When Joella stepped onto the Emmy red carpet at the Emmy’s, she wasn’t wearing a gown or tuxedo. Instead, the Drag Race Season 17 contestant transformed into Labubu, the cult-favorite designer doll known for its furry tan body, oversized ears, wide eyes, and sharp-toothed grin. Joella’s face was framed in a circular cutout, with makeup designed to mirror Labubu’s mischievous aesthetic.
The look, which she called “Slaysian Labubu,” was both campy and couture, showcasing how drag can stretch the boundaries of what’s considered award-show fashion.
The Labubu suit was paired with a bold red floral qipao/cheongsam, red shoes, and whimsical accessories including a takeout box-shaped purse and a woven hat. The creative team behind the transformation included designer Lauren Rose (@lauren.rose.designs) and makeup artist DeAngel Monroe (@deangelmonroe).
The fusion of traditional styling with a pop-culture icon made the outfit stand out as more than cosplay, it was a fashion statement rooted in drag’s ability to remix culture.
Why Labubu?
Labubu, a character from the collectible Pop Mart toy line, has a cult following among fans of designer toys and street art. Joella’s choice connected with a younger audience that views collectibles as part of cultural fashion, not just fandom. The look placed drag artistry in dialogue with global pop trends, highlighting Joella’s ability to innovate.
Reactions on the Carpet
Media outlets and fans lit up social media, with E! Online dubbing Joella the “mystery Labubu queen” of the night and PureWow praising the mash-up of drag, designer toys, and cultural motifs. Publications like Them described the look as part of a larger trend of Drag Race stars using the Emmys carpet as a stage for fashion disruption.
Across Instagram and X, the outfit went viral, with fans posting side-by-side comparisons of Joella and Labubu, calling it one of the boldest Emmy outfits in recent memory.
The Emmys have increasingly become a platform for stars to make statements beyond fashion. Joella’s Labubu costume was playful, campy, and deeply referential, everything drag fans expect. At the same time, it sparked conversations about how red carpets can embrace humor, artistry, and pop-culture mashups instead of sticking to convention.
In a night where shows and actors were honored for creativity, Joella reminded audiences that the red carpet can be just as groundbreaking as the awards themselves.
