HANGZHOU, China, Aug 15 – An unusual exhibition in Hangzhou is turning heads by showcasing some of the most bizarre and unconventional products found on the internet in China, from sandals shaped like cabbage leaves to odd stacks of cat-shaped cushions.

Titled "The Era of Uglies Has Arrived," the exhibition is being held for the first time by Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao, owned by Alibaba. It highlights over 300 unique items that either won or were nominated in the platform’s annual Ugly Stuff Contest, often referred to as the Uglies Award.

Yu Hu, who oversees the Uglies Award project, noted that the exhibition attracted more than 3,000 visitors each day during its run between late July and mid-August.

According to Alibaba, these unconventional items have brought in over 100 million yuan (around $13.94 million) in sales since 2020. Yu also mentioned that this niche market is growing rapidly, with sales increasing at double or even triple-digit rates.

Younger shoppers are driving the trend, embracing these visually unusual items as a way to showcase their personal style. In a challenging economic climate, many are gravitating toward playful and affordable products as part of a broader trend known as emotional consumption.

"Lately, emotional consumption has become a new and expanding segment in the market," Yu explained, referring to the growing interest in feel-good purchases that prioritize emotional appeal.

One well-known product representing this trend is the quirky Labubu figure, recognized for its oversized eyes and toothy smile. It has gained a cult following worldwide, with fans that include celebrities like Rihanna and David Beckham.

For some attendees, the exhibition offered a thought-provoking look at what defines beauty, while others appreciated it as an example of creative innovation.

"I believe ugliness can be a kind of beauty too," said 55-year-old visitor Mei Duo. "There’s an incredible amount of imagination behind these designs — it’s a unique expression of beauty."

($1 = 7.1717 Chinese yuan renminbi)