Osaka Sparkled with Glittering Labubus

Osaka shows off Arthur Flashe at the US Open

Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka made great strides in this year's US Open, reaching the semi finals, but was defeated by Amanda Anisimova 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.

Not only did Osaka garner attention for her bling outfits that she had a hand in designing, but also carrying her glittering Labubu-esque dolls, a different one each day clipped to her bag that she brought court side.

Each match she carried a different Labubu

Perhaps what was more upsetting for her than losing in the semi finals was not being able to show off one more Labubu.

"Oh, don't make me cry, man. Oh, my God, the most devastating question," she said with a smile when asked about the Labubu that never was.

"I wanted to make one of myself in last year's outfit, and it was the green one. I would have had the bow, and I'm sick about it," she revealed amidst laughter. "Oh, my God, that's, like, the worst thing. Honestly, I'm fine losing, but don't ask me about this Labubu, man. Yeah, it would have been me."

Osaka worked with artist Kerin Rose Gold to create the tennis-themed five-inch Labubu figurines each carrying a tennis racquet.

There was Billie Jean King as Billie Jean Bling and LaBillieBoo (complete with oversized red eyeglasses), Althea Glitterson (Althea Gibson, one of the first Black tennis players), Andre Swagassi, a play on Andre Agassi with a headband, and Arthur Flashe, an homage to Arthur Ashe.

Gold with King and Labubu

Billie Jean Bling and Arthur Flashe even have their own Instagram accounts.

During the US Open it took Gold nine to 12 hours to complete one Labubu from scratch, including five hours to 3D print it and then another few hours to glue all the crystals on.

Gold also helped create the sparkling roses in Osaka's hair for her appearances.

If Labubu fans want one, they can order a "Lablingbling from Gold's A-Morir website with prices ranging from US$351 for a mini-sized one, up to US$737 for Labillieboo and Andre Swagassi...