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North Texans seem to be intensely preoccupied with something, as evidenced by their increasing fascination.

Enthusiasts of labubu toys flocked to RedBird Mall in Dallas on Sunday for a festival, aiming to purchase the unique stuffed toys.

North Texans exhibit an intense fascination with an unspecified matter, fueling widespread...
North Texans exhibit an intense fascination with an unspecified matter, fueling widespread intrigue.

North Texans seem to be intensely preoccupied with something, as evidenced by their increasing fascination.

In the heart of Texas, a unique trend has taken hold, captivating the hearts of all ages - the Labubu dolls. These quirky, plush figures, produced by the Chinese company Pop Mart, have achieved cult status among North Texans and collectors worldwide.

The Labubu dolls, with their strange yet irresistible charm, have been promoted by celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Osaka, and Blackpink's Lisa, contributing to their rise in popularity. Last year, Lisa's social media features of the toys sparked a significant increase in interest.

The third Labubu Festival, held at RedBird mall in Dallas, showcased North Texans' enduring love for these collectible dolls. Attendees included Elaine Wong, aged 25, and Maddie Reyna, also 25, who came to both peruse and sell their Labubu collections. Wong finds purchasing Labubu dolls as a way to heal her inner childhood and fulfill a desire she had as a child that was previously denied by her parents. Reyna, on the other hand, was looking to sell her sesame bean and toffee Labubu from the macaron series.

Many North Texans, regardless of age, find the Labubu dolls appealing. Fourth grader Diana Medrana is on a hunt for her second authentic Labubu doll. The dolls, inspired by Nordic mythology, range from about $50 to $400 at the festival.

The Labubu phenomenon extends beyond simple toy collecting. Labubu-themed events in North Texas include raves, markets, and cake-decorating classes. Tram Nguyen, a vendor at the Labubu Festival, sells hand-crocheted hats and bags to accessorize labubus.

Arts Access, an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA, covers the Labubu trend extensively. The funding for Arts Access comes from the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access' journalism.

Despite their high prices, Labubu dolls offer temporary joy and allow collectors like Wong to spend their money as they wish. As the Labubu craze continues to grow, it's clear that these strange yet lovable dolls have found a permanent place in the hearts of North Texans.

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