Gremlin Drip: Why Everyone Wants the Kobe Labubu

A new hype accessory is taking over the internet—and it’s not sneakers or streetwear. It’s a plushie. But not just any plushie: meet Labubu, a gremlin-like doll decked out in a Kobe Bryant hoodie, and currently the most chaotic crossover of collectables, fashion, and NBA nostalgia.

Labubu x Kobe

The moment Vanessa Bryant shared the pink Labubu in a Kobe hoodie, it hit a nerve. A sentimental one. For Kobe fans, it felt like a playful, heartfelt nod to his legacy. Meanwhile, for collectors and NBA fans, it was a limited-edition dream come true.

True to hype culture tradition, the Kobe Labubu is hard to get. It wasn’t mass-released; most of its popularity came from social media. That means resale prices are soaring, hundreds of dollars for a plush toy. Platforms like POP MART and third-party resellers are flooded with listings, increasing resale value.

What even is a Labubu?

The doll was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Labubu is part of The Monsters, a whimsical picture book series introduced in 2015. The character draws inspiration from Nordic folklore and resembles a mischievous, elf-like creature with pointy ears, wild hair, and a sinister grin.

Tiny Gremlin Plush Toy, Big Flex

Moreover, the little gremlins have been spotted with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who’ve been spotted accessorising with the doll. But now, it’s entering a new league, the sneakerhead world—thanks to its Kobe crossover.

Fusing streetwear swagger, basketball greatness, and that signature Labubu mischief, it hits every corner of the hype universe. The Kobe x Labubu plush isn’t your average stuffed toy—it’s a full-blown pop culture crossover.

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