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Millennials have the funniest reactions to Gen Z's obsession with Labubus

"Zoomer Beanie Babies."

Image via Pop Mart/Wikipedia

Millennials discuss the Gen Z obsession with Labubus.

Labubus are taking over purses and bags everywhere lately. Labubus, fuzzy plush monsters (some that hang from a keychains, others that are collectible figurines) are currently a Gen Z fashion trend and pop culture obsession. But it's a trend that's not fully clicking with Millennials.

In a Reddit thread, member McTootyBooty shared with fellow Millennials, "I feel like it’s too late to ask wtf labubu is."

The earnest post about being out of the loop on Labubus resonated with many Millennials, who did their best to dissect their current popularity. Many compared Labubus to the ultimate '90s pop culture symbol: Beanie Babies. "Zoomer Beanie Babies," one wrote.

labubu, labubus, labubu gif, pop mart, pop mart labubu Popmart Labubu GIF by popmartglobal Giphy

"Zoomer Furbies," one commented, referring to the similarly-viral Furby toys that went viral in the late '90s. Another Millennial commented, "It's [an] ugly series of stuffed monsters that has been around for 10 years already but for some reason it has only turned into an obsession recently. I really don't get the hype myself."

Another quipped, "Dumb little fuzzy things that cost 80 dollars and probably $2 to produce. Just the new trend. They'll be at 5 Below in a year."

Some Millennials noted Labubus are more of a microtrend. "Nah, they’re a microtrend. Labubus will be over by this time next year. People are already starting to move on to other things. Beanie Babies were a fad for at least 5 years," another added. "If anything, Labubus are giving NFT lol."

According to NPR, Labubus were created and designed by artist Kasing Lung, who debuted them back in 2015. In 2019, Lung partnered with Chinese toy company POP MART to create the plush Labubus, but they didn't strike a note with pop culture until major pop stars like Dua Lipa, BLACKPINK's Lisa, and Rihanna recently started to sport them. Many are sold in "blind boxes," enhancing the surprise factor.

It's not just Millennials that are confused by the concept of Labubus and how they became so trendy. Older generations are also scratching their heads, with some comparing Labubus' popularity to another '90s doll. "Kinda more like a Gen Z Troll doll with the cute/ugly factor," they wrote.

Others alluded their likeness to another popular collectible. "It’s this year’s squishmallow. It cashes in on the cute / tee hee / insert mask here aesthetic that one chooses to give themselves when buying this to affirm that and their style etc. Oh look, an exclusive drop! Next months drop: same shape different color," they wrote.

labubu, labubus, labubu keychain, pink labubu, labubu trend Labubu Lil D GIF by Respective Giphy

Another explained, "Beanie babies...troll dolls...sports card...it's all cyclical. I don't know what's hard to believe about silly collectables."

Others explained their popularity as consumer genius. "Answer: they are fundamentally 'loot boxes' in physical form. They give you a sense of adrenaline rush, just like loot boxes in games or slot machines," another commented.

However, some defended their love for Labubus. "I won't tease anyone liking them then. I had 4 Furbies as a kid/young adult and it was harmless fun," one shared. Another added, "Idk I think they’re sort of cute. I’d never buy one for myself, but I kind of like when my coworkers show me theirs. They’re just little creepy monster things hanging off everybody’s purse."

One concluded: "I think they're cute, I love mine. it doesn't matter to me if they're overhyped or hated on, but for what it's worth I also have a collection of old tamagotchis that I love having/ using, so it's right up my alley for cute crap to carry around. no pressure to get one if you don't want one."

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Why so many backpacks have that 'pig nose' patch and why you might want to use it

It's actually a functional feature.

Photo credit: Canva

Did you know the "pignose" on your backpack actually serves a purpose?

It’s always fascinating to gain new understanding of everyday sayings or items that we previously took for granted. In this case, new understanding might give you a whole new way to use said item. The item we’re talking about today is pig noses. Don’t worry, no actual pigs have been harmed.

As explained by a short and sweet video from @TheIronSnail on YouTube, pig noses are the name for that ubiquitous diamond shaped-latch with the two holes in it that you’ve undoubtedly seen on at least one of your backpacks.

The more formal name for this piece is a "lash tab," which makes its mysterious function actually make sense…if you’re a hiker, anyway. Lashing is a term for fastening two things together (usually a tool and a bag) with rope, to make traveling rugged terrain a little easier.

Lash tabs specifically were first used by mountaineers going on expeditions through colder climates, and therefore would hold ice tools—the ice pick, first and foremost.

As Michael Kristy, host of @TheIronSnail demonstrates in the clip (albeit with a hammer instead of a ice pick but you get the gist), the tool would first go through a loop at the bottom of the backpack, be flipped upside down, then tied with a small piece of rope that’s looped through the two hole of the pig nose. That way the ice pick—or hammer, or whatever—is secure without swinging about with every step.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

But how did these diamond patches become a mainstream backpack staple, even for those who don’t hike?

In an interview between Reader’s Digest and Ryan Lee, director of product at JanSport backpack company (you know, that backpack brand that ALWAYS has pig noses) explained that back in its early years, JanSport sold their products at the campus bookstore at University of Washington. The students would then buy the backpacks meant for hiking and mountaineering to carry their books to class. That tipped JanSport off that maybe their backpacks were just as good for everyday folks. However, they kept the diamond tab to add a bit of rugged, adventurous flair. “A signature detail to nod to the past,” as Lee put it.

backpacks, jansport, lash tab, hiking, mountaineering, fashion, history, explainer videos Going from class to class in college is pretty much the same things as hiking. Photo credit: Canva

That said, they lash tabs might seem like they don’t really function anymore, especially since, as Kristy noted in his video, most backpacks no longer come with the bottom loop intended to work with the tab. But, they can still be used, even if not to the same degree. You can still use a small bit of rope or cord to tie things to your backpack. You just might want to make sure that pig nose is made of a durable material like real leather and has reinforced patches and dense stitching warns backpack designer Dan Vinson.

@its.sherif

This is actually a genius idea🤯#sherifelsahly

Whether you now use your lash tab to make traversing the rugged terrains of life a little easier, or simply use it for style points, it’s cool to know you have options.

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Costume designer breaks down why modern movie costumes 'suck'

Once you see it, you can't unsee it.

Film and Style Matters, Focus Features

Rita Hayworth in 'Gilda' (left) Lily-Rose Depp in 'Nosferatu' (right)

We’ve talked previously about why you might have noticed that the costumes on even the most high budget of fantasy shows on television seemed to have dropped in quality over the years. In some (bleak) ways, this makes sense. There’s simply more television than ever before, and television is consumed so fast for entertainment…it’s easier to cut corners and have no one bat an eye.

But is it also true for even critically acclaimed films? According to costume designer, cosplayer, and vintage fashion enthusiast Landon Reid, the answer is blatantly obvious.

In a video titled “Why Modern Movie Costumes Suck (Yes, I Said It.)” Reid compared the painstakingly handcrafted costumes of Gilda (1946), starring Rita Hayworth, to Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, which was nominated for and Oscar for Best Costume Design in 2025.

@and_mayhem_ensued_

Why Modern Movie Costumes Suck (Yes, I Said It.) 📜 DESCRIPTION: This is my tiny, passionate rant about something nobody seems to care about—but I do, so we’re doing it. Costumes in classic films like Gilda and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes were treated like sacred art—designed with care, fit with precision, and given time and budget to shine. Compare that to the chaotic costuming in Birds of Prey or even Nosferatu (yes, I went there)—and you’ll see just how far we’ve fallen. I get it—corners need to be cut. Budgets are tight. But when costumes stop serving character, story, and fantasy, what are we even doing? Let’s talk about why a little glamour—and a little discipline—goes a long way. 🎬 Let me know in the comments if you notice this too, or if I’m just yelling into the void. @valeriescateyescream @The Way We Wore #MovieCostumeRant #WhyCostumesMatter #OldHollywoodStyle #FilmCostumeDesign #Gilda #GentlemenPreferBlondes #CostumeFail #ModernMovies #FashionInFilm #BirdsOfPrey #Nosferatu #RantWithMe #FilmNerd #CinematicStyle

“The costumes [in Gilda] are so intricate and gorgeous,” gushed Reid, adding that they didn’t technically need to be that way, since most of the pieces had only a few seconds of screentime. One piece that he particularly admired was a pinstripe suit Hayworth wore, which showed zero seams and had pinstripes that “matched perfectly” and narrowed in at the waist.

Meanwhile, Reid showed a still from Nosferatu where the stripes on Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp)’s dress are so unaligned that it’s honestly hard to not get distracted by them once you notice it.

That said, Nosferatu costume designer Linda Muir has spoken at length about the extensive research and attention to detail put in the costumes of Nosferatu, including using detachable sleeves which were a trendy commodity of the time period. Considering that Ellen Hutter’s world is constantly set askew by waking dreams and supernatural terror, these misaligned strips would have been a creative choice of some kind.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

As one person commented, “It’s an intentional character design choice to show how everything was…perfect from the front but behind the scenes, it’s not.”

Reid also talked about another iconic vintage ensemble: Marilyn Monroe's pink bow dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. You know, the "Diamond's Are a Girl's Best Friend" dress. Reid noted the tiny details like the matching pink gloves which were created from the same fabric used for the dress, not purchased. Not just that, but two different color fabrics were used on the gloves so that when Monroe moved, “you’d be able to see every gesture.”

Proving his point, Reid then cut to a clip from the 2020 Birds of Prey movie, where Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) recreates the "Diamond's Are a Girl's Best Friend" dance number, wearing Monroe’s signature pink dress and gloves. Only Robbie is wearing a pair of spandex gloves that sort of matches her dress, but clearly the dress and the gloves were made of two different fabrics.

Similar to Nosferatu, one could argue that Harley Quinn is also a character that’s just a little bit off (deranged, some might say) with a sort of tacky playful charm. So this cheaper knock-off depiction of Monroe kind of works…but perhaps that’s a little too generous.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Reid went on to note that he in no way is badmouthing the artists that went on to making these modern-day costumes, but more so allotted it to, you guessed it, “time, money, and the fact that fast fashion has ruined our textile industry.” Even big budget films vying for an Oscar don’t have access to good textiles anymore, apparently, because studios no longer allow artists the necessary time and resources to really excel at their craft.

Instead, they adopt a “fix it in post” mentality, said Reid. He even argued that it’s a major reason why cosplayers, who are passionate about the craft and pay attention to small details, often end up “recreating movie looks that are of better quality than the movie they were actually recreating from.”

“Do we have bigger problems in the world than movie costumes being made hastily and sloppily? Yes,” quipped Reid. But at the same time, as technology and capitalism continue to cut corners in the name of profit and degrade the inherent value of human made artistry…it also doesn’t seem like that small of a deal either. More like another symptom of a broken system.

Be sure to give Reid a follow on Instagram, TikTok, or Youtube for even more passionate rants . And while you're at it, go watch a classic movie, and see what all the fuss is about.

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Amazing stylist goes viral for work with client in a wheelchair who was hit by a drunk driver

“She found herself again!”

Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)

Bri receives a fashion makeover.

Discovering yourself through clothing can be a wonderful experience: trying different colors based on your color theory match (whether you're a “true winter” or “soft summer”), experimenting with new styles, and trying on personas that transform you. But what happens when your body changes drastically, and you no longer know how to dress it?

For 31-year-old Bri, this became her reality.

Eleven years ago, a drunk driver hit her head-on. The accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Suddenly thrust into an entirely foreign world, Bri struggled to feel confident in her new body. Fashion, once a source of enjoyment, became merely a chore—a way to hide herself and simply “blend in.”

In a fantastic viral TikTok by stylish Kenzie Welch (@stylingwithkenzie), Bri receives a full fashion makeover. Not only does Welch find incredible outfits and individual pieces for Bri to wear, she works with her one-on-one to teach her the building blocks of dressing for a seated lifestyle—giving her the tools to freely express herself and love the result.

“Bri has always looked to standing influencers and Pinterest photos for outfit inspiration,” writes Welch in her post, “but she never felt like her style could translate to a seated lifestyle… So, I gave her a style makeover!”

The breakdown

Here are the different aspects of Bri’s style makeover by Kenzie Welch.

On showing legs:

“Bri was afraid to show her legs,” writes Welch. “But I wanted to encourage her that they look beautiful, and we could find a fashion forward way to wear the style she loves! She also struggled with layering, but I showed her that cropped jackets and fun color helped balance the style and her proportions!”

In the photo, Bri is shown with a big, bright smile, rocking high-waisted jean shorts and super cute knee-high boots. This is paired with a smart gray blazer and delicate pink blouse, plus glasses, for a chic, ready-for-work look.

wheelchair, seated, lifestyle, makeover, fashion Finding the right fit for seated individuals can be challenging.Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)

Welch continues, “Mini skorts were perfect to add to her wardrobe! This outfit is so simple, but the shows add something fun and comfy!”

The next look is fully Americana, ideal for a 4th of July picnic or a sunny day at the park: the featured jean mini skort is reminiscent of GAP or Ralph Lauren at its prime, and is put together with a fabulous red and white-striped t-shirt, a pearl necklace, tan moccasins, and sunglasses.

wheelchair, seated, lifestyle, makeover, fashion This look is totally Americana. Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)

On showing off personality:

“When she enters a room, I want her to feel like people notice HER first, and not her wheelchair,” Welch adds. “Fashion is a place to express personality, and this outfit is easy, but still says something about who she is!”

wheelchair, seated, lifestyle, makeover, fashion Stylist Kenzie Welch wants to make fashion accessible to all. Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)

This quote is paired with a posh, sophisticated look: candy cane pinstripe pants are paired with a cherry red manicure as well as a chocolate brown blouse, chunky layered necklaces, a cream-colored purse, and a knit sweater draped around Bri’s shoulders for an extra boost of elegance.

On inspiration:

Next on Bri is a curtained, light blue look, perfect for summer. A matching set, with a peek-a-boo cut-out at the waist, which accentuates the matching red mani-pedi beautifully. A dazzling bejeweled clutch and sparkling cuff bracelet complete the outfit.

“This was an outfit she had on her Pinterest board,” writes Welch. “I wanted to show her that she could wear the stuff she sees on standing girls, and it would look just as good, if not better!”

The final look is refinement, personified.

wheelchair, seated, lifestyle, makeover, fashion Pinterest inspiration, translated to seated fashion. Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)

“A reminder that fashion is a place for EVERYONE to explore,” reads Welch’s caption. “Clothes are more than just what we put on our bodies. They shape and influence the way we see ourselves and how we show up in the world.”

In the next photo, Bri is sporting a 90s'-style cocktail dress: dark blue with Robin's blue polka dots, paired with a dark red leather purse and the classiest matte makeup style. Oh, and most important? A giant grin.

wheelchair, seated, lifestyle, makeover, fashion The best accessory? A giant grin! Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)


Fashion struggles for women and girls in wheelchairs

Women and girls who use wheelchairs face unique and often overlooked challenges with fashion, making Bri's makeover by Kenzie Welch not just stylish, but revolutionary. These challenges extend beyond appearance to affect comfort, accessibility, and self-expression.

Poor fit and limited options:

  • Standard clothing rarely fits well when seated, as most garments are designed for standing bodies. Pants can be particularly uncomfortable around the waistband and stomach due to the body's changed shape while seated. Many wheelchair users report having to buy larger sizes just to button their jeans, resulting in poor fit elsewhere.
  • Length problems are common—pants, skirts, and dresses may be inappropriately long or short when seated. This can cause garments to ride up or drag on wheels, creating embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions or dangerous hazards.

wheelchair, seated, lifestyle, makeover, fashion Women and girls who are in wheelchair face certain stylistic challenges. Credit: TikTok (@stylingbykenzie)

Comfort and health concerns:

  • Pressure sores can develop on seated bodies from seams, tight fits, or rough materials. Clothing that bunches or has poorly placed seams worsens this risk.
  • For wheelchair users, fabric choice is crucial—stiff or non-stretchy materials can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Most wheelchair users gravitate toward elastic waistbands, stretchy fabrics, and seamless construction for both comfort and ease of dressing.

Accessibility and independence:

  • Fasteners like buttons, zippers, and small closures can be challenging for seated individuals, particularly those with limited hand dexterity, making independent dressing difficult.
  • Mainstream fashion lacks adaptive features such as magnetic closures, side zippers, or extended zipper pulls that would make self-dressing more dignified and manageable for women and girls who use wheelchairs.

Representation and self-esteem:

  • Fashion marketing and design often ignore wheelchair users, resulting in feelings of exclusion and diminished self-esteem. The dominant cultural beauty standard remains largely able-bodied, making it difficult for women and girls in wheelchairs to feel visible and appreciated.
  • Shopping in-person presents additional obstacles. Inaccessible stores and fitting rooms, combined with the need to try numerous items to find something suitable, transform shopping into an exhausting ordeal.

Against this backdrop, Kenzie Welch's work with Bri represents a true fashion revolution—unlocking not just her personal style, but opening a world of comfort, functionality, and inclusiveness.

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