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Joshua of Seventeen, a former Labubu fan, shares his reasons for stopping collecting the dolls

By Étienne Vaillant5 min read
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The Reasons for the Success of Labubu Dolls

Labubu dolls, designed by Kasing Lung, have won the hearts of countless fans around the world. Their phenomenal success can be attributed to several factors. First, the dolls’ unique design, which combines both adorable and slightly disturbing features, attracts the attention of collectors and toy enthusiasts.

This blend of styles provokes a variety of emotions, from curiosity to a form of attraction, making them irresistible. Beyond their appearance, their rarity contributes to their appeal. The « blind boxes, » in which a consumer cannot know in advance which doll they will receive, create an element of surprise and excitement. Collectors, like Joshua of Seventeen, have often spent considerable sums to acquire their favorite models, hoping to get their hands on limited editions. Labubu dolls have also become part of popular culture, fueled by collaborations with celebrities like Joshua. By bringing a touch of glamour and media attention to these dolls, they have become objects of desire for many. Renowned fashion brands have even begun to incorporate Labubu into their product lines, cementing their status as a symbol of contemporary pop culture. Their influence is not limited to fashion alone, but has also reached social media, where users share images and stories about their collection, further propelling their popularity.

In short, several factors—aesthetics, rarity, celebrity influence, and community engagement—explain the unwavering success of Labubu dolls. However, even the most popular trends can experience a downturn, a phenomenon that affects even the most ardent fans like Joshua, who recently decided to stop collecting. What are the reasons?

Discover the fascinating world of doll collecting: tips, tricks, and stories for enthusiasts and collectors. Find the perfect doll and expand your collection today!

The Joshua and Labubu Controversy

In an episode of « Hyell’s Club, » Seventeen’s Joshua revealed that he had completely lost interest in Labubu dolls. His statement sparked a strong reaction on social media. Not only were fans surprised by this former fan’s announcement, but many also expressed sadness at the departure of one of their famous ambassadors. Joshua explained that his passion for these dolls had waned over time. Upon closer examination, we can see that his disenchantment could be due to the fleeting nature of trends. Labubu dolls, while once a staple collectible, can sometimes become a burden for their ambassadors. The pressure of maintaining an active collector image while trying to navigate fan expectations can lead to burnout.

Joshua mentioned that he now prefers to devote himself to Shuasumi, a deer character from Seventeen’s « Miniteen » toy series, also designed in his honor. This shift in preference could symbolize an evolution in his tastes and lifestyle, making it more difficult to maintain his Labubu collection.

This shift in influencer interests may also reflect broader trends in fan culture, which sees new obsessions emerge as old ones fade. Labubu dolls, while still popular, may be replaced by other consumer phenomena. In fact, one study found that millennials and Gen Z show « a tendency to engage in collections with a shorter shelf life, » constantly seeking new experiences and products to try.

Influence of media trends on collecting preferences.

Changes in personal interests and passions.

  • Social pressure on public figures to maintain collections.
  • Discover the fascinating world of doll collecting: tips, tricks, and ideas for enriching and organizing your collection, whatever your preferences or experience level. Implications for the Collecting Community
  • Joshua’s announcement that he is retiring from collecting Labubu dolls raises questions about the impact of this type of statement on the collecting community. Fans may perceive this change as a signal that the phenomenon is on the wane or that the Labubu craze may not be as sustainable as anticipated. It could also cause some to reevaluate their own commitment to certain trends.

Furthermore, this could influence the Labubu market. Dolls that were once considered sound investments could now see their value fluctuate. Indeed, the resale price of Labubu dolls has fluctuated significantly, often amplified by the presence of celebrities. Confidence in dolls as collectibles could be affected by influential figures withdrawing from the sector, themselves concerned about overconsumption.

Collectors, like

Joshua

, must also face the reality of overconsumption. With a multitude of new products generated each year, it is becoming increasingly crucial to make wise and thoughtful choices. The community may feel pressure to continue buying, but this phenomenon can be dangerous in the long run.

A balance must be struck. **How can collectors support their passion without falling into the trap of consumerism? This may require conversations about sustainability and ethics in the toy world. As a result, initiatives could emerge to promote responsible collecting and informed choices. This could also lead to innovations in doll design, focused more on longevity than purely aesthetics.**Factor

Potential ImpactCelebrity Influence

This new mode of communication and exchange has also fostered a generation of collectors who no longer simply buy objects; they also seek to tell stories around their finds. For example, videos of Labubu doll box unboxings have become extremely popular, transforming a simple shopping trip into a community event. Collectors share their experiences, their searches for rare models, and even their frustrations with limited editions.

That said, digitization also has its drawbacks. The pressure to be fashionable, to own the latest models, or to always be up-to-date can cause some collectors to experience unnecessary stress. This culture of acceptance through associations can become exhausting, especially when figures like Joshua decide to pursue other passions, causing ripples within a group of enthusiasts who rely on their validation.

Simplified exchanges between collectors.

Increased sharing of personal experiences.

Pressure to remain relevant in collecting.

  • The future of Labubu dolls and collecting
  • As Joshua distances himself from Labubu dolls, several questions arise about the future of these toys and collecting culture in general. The current trend seems to be towards a search for authenticity and sentimental value. Consumers, tired of compulsive purchases, are looking for items that have personal meaning or that tell a story.
  • It is therefore likely that Labubu dolls will need to evolve to remain relevant. This could include collaborations with local artists, increased support for sustainable initiatives, or the development of models inspired by collectors’ passions. Brands must adapt to this new situation to avoid falling into obsolescence.

Events such as collector conventions or initiatives to promote sustainability could become central elements of the user experience. By going beyond a simple fashion phenomenon, Labubu dolls could establish deeper connections with their owners, offering them a place in a community that values ​​not only the product, but also the journey around it.

Creativity and community engagement will be key drivers in shaping the future of Labubu dolls

. Their designers, like their audience, will have to work together to create a framework that celebrates the stories and values ​​behind each doll. The future could then prove to be both enriching and meaningful for enthusiasts and collectors.

Potential elements of change

Expected impactCollaborations with artists

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