Culture is now built around this tension: There are engaged, paying consumers of Labubus (and an army of resellers), and there are sour, reluctant consumers of the Labubu narrative.

For those interested in moving culture away from fads such as these, resistance requires much more than a refusal to consume.

For all the talk about Labubus as a market success — $1+ billion in sales — I think the larger story is how much these fads have taken over our mindshare without our direct participation. Culture is never a pure reflection of consumer behavior, but a narrative.

and Dubai chocolate are clear examples of fads : They fast-forming, short-lived conventions. They don't have significant intrinsic value, but moreover, everyone is aware their core value is trendiness itself. Even the most rabid consumers of Labubus know deep down that they will be replaced in the near future. Compare this to fashions , where many... See more