The resurgence of bag charms has turned what was once a childhood hobby into a full-blown fashion statement. From couture runways to high streets, bag charms have staged a comeback that appears to be staying, outliving the many microtrends that have come and gone this year.
Among the selection of bag charms, mini plushies are hugely popular in China and Southeast Asia due to wide-ranging customizable options — now including a uniform set by Singapore tech giant Grab, which dominates car hire and food delivery services in Southeast Asia. Best of all, intentionally or not, the uniform seems to fit Labubu dolls, currently the hippest toys in Asia.
Launching on December 16 for the price of 29.90 SGD (about 22 USD) on GrabFood Gears, an online apparel and accessory platform for Grab delivery-partners, the miniature ensemble is a shrunken-down version of the life-sized uniform, with intricate details to match. It comes with a delivery jacket in the tech company’s signature green colorway complete with functional zippers and the Singapore flag embossed on an arm sleeve, khaki pants, and a delivery bag with adjustable straps.
Though Grab didn’t mention which mini plushies the uniform was designed for, images show that it perfectly fits Labubu, the furry elf with pointy ears and serrated teeth manufactured by the Chinese collectible toy company Pop Mart, which is known for its blind box toys and designer collaborations. Part of The Monsters series, Labubu’s design, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, is inspired by fairy tale creatures and childhood imagination, blending whimsical charm with mischievous traits. Its expressive eyes, pointed ears, and toothy grin strike a balance between cute and eerie, reflecting Lung’s storytelling approach and unique artistic style.
While Labubu was introduced in 2015, almost a decade ago, it only started to soar in popularity and demand this year, largely due to a slew of celebrity endorsements, including by BLACKPINK’s Lisa. Since then, Labubu has resonated with urban youth, particularly millennials and Gen Z drawn to its quirky and designer-driven charm. Platforms like Xiaohongshu and Taobao amplify its visibility, while pop-up shops and exclusive editions drive demand. In Southeast Asia, markets like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are embracing Labubu for its whimsical design and cultural appeal.
By extension, Labubu-themed clothing adds another layer of personalization to the world of bag charms. Collectors can don their favorites with a streetwear approach using hoodies and slouchy pants, a whimsical get-up of knits and sweats, or — in this case –– play dress-up as a Grab rider.
Banner image via MS News.
