In the world of designer toys, where creativity meets collectibility, the Labubu doll stands out as a naughty, whimsical character adored by collectors around the world. Labubu, founded by the creative brains behind POP MART, has evolved from a niche art toy into a global cultural phenomenon. But what makes this unusual tiny species so popular?
Who, or what, is Labubu?
Labubu is a fictitious character created by the German-Hong Kong artist team Kasing Lung and How2Work. Labubu, part of the THE MONSTERS collection’s artist series, was designed as a naughty little woodland monster with particularly odd traits such as a toothy grin, big ears, scruffy hair, and questioning looks.
Unlike traditional dolls, Labubu is not intended to be “cute” in the normal sense. Its beauty stems from its bizarre charm. Its eerie, fascinating, and slightly creepy appearance appeals to aficionados of dark whimsy, fantasy, and modern pop art.
The origins of Labubu
The origin of Labubu begins with Kasing Lung, an illustrator who created a fantastical world full with monsters and odd creatures. He first presented Labubu through his picture books and artwork. POP MART, a Chinese business known for its collectible blind box toys, worked with Lung to make Labubu a physical collector figure.
POP MART’s “blind box” distribution approach, in which purchasers have no idea which character or design they will receive, contributed to Labubu’s collectability and desirability. With each new series, Labubu adopted new personas and clothes, from astronauts to chefs to legendary creatures, each adding layers to the character’s identity.
Labubu’s Multiple Faces: Series and Themes
The Labubu doll’s popularity stems from the several themed series in which it appears. Each series is limited edition and introduces a new twist to the character.
Some of the most popular sets are:
The Labubu Fairy Tale Series features characters from classic fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Big Bad Wolf, and Pinocchio.
The Labubu Monster Series emphasizes Labubu’s roots in fantasy and horror, with spooky variations of the figure wearing horns, masks, and otherworldly accessories.
Labubu Sweet Series: A more cheerful approach, using pastel colors, dessert-themed costumes, and happy emotions.
The Labubu Zodiac Series has patterns inspired by Chinese zodiac signs, which combine cultural history with artistic flair.
What makes Labubu unique?
Labubu isn’t simply a toy. It combines art, storytelling, and emotional reminiscence. Here’s why it’s taking the world by storm.
Artistic Integrity
Labubu is not a committee-designed product; rather, it is the result of a single artistic vision. Kasing Lung’s designs are rich in storytelling and have distinct aesthetics, lending Labubu a strong sense of identity.
Emotional Connection
With its enormous, expressive eyes and slightly grotesque grin, Labubu elicits a wide range of feelings, from curiosity to comfort. Fans frequently express a connection with the persona, particularly those who are drawn to outsider art or uncommon beauty.
High Collectability
Labubu dolls are not simply toys; they are limited-edition art collectibles. POP MART produces a limited amount of each series, which increases demand and makes them highly desirable on resale markets.
Nostalgic and whimsical design
Labubu evokes childhood memories, fairy tales, and imagination, while simultaneously appealing to mature sensibilities with its dark, mischievous tone.
PopMart and the Rise of Designer Toys
Labubu’s fame is mostly due to POP MART, a company that has transformed the designer toy market in Asia and beyond. POP MART works with a diverse group of artists to create vinyl figurines that blur the line between toys and collectibles.
The brand’s flagship storefronts, vending machines, and online platforms have made toys like Labubu more accessible while keeping them exclusive. Events like as the Beijing Toy Show and DesignerCon have helped Labubu earn international recognition and a fan base that spans from China to the United States, Europe, and beyond.
The Labubu Collectors Community
Labubu has created a dedicated global collector community. Instagram hashtags such as #labubu, #popmartlabubu, and #kasinglung are flooded with unpacking videos, shelf displays, and trade requests. Enthusiasts debate the rarity of each figure, their design interpretations, and the emotional significance of their favorites.
Collectors can also use Facebook groups and Discord channels to buy, sell, and trade figures, as well as share anecdotes about how they fell in love with Labubu or which “chase” they are looking for.
Some enthusiasts even go so far as to customize their Labubu figures by constructing creative designs or small dioramas to display their collections.
Price, Rarity, and Where to Buy
Labubu dolls are generally marketed in blind box format, with each box costing between $10 and $20, depending on the series and locality. However, uncommon or limited edition Labubu figures can sell for hundreds of dollars on resale sites such as eBay, StockX, and local collector organizations.
Labubu dolls are available for purchase from POP MART Official Website, AliExpress, Shopee, and Urban Outfitters (with limited availability).
Amazon and eBay
In-store at POP MART vending machines or boutiques
Be cautious while purchasing Labubu dolls, as counterfeits have infiltrated the market. Always verify your seller, and whenever feasible, use official sources.
The Magic of Labubu
In a world dominated by mass-produced characters and predictable attractiveness, Labubu offers something unique: a somewhat spooky, deeply amusing, and brilliantly designed companion from The Monsters universe. It demonstrates how art and commerce can combine to produce something genuinely unique.
