'This viral collectible has the internet in a chokehold. I own three.'

Let me confess something deeply personal yet painfully obvious to anyone who's ever entered my home: I am, without a shred of doubt or apology, a certifiable trinket hoarder.

Our television unit is completely lined with a row of adorable figurines. My bags are covered in a variety of charms and purse pals that serve little to no purpose.

For me, useless little objects are where true happiness lies.

So when I tell you there's a new collectible that has managed to infiltrate my already overcrowded life — one that I've deemed worthy of not just purchasing, but acquiring in triplicate.

The Labubus have arrived, and they're absolutely terrorising the internet in the most delicious way possible.

Watch Blackpink's Lisa explain the difference between a Zimomo and a Labubu. Article continues after video.

Perhaps you've noticed them dangling from the birkins of billionaires? Maybe you spotted Rihanna carrying one on her purse? These strange little creatures — part cute, part cursed — have transformed from niche collectibles into the status symbol du jour.

As someone who considers her collection of miniature objects to be less of a hobby and more of a personality trait, allow me to guide you through the bizarre phenomenon of Labubus — those peculiar little monsters now occupying prime real estate on designer handbags all over the world. They're essentially this season's emotional support monster.

Trust me, when it comes to trinkets… I know what I'm talking about.

What are Labubus?

Image: Getty.

These peculiar little creatures called Labubus are essentially plush monstrosities designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and they've become the absolute must-have accessory for anyone who's anyone.

Created in 2015 for "The Monsters" series (Nordic mythology, darling — terribly chic), these bewildering trinkets sport pointed ears and nine serrated teeth that would absolutely terrify one's orthodontist.

Pop Mart got their commercially savvy hands on these in 2019, packaging them in those dreadful "blind boxes" that have separated many fools (me) from their money.

They're cute, they're scary, they're Labubus.

The cult status of Labubus is real.

If we're being honest, the exclusivity is genuinely half the appeal of Labubus. One simply cannot waltz into a shop and purchase a Labubu — one must hunt.

I spent several months refreshing the Popmart website before securing my first, popping into the stores at every opportunity I got to see if I would happen across a re-stock. I even have a friend who knows a friend who sources Labubus. The Labubu life is a commitment.

Image: Supplied.

When Rihanna was spotted with her Lychee Berry Labubu dangling from her LV shoulder bag, everyone wanted to be her (or the Labubu). When Dua Lipa was seen pairing a Labubu with her airport fit, people lost their minds. When Lisa from Blackpink showcased her insane Labubu collection in that famous video — absolute chaos ensued.

People are HUNGRY for these little monsters. And the difficulty in obtaining them only adds to their status.

So much so that a new strain of chaos has emerged in the market — Lafufus. Fake Labubus (terrifying creatures) that are sold on the second-hand market in an attempt to emulate the real thing.

Why I love Labubus.

What's not to love? They're fluffy, compact, and add a little bit of cheekiness to your outfit. Rather like having a small, fashionable demon perched on your bag — if one must accessorise with the supernatural, at least make it couture.

Image: Getty.

Labubus are the perfect juxtaposition of adorable and unsettling — those saucer-like eyes that seem to follow you, paired with that disarmingly sweet yet creepy little smile. It's giving contemporary art piece meets childhood comfort object.

And oh, the delicious agony of those blind boxes! The rush of dopamine as you tear open the packaging, the suspense hanging in the air. Will it be the grey one with its eyes closed? Or perhaps — be still my beating heart — the elusive secret Labubu that is ever so rare? The chase is intoxicating.

So all in all, as a certified "trinket girlie", it was always in the cards for me. Labubus were inevitable for my collection, really.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chelsea 卓穎 🖤 (@_chelseahui)

The Gen Z 'bag charm' phenomenon explained.

This generation's penchant for "purse pals" fascinates me endlessly. In an era of digital everything, there's something refreshingly tactile about these little bag companions. They're whimsical anchors in a world of endless scrolling — small tokens of joy that don't require charging or updates.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rachel Spencer (@rachspeed)

For a generation raised on aesthetic curation, Labubus offers the perfect canvas for self-expression. The way they're styled, which colour variants one chooses, how prominently they're displayed — it all communicates something deeply personal without saying a word.

Bag charms, trinkets — these little pieces of joy — they do more than just look nice. They communicate to the world who you are.

Are you a chic fashionista, with a tasteful cherry charm and a croissant jellycat? Or are you a an eclectic artist who uses their charm necklaces as a bag accessory? The world is your oyster when it comes to bag accessories!

Image: Instagram/samtodd

In a world where traditional luxury symbols have lost their lustre, Labubus and others of its kind represent a new kind of cultural currency — one based on scarcity, yes, but also on community, playfulness, and a certain knowing irony.

As I write this, stroking the head of my grey 'Have A Seat' Labubu, I can't help but feel a small thrill knowing I'm part of something both ridiculous and sublime. And isn't that precisely what makes the best trends so deliciously addictive?

At the end of the day, you can tell a lot from a person by what they put on their bag — and I just love that.

Feature Image: Getty.