Labubu gets a Tibetan makeover in Lhasa

Traditional Tibetan costumes tailored for Labubu dolls are drawing visitors to Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, where the wildly popular collectible is blending pop culture with ethnic craftsmanship in one of the city's latest travel trends.

The new style statement builds on Labubu's enduring appeal at home and abroad. Created by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, the mischievous elf with a toothy grin has become a global phenomenon, attracting ordinary fans and celebrities alike.

In Xizang, many visitors now carry these dolls dressed in Tibetan costumes for social media-worthy photos at various landmarks, including the Potala Palace, the Qomolangma scenic area and Yamdrok Lake.

According to a recent report published in Xizang Business Daily, the trend emerged around last summer, when a popular shop on Lhasa's historic Barkhor Street started juxtaposing Labubu's quirky look with local heritage clothing.

The offbeat combination quickly garnered attention, prompting the shop to refine its designs and work with manufacturers to make more traditional Tibetan outfits for the elf. Other shops on the commercial street followed suit, and they now sell both Labubu dolls dressed in Tibetan costumes and similar outfits designed for a wider range of collectible toys.

Zhao Xiaoxu, who works at Muru Zangyi, a store offering distinctive local gifts, said they started selling Labubu dolls dressed in Tibetan costumes only about a week ago after seeing the overwhelming response to similar products at other shops and online.

Within the first week, the shop sold more than 100 Labubu gift sets, each priced at 398 yuan ($59) and comprising a doll sourced from Pop Mart and dressed in a Tibetan-style outfit, Zhao said, adding that they have started accepting orders in advance to better meet the growing demand.

At another shop nearby, Tibetan outfits for Labubu dolls are sold separately for 58 yuan. The customers browsing and purchasing these items range from children under 10, who are accompanied by their parents, to teenagers, young adults and beyond. Many bring other collectible figures, hoping to dress them in Tibetan-style outfits.

"I think it is a fun souvenir to bring home. I wanted to get something special to remember my trip," said a tourist, who requested anonymity, after buying one such costume for his doll.

The popularity of the outfits has encouraged local designers to explore more elaborate interpretations of traditional Tibetan clothing.

Li Ziyan, design director of collectible toys at Xizang Zangxiu Clothing Co, has developed multiple styles inspired by traditional clothing from different parts of the autonomous region, Xizang Business Daily reported.

Many accessories, including pearl headpieces, are handmade by craftswomen from local communities in Lhasa, giving the miniature costumes an authentic ethnic touch, the report said.

It quoted Li as saying that she hopes to host workshops where visitors can make these outfits themselves to gain a better understanding of the intricate craftsmanship behind traditional Tibetan clothing.

Zheng Jinran contributed to this story.