Recently, Labubu, a toy figure under the Chinese designer toy brand POP MART, has taken the world by storm, making it nearly impossible for collectors to get their hands on one. However, trends in the designer toy scene shift rapidly, and several new toys with the same "ugly-cute" aesthetic have gained a massive following, being hailed as Labubu's fiercest competitors.
These include the snaggletoothed, bulging-eyed Fuggler from the UK and the mischievous, smiley-faced "WAKUKU" from China. Let's dive into what makes these uniquely styled toys the new benchmarks of the designer toy industry.
Fuggler: The snaggletoothed sensation from the UK
Hailing from the UK, Fuggler—a toy with yellow, crooked teeth and bulging eyes—is aiming to challenge Labubu's popularity. This "ugly-cute" figure traces its origins to a bag of fake teeth. In 2010, Fuggler's creator, Mrs. McGettrick, stumbled upon a bag of false teeth on eBay and had the ingenious idea to sew them onto teddy bears, sparking her creative journey.
Even the name "Fuggler" has a special meaning—it's short for "Funny-Ugly Monsters," perfectly encapsulating the brand's quirky and creepy aesthetic. According to the official website, Fugglers are intended to "warm your heart and take over your life with their mischievous antics and straight-up bonkers appearance," a love-it-or-fear-it vibe that has attracted fans of bizarre and unconventional designs.
DIY fun: "Gem-studded" teeth and graffiti
Each Fuggler toy is meticulously designed to amplify its "ugly-cute" charm. The crooked teeth are deliberately made to look yellow, a feature some collectors adore so much that they call them "tooth monsters." Fans often add their own creative touch by decorating the teeth with rhinestones, graffiti, or even braces, creating a playful and humorous style. Additionally, the glass or button eyes of Fuggler toys are designed to appear swollen and protruding, leaving a lasting impression.
Collaborations and availability in HK
As with many popular toy IPs, Fuggler has collaborated with other famous brands to release limited editions. These include partnerships with SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Lord of the Rings, blending the unique characteristics of these icons with the Fuggler aesthetic. These special editions often sell for 4-5 times their original price on secondary markets.
For Hong Kong collectors, there's good news! Many local toy stores, such as Toys "R" Us, LOG-ON, and AEON, feature dedicated Fuggler sections. Prices range from HK$110 to HK$160 per figure. A recent visit to the Toys "R" Us branch at K11 Art Mall confirmed that the SpongeBob collaboration figures are still available—so grab one before they're gone!
WAKUKU: A rising star in Chinese designer toys
Meanwhile, WAKUKU, an original toy IP from China, is emerging as a powerful new player in the designer toy market. This fuzzy, round-faced, wide-eyed figure with a mischievous smile has captured the hearts of fans. Adding a fashionable twist, WAKUKU toys come with interchangeable accessories, such as hats and necklaces, making them not just collectibles but also stylish statement pieces.
What's driving WAKUKU's explosive popularity is its association with Chinese celebrities. In December last year, stars from a hit historical drama, Ding Yuxi and Esther Yu, frequently featured WAKUKU toys on social media, prompting fans to rush to purchase their own. Since then, other Chinese celebrities, including Olympic champions Chen Meng and Quan Hongchan, have also showcased the toys, cementing WAKUKU's status as a trendy fashion icon.
(Source: Lionrockdaily; English Editor: Zoey Sun)
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