In a world where trends evolve overnight, Marko Monroe has carved out an unlikely but undeniable niche: he’s Hollywood’s go-to creator for custom Labubus. The monster plush by Chinese conglomerate Pop Mart has exploded into a global obsession, dangling off handbags, appearing in selfies, and now—thanks to Monroe—getting the couture treatment for celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa, Marc Jacobs, Lady Gaga, and the cast of Netflix’s Wednesday.
It all started pretty casually. In a media interview, Monroe revealed that his partner gifted him his very first Labubu back in January. He clipped it onto his bag and took it everywhere—Paris, work trips, nights out. After a while, it started looking a little worse for wear.
@the_markomonroe CUSTOM #LABUBU ♬ What Was That – Lorde
Instead of tossing it, Monroe did what creatives do best: he deconstructed it, made his own pattern, swapped in fresh fabrics, and stitched it back together. What started as a little experiment quickly snowballed into something bigger. He decided to experiment further by creating a dachshund-inspired Labubu as a nod to his three dogs. He shared the result on TikTok, and the response was overwhelming—sparking demand for more custom designs and setting him on an unexpected creative path.
One of his earliest high-profile supporters was Marc Jacobs. Spotting Jacobs’ interest in Labubus online, Monroe crafted a special piece for him using rare Balenciaga fabric. This opened the door to more collaborations, including with Lady Gaga, for whom he created a Mayhem Ball-themed Labubu complete with intricate detailing and removable accessories.
Another milestone moment came with Blackpink’s Lisa, who is often credited with fueling the Labubu craze in the first place. Monroe designed a custom pink version for her, perfectly aligned with her Barbie-inspired tour outfit, which she unveiled during the London stop of Blackpink’s world tour. For Monroe, designing for the “Mother of Labubus” represented a full-circle moment in his journey.
His most ambitious project so far? A massive commission from Netflix to create custom Labubus for the cast of Wednesday season two. We’re talking more than 50 characters—from Jenna Ortega to Catherine Zeta-Jones—each one with its own clothing, hair, and accessories. To pull it off, Monroe tapped a team of friends and collaborators, turning the project into a mini fashion house dedicated entirely to tiny monsters.
What makes Monroe’s work stand out is his eye for transformation. He doesn’t just give Labubus a new outfit—he reimagines them completely. Think couture fabrics, painted details, wings, piercings, even fully themed looks.
The result? Mass-produced toys elevated into one-of-a-kind collectibles, perfectly in tune with celebrity culture’s obsession with individuality.
While Monroe has already made his mark in styling and fashion for icons like Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, and drag superstar Symone, it’s his work with Labubus that has solidified his place at the heart of a new cultural phenomenon. In an era where collectors crave uniqueness, Monroe is redefining what it means to personalise, elevating toys into high-fashion art pieces.
One thing’s for sure: the Labubu glow-up is only just getting started.
READ MORE
Fashion’s Most Iconic It-Bags Are Back, And Asian Celebrities Can’t Stop Wearing Them
Trend-Spotting: How Asian Celebrities Are Rocking Polka Dots This Summer