A Labubu Rave Offers a Salve for the Darkest Timeline

Inside the cave From Catch One Nightclub The last Friday of August, the neon laser beams shake the dance floor and the bodies sway in harmony of devotion, as ravers of all the corners of the Los Angeles herd to deliver an offering to the altar of Labu.

Everyone is there. Real believers and really curious, trendy hunters, purists of nightlife, budding influencers, party crashers and those who just want to be seen.

It is a celebration of Labubu, the collection of Furry Ewok which, in the era of Tiktok Fly-By Night trends, influencers of AI and overhaul, seems to have become a phenomenon of good faith. Some 250 people aged 18 and over have gathered, unified in their appreciation for their new toy god. Outside, a line winds through the parking lot and sweet touches of smoke with weeds flavored with soft air.

There are three things that I know about Labu: either you have one, you want one, or you have an opinion on one. So I’m here to give meaning to his cult mania.

“It’s the rave of Labu, baby!” Announcement John, a 27 -year law student who is partying with a group of friends. “I just think they are really cute,” he says. From his backpack, he pulls a limited edition Coca-Cola and delicately holds it as if it were a trophy, waiting for me to admire it. “I know in part why they are so popular is consumerism. But they are so cute. It is a trend. Things accelerate. ” (Wired participants spoke of refusal to share their surname, citing problems of confidentiality or work.)

Originally designed in 2015 by Chinese artist Kasing Lung, Labu has since taken off on a global scale in the past year, with high demand motivated by celebrity mentions. Everyone from Rihanna, BTS, Kim Kardashian and Naomi Osaka – who showed four limited editions inlaid with crystal during the US Open tournament of this year – sang the praise song of Labu. Today, Labubu is sold by the Chinese Pop Mart toy manufacturer as part of his franchise “The Monsters”. According to the company, it generated more than $ 670 million in revenues in the first six months of 2025, an increase of 668% compared to the same period last year, Wired in August.

From a scene inside Catch One, an LED screen the size of the cinema theater has played animations of the divinity of fur toys, and the DJ invokes its faithful. “Everyone has put their labu,” he said at the microphone. The hands are embarking on the air. Bass draws speakers. There is a contagious speed until it is difficult not to hang on. The DJ indicates “late at night”, Lily Palmer and the techno of Maddix, and the crowd breaks like only one. Labubus swinging the neck, are towards the sky at the forefront of the fists and swing pockets of vest. The energy is constant.

“It’s a good fashion declaration,” said Aiden, 21. “If you associate yourself well, depending on the colors, put a good hold and take a photo, it’s a look. “Manager for a clothing company, Aiden says that having a labu has become an indicator of taste. OK you are cool. ‘”