The Labubu Vortex

There’s a new Pop Mart flagship store in Bangkok. It’s being called "dreamlike," but I see it as more like walking straight into someone else’s mushroom trip. According to UrDesign, the place is "meticulously organized to guide the visitor through a psychological journey, unfolding from the exterior to the interior and from the ground floor upward." I don't know what they mean by that, but it’s an absolute mecca for Labubu fanatics.

For those who haven't been subjected to them, a Labubu is a collectible toy inspired by Nordic folklore, distinguished by its slightly devilish facial features. Now, personally, I hate Labubus. But for the devoted adults out there—and I know you exist—this store is custom-made for you. You'll find your treasure here.

The whole phenomenon brings me to the point: Why the obsession? Why are adults so aggressively craving these things?

It's simple, really. It’s a temporary fix. It's something we passionately embrace for a few months, maybe a couple of years, until the inevitable happens. The novelty fades, our shelf space fills up, and the next trend arrives. We move on, leaving the old obsession behind like last season's anxieties.

Go ahead, enjoy your fleeting joy in this colorful trap.

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