
Who Dressed as a Labubu Doll at the Emmys? Joella’s Viral Look Explained
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, had no shortage of viral moments. But perhaps none were more talked about than RuPaul’s Drag Race star Joella, who turned heads and broke the internet by arriving dressed as a Labubu doll.
While the ceremony itself celebrated the best in television, Joella’s outfit was a fashion statement that nobody could ignore. Equal parts whimsical and unexpected, the look quickly became one of the most shared images from the Emmys red carpet—and it came with its own pop culture history.
So what exactly is the story behind the life-sized Labubu cosplay? And why did it strike such a chord online? Let’s break it down.
Joella’s Labubu Look: A Full-Body Transformation
Joella, a breakout contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17, arrived at the Emmys in a full Labubu-inspired costume, drawing inspiration from the popular Chinese toy line by Pop Mart. Her outfit featured:
- A furry full-body suit, replicating the Labubu character’s texture
- Oversized pointed ears, mimicking the doll’s iconic head shape
- A cutout face panel where she used detailed makeup to enhance the Labubu resemblance
- A red dress and matching lunchbox, layered on top of the costume to complete the doll’s outfit
Joella’s playful creativity didn’t stop there. She made a cameo in Jewels Sparkles’ Instagram Stories, introducing herself as the “slay-sian Labubu,” which instantly sparked a wave of fan reactions and memes.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Joella: Viral Duo of the Night
In a surprising crossover moment, Joella was photographed with none other than BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who also walked the Emmys red carpet. Lisa, who stars in Season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus, was celebrated for her performance—and for her stunning fashion choices.
But when a photo surfaced of her standing next to Joella’s life-sized Labubu interpretation, the internet exploded. Some fans joked that Lisa had brought a real-life Labubu doll as an accessory, calling the moment “the ultimate crossover.”
The image quickly circulated online, blending K-pop stardom with drag excellence and toy fandom into a single, unforgettable photo op.
Lisa’s Longtime Love for Labubu
Lisa’s connection to Labubu goes deeper than just posing for a viral photo. The BLACKPINK member has long been vocal about her obsession with Pop Mart collectibles, especially Labubu figures.
In a 2024 Vanity Fair interview, Lisa said:
“As soon as I got them, I went crazy. I spent all my money. I go to Pop Mart everywhere if I fly to New York, I go to Miami, I try to find Pop Mart there, Paris. Kinda like finding treasure.”
She even wore a Labubu-themed outfit during a London stop on her Deadline World Tour, cementing her status as one of the toy brand’s most stylish unofficial ambassadors.
So for fans who know Lisa’s Labubu love, seeing her beside Joella’s full-costume recreation was both hilarious and oddly poetic.
Labubu: From Niche Toy to Global Pop Culture Moment
For those unfamiliar, Labubu is a mischievous little creature from the Monster series by Pop Mart, a Chinese collectible art toy brand. Known for its quirky designs and whimsical expressions, Labubu has a cult following, especially in parts of Asia.
But with moments like this at the Emmys—and with stars like Lisa and Joella giving the character global exposure—Labubu is quickly becoming more than just a collectible. It’s evolving into a fashion and fandom icon.
Joella’s Emmys look may have started as playful drag, but it turned into a viral fashion moment that introduced millions to Labubu in the most unexpected way.
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