When Marc Jacobs introduced The Tote Bag, it quickly became a must-have, flying off shelves as if the world had collectively agreed it was essential. Then came Heaven, his Gen Z-targeted diffusion line, which rapidly became a cult favorite. So, it’s only fitting that even before presenting his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Jacobs had already sparked another wave of buzz — this time, in a completely unexpected way.
On the morning of his latest fashion show, held at the New York Public Library, Jacobs was spotted carrying a sleek black Hermès Birkin. What caught everyone’s eye wasn’t the bag itself, but the quirky addition hanging from it: a shrimp tempura Labubu toy. Rather than removing the toy from its plastic packaging like most fans do, Jacobs clipped the entire blister pack to his bag, as if he were displaying it in a store.
The gift came courtesy of renowned makeup artist and close collaborator Pat McGrath, who shared the moment on TikTok. “She’s major,” Jacobs remarked while attaching the box, asking, “Is this how it’s done?” McGrath chuckled, replying, “Well, to each his own.”
Labubu figures, created by artist Kasing Lung and manufactured by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, first gained traction in 2020. Over the past year, they’ve become hot collectibles, with rare editions fetching staggering prices — one even sold for $150,000 at a Beijing auction earlier this month.
Fashion insiders have been pairing these whimsical toys with their luxury handbags for several seasons, embracing the contrast between the affordable $27.99 charms and high-end accessories like the $4,700 Bottega Veneta Andiamo tote. Icons such as Rihanna, Lisa, and Dua Lipa have all been seen toting the grinning creatures, adding a playful flair to their looks. Given Jacobs’ playful aesthetic and pop-culture savvy, it makes sense he’s joined the trend — though leaving the toy boxed adds a layer of irony and theatricality. It aligns perfectly with his recent runway themes, which have leaned heavily into doll-like visuals, exaggerated silhouettes, and playful nostalgia.
With protective Labubu cases starting to trend, Jacobs’ sealed-box styling might spark a new wave of collectible fashion. Whether meant as a humorous nod or a collector’s instinct, one thing’s for sure — Marc Jacobs, ever the tastemaker, knows how to turn even a toy into a fashion statement.
