Pop icon Ariana Grande has once again turned heads—and stirred up the fashion commentary—with her most recent red-carpet moment: a custom pink fuzzy minidress by 16Arlington that drew playful comparisons to the beloved designer-toy character LABUBU.
The Look & The Vibes
At an appearance promoting the upcoming film Wicked: For Good, Grande stepped out in a pink fuzzy minidress—complete with a satin bow belt and T-strap heels encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Styled by renowned fashion artist Law Roach, the ensemble radiated playful glamour with a hint of retro charm.
What caused the buzz? The texture and silhouette of the dress evoked the plush-toy aesthetic of Labubu—characterised by its soft, cuddly vibe and quirky pop culture appeal. Hence, media outlets described Grande as looking like a “chic Labubu” in this look.
Why It Works
- Texture + Tone: The fuzzy pink fabric taps into the tactile trend of plush, tactile looks—not just about colour, but feel. The soft pink hue plays into Grande’s long-standing “Glinda” aesthetic, referencing her role and style evolution.
- Playful Reference: The Labubu echo works because it’s light-hearted yet fashion-savvy—the kind of wink celebrity style fans love to decode.
- Attention to Detail: From the satin bow belt to the crystal-embellished shoes, every accessory elevates the whimsical dress into red-carpet territory.
- Narrative Alignment: As Grande is deep into her promotional run for Wicked: For Good, the bubblegum-feminine pink aligns with her character’s visual world—reinforcing brand and persona in one look.
Takeaways for Your Own Style
- Don’t fear texture: A fuzzy fabric can be a statement piece—balance it with sleek accessories (like minimal jewellery or structured shoes) so it doesn’t read too costume-like.
- Colour story matters: If you’re leaning full-out on pink, keep the rest of the palette simple so the hue remains the focal point.
- Add a twist: Grande injected personality (Labubu-vibes!) so think: what subtle pop-culture or design reference can you nod to in your outfit?
- Context is key: This kind of look works in press tour, party or event settings. For everyday wear, shrink the scale—maybe fuzzy pink sweater + denim + low heels.
Final Thought
Ariana Grande’s fuzzy pink minidress is more than a pretty dress—it’s a calculated fashion moment. By combining playful texture, pop-culture reference (Labubu), colour continuity (her Glinda era), and high-fashion execution (custom 16Arlington, Swarovski heels), she created a look that’s memorable, sharable and structurally sound.
If you’re thinking of recreating something similar, lean into the texture and colour first, then let the little details (belt, shoes, styling) carry the sophistication. Want help finding something inspired by this look (within budget) or styling for your own event? I’ve got you!