If you’ve been anywhere near the fashion side of social media, toy stores, or pop culture forums lately, you’ve probably seen Labubu—the mischievous, big-eyed stuffed creature that’s become a global obsession. But what exactly is (a) Labubu, why is it so popular, and how can collectors (or new fans) get in on the trend?
What began as an underground art toy phenomenon has now spread into mainstream media, fueled by social media influencers, celebrity endorsements (Rihanna, Bella Hadid JENNIE) and a near obsession of its oddly charming design.
Now, there’s some of us who have been hesitant to join this new bandwagon of Labubu owners, and are curious to peel back the layers of this cultural moment before possibly surrendering their coins to the movement.
Well, look no further because you’re at the right place. In this article, we’ll explore:
- What a Labubu is and its origins
- Why it’s trending now
- Where to buy authentic Labubu
- Tips for collectors (from casual fans to hardcore investors)
Now, shall we?
What is Labubu? The Story Behind the Viral Phenomenon
The story begins with Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, whose “The Monsters” series introduced the world to Labubu in 2015. Unlike the saccharine-sweet characters dominating the kawaii market, Labubu arrived with jagged teeth, asymmetrical eyes, and an attitude that felt equal parts playful and slightly dangerous.
This was intentional. Lung’s background in street art and graphic design is seen in every detail—from the intentionally rough brush stroke textures to the creature’s unpredictable expressions. In an interview with Hypebeast, Lung described Labubu as “the id unleashed,” a physical manifestation of our unfiltered inner selves.
The Key Traits of Labubu:
🔹 Appearance: They have round eyes, jagged teeth, and a tiny, impish body.
🔹 Personality: They are designed to be mischievous, unpredictable, and oddly charming.
🔹 Variations: Some of this Mercy comes in blind box figures, large-scale statues, and collabs (like with Pop Mart).
Unlike a typical “kawaii” character, Labubu has an edgy, almost gothic vibe to it, making it stand out in the crowded world of designer toys.
Why is Labubu Trending Right Now?
Labubu isn’t new (it debuted in 2015), but its popularity has skyrocketed within the past few years. Here’s the reason why:
Several factors converged to transform Labubu from an art world darling into a full-blown phenomenon:
A. The Blind Box Strategy
Pop Mart’s ingenious marketing strategy—mystery boxes with varying rarity levels—tapped into our love of gambling and discovery. The dopamine hit from unboxing a rare “Devil Labubu” or glow-in-the-dark variant became a social media catnip.
B. Celebrity Influence
When former BLACKPINK member, JENNIE, began posting her Labubu collection, the internet broke. Overnight, searches for “Labubu” spiked 800%. Similarly, Rihanna who was photographed with at least one of this collectible led to further cementing it as the cool kid’s collectible toy.
C. The Secondary Market Boom
As with any hype cycle, scarcity drives desire. The limited edition “Zombie Labubu” that originally sold for $30 now commands over $500 on StockX. This speculative frenzy has turned casual collectors into serious investors.
Where to Buy Authentic Labubu Figures:
- Official Sites such as Pop Mart or even Kasing Lung’s store
- Resale Markets: StockX (for rare pieces), eBay (check seller ratings)
- Local Stores: Kinokuniya, specialty toy shops
Avoid fake products by looking for official packaging, hologram stickers, and seller reputation scores before purchasing.
How to Start Collecting Labubu (Without Going Broke)
If you’re only just investing into the Labubu craze? Don’t fret it. Here are some helpful tips to help you out:
1. Start Small
– Grab a blind box series (like the “Forest” or “Harvest” sets) to test the waters.
2. Trade Dupes
– Join Facebook groups or Discord servers to exchange figures where necessary.
3. Pre-Order New Drops
– Follow the official page (@popmartglobal) on IG for launch alerts.
4. Display Like a Pro
– To show off your hard earned collection, use floating shelves or acrylic cases for better effect.
The next time you see someone unboxing a Labubu on TikTok or spot one on a celebrity’s shelf, you’ll now understand what the hype is about. Now that I’ve put you up to date on Labubu, will you be joining the hype and purchasing your very first?
