking Over Gen Z Street Style

If you’ve recently spotted fuzzy, fang-toothed critters dangling from a designer bag, chances are you’ve encountered a Labubu charm — the newest obsession among Gen Z fashionistas.

Labubu, originally part of the “The Monsters” toy series by artist Kasing Lung, has found unexpected fame as a luxury bag companion. Rather than cute or cuddly, these charms evoke a mischievous, slightly deranged energy — and Gen Z is loving it. Their appeal isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s cultural. These characters reflect the humor, grit, and self-aware cynicism that dominate today’s storytelling.

With their unkempt fur, devilish grins, and punk-like energy, these tiny, chaotic characters are making a big noise in street style culture, becoming a must-have accessory for those seeking edge, not elegance.

Unlike previous generations raised on fairytales and perfect endings, Gen Z has grown up in a world of economic uncertainty, global crises, and digital transparency. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit have become their modern folklore, where topics like emotional boundaries, mental health, and street smarts are openly discussed — often through memes and irony. It’s no wonder the generation is drawn to characters that embody chaos rather than charm.

The Labubu phenomenon also taps into a bigger shift in fashion’s tone. The age of hyper-curated, flawless luxury is giving way to a more personalized, expressive aesthetic. Gen Z wants their accessories to tell a story — not of perfection, but of survival, sarcasm, and individuality.

As fashion’s most performing category, bags are the ideal canvas for self-expression. And with Labubu swinging off the straps, Gen Z is proudly wearing its bite.

Mischief, it seems, is the new chic.