Main Takeaways
- Labubu was created in 2015 and became famous in 2019 after Pop Mart launched it as blind-box collectibles.
- It is now a global craze, backed by celebrities and collectors, with rare editions selling for over $170,000.
- Its popularity comes from the ugly-cute look, the surprise of blind boxes, nostalgia, and its use in fashion and art.
- Pop Mart is expanding worldwide with plans for films and theme parks, while counterfeit toys are also spreading.
Ugly but cute, with mystery and costumers’ attention, that’s Labubu toy- global trend gathering lines of people to buy it even with high price.
Hong Kong’s Labubu is more than a toy, it’s a cultural icon. With its cheeky grin and furry body, it has grown from a little-known storybook character into a six-figure collectible loved by celebrities and fans worldwide.
How it started
Labubu was created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, who grew up in the Netherlands reading Nordic fairy tales. In 2015, he released The Monsters, a book series with fun, elf-like characters called Labubus. They were shown as kind but messy ,magical creatures who often made trouble while trying to do good.
Then it got too popular
The big break came in 2019, when Lung teamed up with Chinese toy company Pop Mart. They turned Labubu into a collectible art toy, mostly sold in blind boxes — surprise packages where buyers don’t know which figure they’ll get until they open it. The mystery, along with the chance to find a rare “secret” figure, brought back childhood memories of trading cards and cereal-box prizes.
Since then, Labubu has become a global sensation:
- Celebrity endorsements: Spotted with Rihanna, Dua Lipa, David Beckham, and Paris Hilton.
- Street fashion: Clipped to handbags, belt loops, and even worn at protests and Pride parades.
- Collector’s market: Life-size editions have sold for more than $170,000, while rare miniatures fetch hundreds online.
- Explosive sales: In 2025, Pop Mart reported profits soaring nearly 400%, making it more valuable than Mattel, Hasbro, and Sanrio combined.
The Secret to Its Popularity
- Ugly-Cute Appeal: Its toothy grin blends creepiness with charm, making it stand out in a world of kawaii toys.
- Blind Box Addiction: The thrill of surprise drives repeat purchases and fuels a passionate collector culture.
- Nostalgia + Escapism: For young adults, Labubu is a way to reconnect with childhood wonder while expressing individuality.
- Cultural Flexibility: Labubu appears in art exhibitions, fashion shoots, protests, and even high-end auctions , blurring the line between toy, art, and lifestyle accessory.
What’s Next?
Pop Mart is expanding rapidly, opening stores across the U.S. and Europe, exploring markets in the Middle East and Latin America, and eyeing animated films and theme park attractions. With soaring demand, Labubu isn’t just a collectible anymore — it’s shaping up to be a global brand.
But fans should beware: the craze has also led to counterfeit Labubus, some of which pose safety risks. Authorities in the UK and elsewhere have already seized thousands of fakes.
What people say?
“These are the scariest looking things I’ve ever seen”
“My daughter has been begging for days saying ” mom, all my friends have it, and I want it too!”
“Overpriced& ugly McDonald’s Happy meal toy”
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