Labubu: The Monster Who Made Culture Cute - The Definitive Guide

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering culture.

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Image Source: Lillian Suwanrumpha

1. Labubu Mania Peaks in 2025

In mid-2025, Pop Mart’s signature character Labubu reached unprecedented heights of global buzz. A 1.2-metre mint-green Labubu sculpture fetched ¥1.24 million (≈$173,000 USD) at a Beijing auction, while blind-box sales crashed Pop Mart’s website on multiple occasions. Celebrity sightings—from BLACKPINK’s Lisa to Rihanna—turned Labubu into a must-have fashion accessory and cultural totem overnight2.

2. Origins and Creator

Labubu was born in 2015 from the imagination of Hong Kong–Belgian artist Kasing Lung, whose childhood passion for Nordic folklore inspired a storybook series called The Monsters. Initially produced as limited-run vinyl figures by How2Work, Labubu’s impish grin and nine-tooth silhouette laid the groundwork for a cult following among designer-toy enthusiasts.

3. Design Evolution and Product Lines

Labubu’s core features—pointed ears, wide eyes, and a row of nine sharp teeth—remain constant across its 300+ variations, which range from

• 3 in vinyl figures ($15 retail)

• Plush keychain charms ($20–30)

• 79 cm “mega” editions ($960 retail)

• 1.2 m auction sculptures (record $173,000)

Key series include:

• Exciting Macaron (Oct 2023)

• Have A Seat vinyl-plush line (Jul 2024)

• Big Into Energy neon series (Apr 2025)

• Limited crossovers: Coca-Cola, One Piece, Louvre Art Quest

4. Pop Mart’s Blind-Box Engine of Hype

Pop Mart’s “blind box” model transformed Labubu from art-toy niche into mass-market obsession. Each sealed box conceals one random design from a six-figure lineup plus a rare “secret” variant (1 in 100 odds), creating a dopamine-fuelled collect-them-all chase. Unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram amplify FOMO, driving repeat purchases and secondary-market speculation.

5. Global Rollout and Distribution

Since signing an exclusive licensing deal in 2019, Pop Mart has expanded Labubu distribution to:

• 530 retail stores worldwide

• 2,470 “Robo Stores” (blind-box vending machines)

• 31 U.S. flagships, multiple European outlets

• Online channels: Pop Mart website, Amazon, TikTok Shop

Non-China revenue now accounts for 40% of sales, underscoring Labubu’s cross-border appeal.

6. Cultural and Fashion Dimensions

Labubu’s ugly-cute aesthetic resonates with kidult consumers and Gen Z’s embrace of imperfection. Beyond toys, Labubu appears as:

• Bag charms on Hermès, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton

• Streetwear collaborations with Vans, Uniqlo, Pronounce

• Art-fashion hybrids at Milan Fashion Week and Louvre pop-ups

Fans project emotions onto Labubu, calling it a “mood mirror” or “alter ego,” reflecting youth culture’s craving for authentic self-expression.

7. Economic Impact and Market Performance

Labubu has been Pop Mart’s financial locomotive:

• 2024 revenue: ¥13.04 billion (US$1.81 billion), with the Monsters line (Labubu) generating ¥3 billion

• First half 2024 sales: ¥6.3 billion (≈$870 million) from blind-box toys alone

• Market cap surpassing Hasbro + Mattel combined, positioning Pop Mart near $40 billion valuation

This growth illustrates how a single IP can recalibrate a company’s global footprint.

8. Collector Culture and Secondary Market

Labubu collectors engage in:

• Swap meets and online forums (Reddit r/labubu, fan-run Instagram)

• Secondary-market flips, with rare keychains reselling for up to $7,000 on StockX and eBay

• Auction houses, where mega‐editions command six-figure bids

The frenzy echoes Pokémon and Be@rbrick crazes but is uniquely steeped in blind‐box mechanics and digital fandom.

9. Comparison with Other Collectible Dolls

·      Labubu stands apart in the collectible-toy landscape:

·      Hello Kitty (1974–): pure kawaii, corporate mascot, franchise-driven

·      Beanie Babies (1993–2000s): resin-pellet plushes, speculator bubble

·      Funko Pop! (2010s–): licensed vinyl figurines, mass fandom

·      Sonny Angel (2005–): gachapon mini-figures, collectible rotation

·      Labubu (2015–): artist-driven IP, blind box, ugly-cute identity

Unlike franchise tie-ins, Labubu thrives purely on its designer origins, aesthetic surprise, and fan-centered scarcity.

10. Controversies and Counterfeits

The craze spawned

• “Lafufu” knock-offs flooding Asian markets and online shops, some posing safety risks due to missing certifications7

• Regulatory pushback: proposed bans in Russia and Southern Kurdistan over cultural or consumer-protection concerns

• Satanic panic conspiracies on TikTok, with some burning dolls amid demonic claims—totally unfounded by creator Kasing Lung’s Nordic folklore roots

Pop Mart combats fakes with UV-stamp authentication and anti-counterfeit QR tags on official packaging.

11. Timeline of Key Milestones

• 2015: Labubu debuts in Kasing Lung’s The Monsters posts (How2Work)

• 2019: Exclusive licensing with Pop Mart; first blind-box Labubu figures launch

• 2020–22: Slow-build fandom; plush keychains introduced; celebrity sightings begin

• Apr 2024: BLACKPINK’s Lisa ignites Thai Labubu frenzy with social-media post

• Jul 2024: “Have A Seat” series sells out; Pop Mart Q2 sales surge

• Dec 2024: Pop Mart interim report: ¥6.3 billion H1 revenue; global store expansion; counterfeit warnings intensify

• Apr 2025: “Big Into Energy” neon Labubu drops; TikTok unboxing mania peaks

• Jun 10, 2025: 4.3 ft Labubu auction sets record at ¥1.24 million (≈$172,800)

• Jul 2025: Pop Mart pauses UK plush sales amid safety reviews; ICC warns on fakes, cultural bans proposed

12. Future Outlook

Labubu’s trajectory signals a new paradigm in global toy culture—where artist-led IP, psychology-driven retail, and digital fandom converge. Upcoming frontiers include:

• Animated shorts and mobile games to flesh out The Monsters lore

• NFT integrations and AR-enhanced unboxings

• Sustainable packaging and ethical blind-box reforms

As Asia cements its role in shaping global pop culture, Labubu stands as a symbol of creative authenticity, community-powered hype, and the enduring power of a toothy, mischievous grin.

The British & Irish Lions 2025 Tour of Australia: The Definitive Guide

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.

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Image Source: Mike Hutchings

1. Lions Roar Down Under

On June 28, 2025, the British & Irish Lions rugby team kicked off their first match of the tour with a commanding 54–7 victory over Western Force at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Under head coach Andy Farrell and captain Maro Itoje, the Lions have since remained unbeaten in their six warm-up fixtures, showcasing a blend of brutal pack play and scintillating back-line flair. This tour marks the Lions’ first return to Australia since their 2013 series win, and with a 38-man squad drawn from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, anticipation is at fever pitch.

2. From 1888 Precursors to Modern Icons: A Complete History

2.1 The Dawn of Lion Tours (1888–1910)

• 1888: The Shaw & Shrewsbury expedition (unofficial) to Australasia laid the groundwork for composite tours.

• 1891: First official British Isles tour to South Africa under RFU sanction, led by Bill Maclagan.

• 1910: Formation of a formal Tours Committee representing all four home unions, cementing the Lions’ unified identity.

2.2 Interwar Growth & Name Evolution (1910–1950)

• Tours to South Africa (1910, 1924, 1938) and Argentina (1927, 1936) introduced the four-quartered badge and “Lions” moniker.

• 1930: New Zealand agreed to play in white to avoid a kit clash with the Lions’ blue jerseys—a symbol of mutual respect.

• 1950: Adoption of the now-iconic red jersey, white shorts, and green-and-blue socks, representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

2.3 Post-War to Professional Era (1950–1993)

• 1950–74: Lions tours characterized by provincial dominance but mixed Test results, with series wins only in 1971 (NZ) and 1974 (SA).

• 1989: First return to Australia since 1899, narrowly losing the series 2–1 in a tour remembered for violence and resilience.

• 1993: Final amateur-era tour before the onset of professional rugby in 1995.

2.4 The Professional Age & Recent Memory (1997–2021)

• 1997 South Africa tour under Sir Ian McGeechan set the benchmark for modern tours with a 2–1 series win.

• 2001 Australia: Overcoming Wallabies 29–13 in Game 1, only to lose the series 2–1; a dramatic “Sea of Red” invaded Brisbane’s Gabba.

• 2013: Lions win 2–1 in Australia under Warren Gatland, their first series victory Down Under in 16 years.

• 2017 & 2021: Tours to New Zealand (drawn series) and South Africa (lost 2–1) demonstrated evolving tactical sophistication and squad depth.

3. The 2025 Tour: Structure, Squad & Strategy

3.1 Tour Format & Fixtures

• Duration: June 20 – August 2, 2025

• Matches: 9 games – five warm-ups (Western Force, Reds, Waratahs, Brumbies, AU-NZ XV), three Tests vs. Wallabies, plus a First Nations & Pasifika XV fixture.

3.2 Squad Composition

• Total Players: 38 (12 forwards, 26 backs)

• Home Nations Breakdown:

  • England: 14 players

  • Ireland: 10 players

  • Scotland: 7 players

  • Wales: 7 players

Key call-ups and late additions:

• Owen Farrell (fly-half) joins after injury to Elliot Daly, earning a fourth Lions tour.

• Ben White and Finlay Bealham drafted in as injury replacements for Tomos Williams and Zander Fagerson respectively.

3.3 Coaching & Tactical Identity

• Head Coach: Andy Farrell (Ireland)

• Captain: Maro Itoje (England)

• Defensive Focus: Aggressive line speed and turnover hunting, echoing recent Irish breakdown success.

• Attacking Philosophy: Phased multi-phase carries and quick ruck ball, leveraging back-row ball-carriers like Ben Earl and Jac Morgan.

4. Match-by-Match Analysis

Warm-Up Rounds

1.    Lions 54–7 Western Force (June 28, Perth): Dominant set-piece show and expansive back play.

2.    Lions 52–12 Reds (July 2, Brisbane): Pack maul efficiency and Duhan van der Merwe’s wing prowess.

3.    Lions 21–10 Waratahs (July 5, Sydney): Tight defensive contest; Marcus Smith’s first professional minutes.

4.    Lions 36–24 Brumbies (July 9, Canberra): Mid-week brace for Itoje at lineout; Brumbies’ bench depth tested.

5.    Lions 28–21 Australia–New Zealand Invitational XV (July 12, 2025, Adelaide): Dominant lineout work laid platform for two early tries; Maro Itoje and Ben Earl combined for 18 tackles and three turnovers.

Test Series Outlook

• First Test (July 19, Brisbane – Suncorp): Key collision between Itoje and Wallaby forwards; breakdown battle critical.

• Second Test (July 26, Melbourne – MCG): Tactical kicking duel anticipated between Finn Russell and Bernard Foley.

• Third Test (August 2, Sydney – Accor): Series decider hinge on bench impact and fitness of back-row stocks.

5. Comparing 2025 to Past Tours

Similarities

• Quadrennial rhythm and southern hemisphere rotation maintained since 1989.

• Use of invitational fixtures (e.g., 2013 vs. Combined XII, 2025 vs. AU-NZ XV) to fine-tune Test combinations.

Evolution

• Professionalism: Modern tours shorter (35 vs. 249 days in 1888) but more commercially driven, with record player match fees (£100k each) and global broadcast deals.

• Guest Teams: 2025’s AU-NZ Invitational mirrors 1989’s All Blacks-Wallabies combined side, but with deeper integration and coaching collaboration.

6. Records, Statistics & Milestones

• Most Caps: Willie John McBride (17 Tests, 5 tours)

• Top Scorer: Andy Irvine (288 points) across 197, 199, 2005, 2009 tours

• Most Tries: Tony O’Reilly (38 tries, 1955 & 1959 tours)

• Largest Test Win: 46–0 vs. Argentina (Buenos Aires, 1927)

• Biggest Test Defeat: 6–38 vs. New Zealand (1983)

7. Economic & Cultural Impact

• Tour Revenue: Projected £10 million profit in 2025, fueled by sponsorships (Vodafone, Howden) and global broadcast rights.

• Fan Migration: Over 20,000 UK and Irish fans expected in host cities, driving tourism and local hospitality booms.

• Cultural Exchange: Community clinics and indigenous‐themed fixtures (First Nations & Pasifika XV) foster cross-cultural engagement.

8. Timeline of Key Milestones

• 1888: First composite tour (Shaw & Shrewsbury) to Australasia

• 1891: First RFU-sanctioned tour to South Africa

• 1910: Four-nation Tours Committee formed

• 1950: Adoption of red jersey; entire squad capped internationals for the first time

• 1971: First and only Lions series win in New Zealand (2–1)

• 1989: Return to Australia; rise of invitational combined XVs

• 1997: First professional-era series win in South Africa (2–1)

• 2013: Triumphant series win 2–1 in Australia

• 2021: Drawn Test series 2–2 in South Africa

• 2025: Lions aim for first Australian series win since 2013

9. Defining a New Generation

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia isn’t simply another series—it’s a modern colossus of tradition, elite performance, and global spectacle. From the blood-and-thunder mauls of Suncorp to the break-neck backline raids at the MCG, this tour encapsulates rugby’s historic spirit of unity and competitiveness. As the final whistle looms, one question endures: will Andy Farrell’s Lions carve their name alongside the Invincibles of 1971 and the architects of the 1997 triumph, or will this generation write its own legend on southern soil? Only time—and a handful of epic Tests—will tell.

A World of Cultures in One City: New Orleans’ Multicultural Festival Scene

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering culture.

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Image Source: Sean Gardner

The Global Stage of the Crescent City

This year, New Orleans will host more than 100 festivals, many of which spotlight the city’s rich tapestry of global heritages. From the vivacious ESSENCE Festival celebrating Black diaspora cultures to the colors and rhythms of Bayou Bacchanal’s Caribbean carnival, the Crescent City transforms its streets into a rotating world tour. In 2025, festivalgoers can sample Vietnamese lunar‐new‐year parades, Greek folk dances by Lake Pontchartrain, German beer halls, Latin American music in Washington Square—and much more—all without ever leaving the city limits.

These multicultural celebrations do more than entertain—they preserve ancestral traditions, foster community pride, and fuel a tourism economy worth $9 billion annually. This article presents the latest festival highlights, then traces the movement’s 150-year history, examines the mechanics and meanings of key events, compares New Orleans’ approach to other global festivals, and offers a timeline of milestone moments.

1. From Colonial Crossroads to Cultural Kaleidoscope

1.1 Colonial Foundations

Founded in 1718 by the French, New Orleans quickly became a hub of European trade and settlement. Spanish control (1763–1802) introduced new customs and architecture, even as enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples maintained ancestral ceremonies in hidden corners of the city. By the early 19th century, the port bristled with ships from Haiti, the Caribbean, and Europe—bringing African drumming, Creole cuisines, Mardi Gras masks, and more.

1.2 Birth of Public Celebrations

The very first Carnival parade in New Orleans dates to the 1820s, when masked revelers took to the streets ahead of Lent. Formal “krewes” like Comus (1857) and Rex (1872) soon followed, blending French Catholic ritual with African processions drawn from Congo Square gatherings. Meanwhile, immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and elsewhere formed benevolent societies, each sponsoring their own festas:

• German “Maifest” and Oktoberfest in midtown beer gardens

• St. Joseph’s Day altars by Sicilian settlers in the French Quarter

• Irish parades for St. Patrick’s Day along Canal Street

These converging traditions laid the groundwork for the modern multicultural festival calendar.

2. The Modern Multicultural Milieu

2.1 Defining “Multicultural Festival”

In New Orleans, a “multicultural festival” celebrates the heritage of one or more ethnic or national communities through music, dance, food, art, and ceremony. Unlike mainstream events such as French Quarter Festival or Jazz Fest, these gatherings focus on diaspora identities and communal storytelling.

2.2 Key Festivals Today

The multicultural lineup includes over a dozen signature events:

·      ESSENCE Festival of Culture (July) Draws 500,000 attendees to the Superdome and surrounding blocks for R&B and hip-hop headliners, entrepreneurship forums, fashion showcases, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

·      Bayou Bacchanal (November) Dubbed New Orleans’ Caribbean Carnival, it features soca, calypso, and steel-pan bands, plus street-party parades reminiscent of Trinidad’s Carnival.

·      Greek Fest (September) At Lakeshore Park, Greek families serve spanakopita and moussaka, while dancers perform in traditional foustanella and tsarouchia shoes.

·      German Oktoberfest (October) Hosted by Deutsches Haus, three weekends of steins and sauerkraut honor the city’s 19th-century German influx.

·      Tet Festival & Night Market (February) The Vietnamese community celebrates Lunar New Year with dragon dances, pho tastings, and ancestral altar exhibits.

·      Carnaval Latino (October) The Hispanic American Musicians and Artists Cultural Association leads the Desfile de Las Américas parade and mariachi concerts in Washington Square.

·      Congo Square Rhythms Festival (March) A free, family-friendly tribute to the weekly 18th- and 19th-century gatherings where enslaved Africans sang and danced under the oaks.

·      A Taste of Africa Fest (July) Features West African drumming, griot storytelling, marketplace crafts, and pan-African foods.

·      NOLA Zydeco Fest (August) Celebrates Louisiana’s Creole-French-African fusion with rubboard contests, zydeco legends, and heritage workshops.

Beyond these, dozens of smaller events honor Haitian, Filipino, Jewish, Lebanese, and Haitian-American cultures, weaving an intricate festival mosaic.

3. Deep Dive: Anatomy of a Festival

3.1 Planning and Community Roles

Most multicultural festivals are organized by nonprofit cultural associations or diaspora guilds. Planning begins a year in advance, with committees overseeing:

• Artistic programming: Securing performers, choreographers, and DJs

• Culinary coordination: Recruiting vendors, sourcing authentic ingredients

• Logistics: Street permits, security, sanitation, and medical services

• Education: Pre-event workshops at schools, churches, and community centers

These grassroots networks ensure authenticity, keeping traditions alive through intergenerational mentorship.

3.2 Economic and Social Impact

A study by the New Orleans Tourism Board found that multicultural festivals contribute $250 million in direct visitor spending each year. Local hotels, restaurants, and retailers benefit, while organizers reinvest surplus funds into language classes, cultural preservation grants, and scholarships.

Socially, festivals strengthen community bonds: elders pass down folk dances to children, youth choirs rehearse ancestral songs, and new immigrants find support through volunteer opportunities.

3.3 Authenticity vs. Commercialization

As festivals grow, organizers face pressure to appeal to broad audiences and sponsors. To preserve integrity, many events now feature:

• Cultural advisory councils to vet performances and menus

• Artist residencies that immerse headliners in community traditions

• Sliding-scale admission and free-entry options to ensure accessibility

This balancing act keeps festivals rooted in heritage rather than mere spectacle.

4. Historical Evolution: A Century of Cultural Celebrations

4.1 Early 20th Century: Neighborhood Fêtes

By the 1900s, French and Italian quarters hosted annual street festivals around patron-saint days. The Irish community’s St. Patrick’s Day parade grew into a city-wide affair, while German Maifest picnics in Audubon Park drew thousands.

4.2 Post-War Expansion (1945–1970)

After World War II, the GI Bill and urban renewal projects transformed neighborhoods. New cultural clubs emerged:

• The Greek Orthodox Cathedral began sponsoring Greek Fest in the late 1950s.

• Vietnamese refugees arriving in the 1970s added lunar-new-year traditions, leading to the first Tet Festival in 1978.

4.3 Cultural Revival and Recognition (1980–2000)

A growing academic interest in diaspora studies fueled heritage reclaiming: Congo Square’s legacy led to inaugural Rhythms Festivals in the mid-1980s. German societies revived Oktoberfest in the early 1990s. Media coverage and UNESCO’s embrace of intangible cultural heritage lent legitimacy to localized celebrations.

4.4 21st Century Boom (2000–Present)

The rise of digital marketing and global travel spurred festival tourism. ESSENCE, which began in 1996 as a magazine conference, moved to New Orleans in 2000 and expanded into the premier cultural festival for African-descended communities. By 2025, multicultural events occupy nearly every week of the calendar.

5. Timeline of Landmark Moments

• 1820s: First informal Carnival processions in New Orleans streets

• 1857: Mystick Krewe of Comus launches organized Mardi Gras parades

• 1872: Rex parade establishes elaborate float traditions

• 1894: Italian immigrants inaugurate St. Joseph’s Day altars

• 1920s: Irish community formalizes St. Patrick’s Day parade

• 1959: Greek Fest debuts under the auspices of the Holy Trinity Cathedral

• 1978: First Vietnamese Tet Festival observed at Lee Circle

• 1985: Congo Square Rhythms Festival begins cultural revival

• 1991: Deutsches Haus revives Oktoberfest tradition

• 2000: ESSENCE Festival relocates to New Orleans

• 2010: Bayou Bacchanal launches as city’s Caribbean Carnival

• 2025: Over 100 multicultural festivals scheduled through the year

6. Comparative Perspectives: Global Festival Counterparts

While New Orleans’ concentrated multicultural slate is unique, other cities host similar ethnically focused events:

• Toronto’s Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival) features one of the world’s largest Caribbean street parades, drawing 2 million visitors in August.

• Miami Carnival mirrors Bayou Bacchanal with Caribbean mas bands and soca mega-parties.

• Chicago’s Taste of Greece, San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, and London’s Notting Hill Carnival each celebrate specific diaspora groups.

Unlike these largely standalone festivals, New Orleans offers an integrated year-round calendar where cultural events interlock, creating continuous cross-pollination among communities.

7. The Festival Experience: What to Expect

7.1 Music and Dance

·      Steel-pan orchestras, brass bands, Balkan gypsy klezmer groups, Vietnamese folk ensembles, Greek zeibekiko dancers—diversity of sound is unmatched.

·      Workshops where attendees learn Carnival choreography or drumming patterns.

7.2 Culinary Journeys

·      Bayou Bacchanal’s doubles and jerk chicken next to gumbo and po-boys.

·      Tet markets offer bánh xèo and chè in the same block as beignets.

·      Greek Fest’s spanakopita pastries alongside Ethiopian injera stations.

7.3 Visual and Literary Arts

·      Artisan markets showcasing Haitian Vodou flags, Sicilian filigree jewelry, and Batik textiles.

·      Poetry slams at the ESSENCE Literary Pavilion and oral-history booths at Congo Square.

7.4 Community Storytelling

·      Oral traditions preserved through generational choirs and theater troupes.

·      Live demonstrations of Italian mask-making, German woodcarving, and Vietnamese lantern crafts.

8. Looking Ahead: Trends and Innovations

• Hybrid formats: Virtual components allow remote viewers to join diaspora communities worldwide.

• Cross-cultural mashups: Collaborative events like “Soca meet Zydeco” or “Voodoo meets Bollywood.”

• Sustainable practices: Zero-waste initiatives, reusable serve-ware, and carbon-offset partnerships.

Festival directors report increasing demand for cultural authenticity, balanced with interactive experiences that appeal to younger, tech-savvy audiences.

9. Harmony in Diversity

New Orleans’ multicultural festival landscape is more than a calendar of events—it’s a living chronicle of migration, adaptation, and creativity. Each celebration weaves ancestral memory into contemporary practice, forging a cohesive city identity out of myriad origins. Whether you come for the thundering soca, the savory kababs, the swaying brass bands, or the intricate folk dances, you leave with a deeper understanding of how cultures sustain themselves—and how they flourish when shared.

In an era when global divisions dominate headlines, New Orleans offers an alternative blueprint: one city, countless voices, united in song, dance, and feast. Here, diversity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a vibrant festival that never truly ends.