BLACKPINK member Lisa had a surprise encounter with a life-sized Labubu doll during the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet. The unusual moment happened when Joella, a contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17, arrived at the event dressed as the popular Chinese toy character. Lisa, who is a well-known Labubu collector, posed for pictures with Joella, creating a viral moment that surprised and amused online fans.
The meeting between Lisa and the “real-life Labubu” became a major talking point from the awards ceremony, especially because of Lisa’s widely documented love for the collectible toy. Social media users quickly shared images and comments, with some joking that Lisa had brought her own giant Labubu as a unique accessory.
Lisa’s Labubu Obsession
Lisa’s interest in Labubu toys is no secret. She has often spoken about her passion for collecting figures made by Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu. In a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, Lisa shared how her friends in Thailand introduced her to the brand, and she quickly became an enthusiastic collector. She mentioned:
“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.”
This wasn’t the first time Lisa incorporated Labubu into her public appearances. During her recent Deadline World Tour performance in London, she even wore a Labubu-inspired outfit on stage. Her well-known fascination with the character made her interaction with Joella’s costume even more meaningful to fans.
Who Was the Real-Life Labubu?
The person inside the Labubu costume was Joella, a drag performer and contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17. Her outfit included a full furry suit, signature Labubu ears, and a cutout for her face where she applied makeup to resemble the doll. She completed the look with a red dress and a lunchbox-style carry bag.
In a video posted to fellow drag queen Jewels Sparkles’ Instagram Stories, Joella introduced herself by saying:
“Hi! It’s the slay-sian Labubu.”
Joella’s creative outfit stood out on the red carpet, attracting attention not only from photographers but also from celebrities like Lisa.
Lisa’s Role at the Emmys
Lisa attended the 2025 Emmy Awards primarily for her acting debut in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus, where she played the character Mook. The show received 23 nominations at the ceremony, although it won only one award. Lisa walked the red carpet in a pink ribbon-designed gown by Lever Couture and later changed into a white corset dress for the after-parties.
Despite not being nominated in the acting categories, Lisa’s presence was a highlight of the night. She was accompanied by her The White Lotus co-stars, including Aimee Lou Wood, who had previously spoken about Lisa’s humility and professionalism on set.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Online reactions to the meeting between Lisa and Joella were swift and playful. Many fans on social media platforms expressed amusement, with some noting how perfectly the moment aligned with Lisa’s personal interests. One fan commented that it looked like Lisa had “met her match,” while others praised Joella for bringing a fun and unexpected element to the red carpet.
The photos of the two together quickly circulated online, with entertainment and pop culture accounts sharing the images alongside jokes and supportive messages. The moment was widely described as one of the most charming and unexpected highlights of the 2025 Emmys.
Significance of the Encounter
This interaction resonated with fans because it connected Lisa’s personal hobby with a public event. Labubu dolls are part of a popular collectible series, and Lisa’s open appreciation for them has made her a favorite among collector communities. The appearance of a drag performer embodying the character at a major awards show added a layer of creativity and cultural crossover.
The moment also highlighted how drag culture and mainstream entertainment continue to intersect, with RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni increasingly appearing at high-profile events. Joella’s choice of costume was both a personal expression and a nod to a pop culture phenomenon embraced by celebrities like Lisa.
Lisa’s Current Projects
Aside from her attendance at the Emmys, Lisa remains busy with BLACKPINK’s Deadline World Tour, which is set to resume on October 18. Her performance in The White Lotus has also sparked discussions about her future in acting. After the season finale, Lisa posted on Instagram:
“What a ride. Thank you Mike White for trusting in me to fulfill the role of Mook and bring her character to life. It was the greatest honor to be part of this show as my first acting gig alongside such incredible actors.”
She also expressed pride in showcasing her home country, Thailand, through the show.
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