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From Trendy to Iconic- Labubu Dolls Are the New Cool in South Africa

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In South Africa’s vibrant world of fashion and street culture, where individuality reigns supreme, a quirky little character is making a big entrance. With pointy ears, a toothy grin, and a personality full of mischief, Labubu is the unexpected style icon popping up in everything from boutique displays to influencer content in Cape Town and Joburg.

What Is Labubu?

Labubu isn’t your regular plush toy. Dreamed up by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu belongs to The Monsters universe—a creative collection of characters that blend fairy tale vibes with playful rebellion. With its elf-like face and wild expressions, Labubu has that perfect mix of cute and edgy.

Though first introduced in 2015, Labubu’s fame soared globally after Chinese brand Pop Mart launched blind-box versions in 2019. Each box is a surprise—some versions are themed, festive, or ultra-rare—making the hunt part of the fun and the hype.

The Pop Mart Phenomenon

Pop Mart, now worth billions, has created a new space where collectibles meet self-expression. At the heart of it? Labubu—adorably mischievous, kind-hearted (in its own chaotic way), and wildly expressive.

In South Africa, where bold personal style meets artistic flair, Labubu fits right in. From local fashion markets to designer studios and influencer reels, this pint-sized character is quickly becoming a style staple.

Why South Africans Are Falling for Labubu

Here’s why this cheeky little doll is making waves:

Creative Expression

Labubu resonates with South Africans who embrace art, fashion, and individuality. It’s more than a toy—it’s a statement.

Status Symbol

With rare versions already selling for thousands of rand online, Labubu is a collectible that says “I’ve got taste” and “I’ve got access.”

Insta-Friendly Aesthetic

Labubu’s oversized eyes and dramatic expressions make it the perfect accessory for your next Instagram post or TikTok drop. From Sandton to Stellenbosch, it’s getting camera-ready.

Influencer Buzz

With global stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna showing theirs off, South African fans are quick to join the wave. Expect to see Labubu on more fashion-forward locals soon.

The New Way to Accessorize

Labubu isn’t just sitting on shelves—it’s riding shotgun in Ubers, clipped to handbags, and even styled to match outfits. Fashion lovers are coordinating their Labubu dolls with colours, moods, and seasonal looks. Think childhood charm with streetwear edge.

What’s Next?

With Pop Mart expanding globally and rumours of designer collabs on the way, the Labubu craze is just heating up in South Africa. From exclusive drops to local collector events, this trend is moving fast.

Labubu may be small, but its influence is major. Whether you’re into collectibles, fashion, or just love a bit of playful rebellion—Labubu is the accessory of the moment in Mzansi.

 

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Fashion

Pamela Mtanga Knows Exactly How to Style Polka Dots

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Photo: Instagram/@Pamelamtanga

Polka dots are enjoying a strong comeback this year, with designers reworking the classic print through sculptural shapes and modern tailoring. Instead of leaning into vintage-inspired dressing, the focus has shifted to bold proportions and clean styling.

Pamela Mtanga‘s latest outfit reflects that direction.

The television presenter wore an oversized white polka dots dress, choosing a design that balanced volume with structure. The high neckline gave the dress a refined look, while the fitted bodice defined her waist before flowing into a bubble hem. One of the defining details was the exaggerated puff sleeves, which brought volume and balanced the fitted bodice.

Photo: Instagram/@Pamelamtanga

She kept to black and white, pairing the dress with delicate black ankle-strap heels. A compact black handbag with a textured finish tied everything together.

She kept her accessories minimal. White oval sunglasses picked up the white tones in the polka dot print, while drop earrings introduced a subtle finishing touch that kept the focus on the dress.

She wore her hair in a softly curled bob with a side part, a hairstyle that suited the dress’s dramatic sleeves. Her makeup included fresh-looking skin, softly defined eyes and a rich red lipstick, introducing the only bold shade in the look.

Photo: Instagram/@Pamelamtanga

Instead of adding statement jewellery or colourful accessories, Pamela kept the styling understated. The simple accessories keep the focus on the dress.

The look also reflects Pamela Mtanga’s signature style. She often wears structured tailoring, dramatic sleeves and contemporary dresses paired with understated accessories. This polka dot look fits naturally alongside many of her previous fashion choices, reflecting her preference for bold shapes paired with carefully chosen accessories.

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Mihlali Ndamase Goes All In on Pinstripes

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Mihlali Ndamase - Instagram

Mihlali Ndamase is embracing classic tailoring with a pinstripe outfit that pairs structured tailoring with relaxed proportions. The beauty entrepreneur and content creator opted for a black-and-white look centred on tailored pieces, showing another side of her wardrobe beyond the glamorous occasionwear she is often seen wearing.

Mihlali Ndamase – Instagram

The outfit centres on a black pinstripe three-piece set with wide-leg trousers and a fitted halterneck waistcoat. Fine white pinstripes contrast against the black fabric, while the close-fitting waistcoat sits neatly through the torso before meeting the loose-fitting trousers. Instead of wearing the waistcoat on its own, Mihlali layered it over a crisp white button-down shirt with an exaggerated curved hem extending below the waistcoat, creating a striking black-and-white combination.

Mihlali Ndamase – Instagram

The oversized trousers fall loosely over her silver platform heels, emphasising the relaxed fit of the outfit. The mix of tailored pinstripes and wide-leg trousers offers a modern interpretation of classic suiting while maintaining a structured shape.

She paired the outfit with metallic silver accessories, including a quilted top-handle handbag and matching platform peep-toe heels. A silver wristwatch, stud earrings and stacked rings rounded off the look.

Mihlali wore her hair in a centre-part style pulled neatly behind her shoulders. Her makeup included sculpted brows, defined lashes, neutral eyeshadow, softly contoured cheeks and a nude lip that complemented the black-and-white look.

Mihlali Ndamase – Instagram

This outfit reflects a style direction Mihlali has returned to several times over the years. While she is often associated with body-skimming dresses, corsetry and statement eveningwear, she has also incorporated sharp tailoring into her wardrobe. Compared with some of her more embellished red-carpet appearances, this pinstripe look places greater emphasis on tailoring while staying true to the refined style that regularly appears in her fashion choices.

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Thabsie Brings Aviator-Inspired Style to Winter in a Sherpa-Trimmed Faux Leather Co-Ord

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Thabsie - Instagram

Thabsie is embracing winter dressing with a coordinated faux leather look. In a recent Instagram post, the South African singer tagged Fashion Nova and identified her outfit as the Along The Lines Sherpa Faux Leather Skirt Set, putting the spotlight on a coordinated look that blends classic winter textures with a fitted cut.

The two-piece is crafted from chocolate-brown faux leather and finished with cream sherpa trim throughout. The cropped sleeveless top has a high funnel neck, a full-length front zip and structured cap sleeves lined with sherpa. Matching trim runs along the hem, creating a clear contrast against the dark faux leather.

Thabsie – Instagram

The coordinating mini skirt follows the same details as the top. Designed with a high waist, it has a front zip running through the centre and sherpa trim along the hem. The matching zips on both pieces create a consistent finish, while the fitted cut gives the set a structured appearance. The rich brown faux leather paired with the cream sherpa trim gives the outfit an aviator-inspired feel, making it well suited to the winter season.

Thabsie – Instagram

Thabsie kept her accessories within the same brown and cream tones. She carried a structured white Burberry tote with brown leather handles and trim, complementing the shades of the outfit. She paired the look with knee-high white boots with square toes and block heels, creating a bold contrast against the dark faux leather. She also wore slim gold bangles on one wrist.

Her hair was styled in a relaxed updo with soft face-framing strands, while her makeup included defined brows, softly blended eye makeup, warm neutral tones and a nude lip.

Thabsie – Instagram

The look reflects a style Thabsie has returned to in recent months. From tailored outfits to coordinated neutral looks and leather pieces, she has consistently favoured structured designs with a refined finish. This sherpa-trimmed faux leather co-ord continues that approach, reflecting her preference for coordinated dressing while adapting it for the colder season.

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