We’re halfway through October, which of course means it’s time to start Christmas shopping unless you want to fall hopelessly behind! I don’t personally agree with that — even Ms. Christmas herself Mariah Carey doesn’t think it’s time until November 1! — but it feels like retailers launch their winter holiday campaigns earlier and earlier each year. Let Halloween breathe, please! All that griping to say, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton has been tapped by QVC to be their “Mrs. Claus” this year. The announcement came with photos and video of Mrs. Hilton Claus donning a red plaid dress with a big ass bow across the chest that you just know Princess Kate would kill to wear at one of her piano recitals. Kathy recently spoke with Parade to promote the gig, where she proceeded to spill the beans on what she’s getting her family members for Christmas. And that’s where things took a terrible, terrible turn, because prominent on her list of gifts is… LABUBU. Uh, how about La-nono?
During the chat, the socialite goes down the list she’s already made in her head (and, assumingly, checking it twice). Her husband, Richard Hilton, and son-in-laws will get sweaters. Daughters Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton are getting a nice piece from her jewelry collection. For the children, though, she’s cashing in on the latest trend.
“I have a lot of Labubus, so they’ll be getting some,” she reveals. “And maybe I’ll do some of those for Paris, too. She loves them.”
Of course, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree! Fans of Hilton, 66, know how much she has documented her love of the collectible dolls that have seemingly taken the world by storm. As she reveals to Parade, she has “probably 40” of them in her own personal collection.
And she highlighted her obsession during a recent partnership with Anna Zuckerman jewelry over the summer. The centerpiece of the event was a vending machine that contained not only bags of accessories, but matching Labubus with their own miniature version of the same piece.
In her new role as Mrs. Claus, Hilton will headline a series of merry events and moments as part of QVC’s “All is Bright” holiday campaign. That includes a Nov. 4 livestreamed pajama party from her Bel-Air home, and a two-day pop up experience, “Mrs. Claus’ Holiday House,” in New York City’s Flatiron District on Nov. 19 and 20.
“Kathy embodies the spirit of every woman who transforms holiday moments into joyful memories that last a lifetime,” said Mara Sirhal, Chief Merchandising Officer at QVC, in a press release. “From our TV broadcasts to live shopping on our TikTok Shop, we’re making it easier than ever to deck the halls and discover the perfect gifts for the Mrs. Claus in your life—so she can finally enjoy the magic of the season.”
I grumbled a bit last year over how many of my friends and family gifted me socks for the holidays/my birthday (December baby). Hear this world: I would take socks, any day, for the rest of my days, rather than this vermin of the plush accessories world, the Labubu. I don’t think they’re all that original (Where the Wild Things Are, anyone?) and I don’t think they add anything to designer handbags (I’m still deeply disappointed with Lady Gaga over that). But more significantly, I can’t stand the herd mentality of it all. It’s Stanley Cup mania all over again, minus the benefit of hydration. And come on Kathy, 40? Think of all the dinners at the Cheesecake Factory that money could’ve gone to! I guess it didn’t hit me until this interview that we’re about to enter the first holiday season under Labubu lunacy. I can’t stop imagining the little imps on the mantel, menacingly sitting next to an Elf of the Shelf. This is officially my nightmare before Christmas.
photos credit: Jeffrey Mayer/Avalon, affinitypicture/Backgrid, Fagency/INSTARimages
I *still* haven’t seen one of these Labubu things in the real world so I’m still not convinced this isn’t an internet hoax. Also I would love for people to give me socks! Socks are one of those unexciting things I don’t want to “waste” my own money on because I already have plenty but I would be happy to have some new ones.
I saw them on bags when I was in Chicago and Boston for work, but in my small town and more suburban areas haven’t seen them at all.
I saw one clipped to someone’s backpack while I was in a TSA line! it was in a clear protective case, which seems excessive??
Socks are totally my go to gift for all my middle aged friends especially high quality expensive ones that people probably wouldn’t buy for themselves. But those lubumumu thingys are ugly and expensive. They’ll be like beanie babies in a couple of years, no collectable resale value
I didnt even recognize her and im still not positive it’s her. her face, esp the bottom half, looks so different.
My husband and I are currently in trouble with his ex because she gave my stepdaughter a bunch of Labubus for her birthday last month, and we let her sell them on Ebay for over $500 (we thought it’d be fine, since by the time she has to visit her mom next summer, they’ll probably be out of fashion and she’d have no reason to have them clipped everywhere. But FIL accidentally blabbed). Hints had been dropped, and my stepdaughter made it clear she wasn’t into them, but her mom’s the type of person who buys gifts that are popular (or even just expensive and thus prestigious) without considering whether or not the recipient will actually enjoy them. Don’t be that person!
Once a gift is given it belongs to the recipient to do whatever; selling and using the cash for something you do want is perfectly acceptable.
It’s never not weird when a 70-something collects children’s toys
I saw some knockoffs on sale at the counter of my local gas station. I don’t find anything about them to be cute or appealing, really.