Once a quirky storybook character, Labubu — the mischievous, elf-like figure with rabbit ears and sharp teeth — has transformed into a cultural icon and billion-dollar collectible. This tiny toy has captivated global audiences, from fashion-forward celebrities to everyday collectors. As its demand continues to skyrocket, Labubu has gone from a niche designer figure to one of the most sought-after collectibles in the world.
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu was created in 2015 by Hong Kong-based illustrator Kasing Lung, best known for his surreal, whimsical visual style. The character originally appeared in Lung’s children’s book series The Monsters, accompanied by companions like Zimomo, Spooky, and Tycoco. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Labubu's distinct features — a toothy grin, oversized ears, and playful eeriness — struck a balance between innocence and mischief.
The toy took physical form in 2019, when Pop Mart, a Chinese collectible giant, collaborated with Lung to create blind-box versions of the character. In these blind boxes, the design inside is unknown until opened, introducing an element of chance. That gamble — combined with the possibility of discovering rare “secret” editions — fueled a wave of collecting excitement and community buzz, particularly across Asia.
Expanding the Labubu Universe
Labubu’s evolution has been both rapid and creative. In October 2023, Pop Mart released the first Labubu keychain collection, Exciting Macaron, which was quickly followed by themed series like Fall in Wild, Have a Seat, and Big into Energy.
In each release, Labubu is reimagined in a new persona — diver, astronaut, magician — while retaining the character’s signature identity. This variety keeps fans returning, eager to complete sets and uncover limited-edition surprises.
As the community grew, so did the market — and that’s where we come in.
And We Are Labubuverse
At Labubuverse, we’re proud to be part of this expanding global phenomenon. As a trusted reseller and passionate community member, we work directly with Pop Mart-authorized sources to bring collectors genuine Labubu figures — from standard drops to rare, hard-to-find editions.
Whether you’re new to collecting or searching for your next grail piece, Labubuverse offers a curated, reliable, and secure place to discover, shop, and celebrate the world of Labubu.
We’re not just sellers — we’re fans, too. And we believe in making the collecting experience as fun, transparent, and community-driven as possible.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
Labubu's rise has been amplified by its appeal across fashion, entertainment, and internet culture. What began as a collector’s toy became a viral fashion accessory, thanks to organic celebrity endorsements and constant buzz on platforms like TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and Instagram.
-
In April 2024, BLACKPINK’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu keychain on Instagram, instantly sparking a buying frenzy across Asia.
-
Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham followed, casually styling Labubu charms on luxury handbags and accessories.
-
By May 2025, Indian actress Ananya Panday’s pastel-pink Labubu went viral, leading beauty brand Lakmé to launch a Labubu-themed campaign.
-
K-pop idols from groups like SEVENTEEN began posting personalized Labubus, further boosting the toy’s visibility and desirability.
As demand exploded, Pop Mart even had to pause in-store sales in South Korea due to safety concerns over crowd sizes.
The Economics of Collecting Labubu
Labubu has become far more than a toy — it’s a status symbol, fashion statement, and in some cases, investment asset.
-
Standard figures retail $50 USD.
-
Rare “secret” editions often sell on secondary markets for $500–$1,500+.
-
In July 2025, a four-foot mint-green Labubu sold for $170,000 at a Pop Mart auction in Beijing — setting a new record.
-
Pop Mart has now released over 300 unique Labubu figures, including crossovers with One Piece, Coca-Cola, and Louis Vuitton — often sold in exclusive blind-box runs at locations like the Louvre Museum.
Designers have also begun creating miniature couture for Labubus. Indonesian fashion houses like Sebastian Gunawan have debuted tailored Labubu outfits at fashion events in Jakarta and Paris.
At Labubuverse, we’ve seen the market evolve in real time — and we ensure collectors get authentic, high-quality pieces as demand and value continue to climb.
Counterfeits, Controversy, and Collector Culture
With popularity comes imitation. Counterfeit Labubu figures, sometimes jokingly called Lafufus, have begun circulating online. Some collectors ironically collect fakes, drawn to their humorously flawed designs. Still, counterfeits pose a serious problem for collectors — and a risk to Pop Mart’s brand integrity.
Meanwhile, the blind-box format has faced regulatory scrutiny. Critics compare the randomized purchasing model to gambling, citing compulsive buying behavior among younger fans. In response, Chinese regulators have:
-
Banned blind-box sales to children under 8
-
Mandated clear disclosure of odds
-
Pushed for increased corporate transparency
Russia’s Federation Council even proposed banning Labubu figures entirely, calling their appearance “frightening” and potentially harmful to children’s mental health.
What’s Next for Labubu?
Labubu shows no signs of fading. Pop Mart continues to expand the brand through:
-
Augmented reality collectibles
-
Animation and storytelling IPs
-
High-fashion collaborations
-
Global brand campaigns
Whether you view it as art, fashion, or investment, Labubu is now part of global pop culture history — and we at Labubuverse are proud to help lead that journey, one collectible at a time.
Ready to Start Collecting?
Explore the latest collections and exclusive Labubu drops at labubuverse.com — your trusted source for Pop Mart-authorized Labubu figures, rare editions, and community-driven collecting.
Contact us at support@labubuverse.com
What Is Labubu — And Why Has This Toy Become a Global Fashion Phenomenon?
Once a quirky storybook character, Labubu — the mischievous, elf-like figure with rabbit ears and sharp teeth — has transformed into a cultural icon and billion-dollar collectible. This tiny toy has captivated global audiences, from fashion-forward celebrities to everyday collectors. As its demand continues to skyrocket, Labubu has gone from a niche designer figure to one of the most sought-after collectibles in the world.
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu was created in 2015 by Hong Kong-based illustrator Kasing Lung, best known for his surreal, whimsical visual style. The character originally appeared in Lung’s children’s book series The Monsters, accompanied by companions like Zimomo, Spooky, and Tycoco. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Labubu's distinct features — a toothy grin, oversized ears, and playful eeriness — struck a balance between innocence and mischief.
The toy took physical form in 2019, when Pop Mart, a Chinese collectible giant, collaborated with Lung to create blind-box versions of the character. In these blind boxes, the design inside is unknown until opened, introducing an element of chance. That gamble — combined with the possibility of discovering rare “secret” editions — fueled a wave of collecting excitement and community buzz, particularly across Asia.
Expanding the Labubu Universe
Labubu’s evolution has been both rapid and creative. In October 2023, Pop Mart released the first Labubu keychain collection, Exciting Macaron, which was quickly followed by themed series like Fall in Wild, Have a Seat, and Big into Energy.
In each release, Labubu is reimagined in a new persona — diver, astronaut, magician — while retaining the character’s signature identity. This variety keeps fans returning, eager to complete sets and uncover limited-edition surprises.
As the community grew, so did the market — and that’s where we come in.
And We Are Labubuverse
At Labubuverse, we’re proud to be part of this expanding global phenomenon. As a trusted reseller and passionate community member, we work directly with Pop Mart-authorized sources to bring collectors genuine Labubu figures — from standard drops to rare, hard-to-find editions.
Whether you’re new to collecting or searching for your next grail piece, Labubuverse offers a curated, reliable, and secure place to discover, shop, and celebrate the world of Labubu.
We’re not just sellers — we’re fans, too. And we believe in making the collecting experience as fun, transparent, and community-driven as possible.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
Labubu's rise has been amplified by its appeal across fashion, entertainment, and internet culture. What began as a collector’s toy became a viral fashion accessory, thanks to organic celebrity endorsements and constant buzz on platforms like TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and Instagram.
In April 2024, BLACKPINK’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu keychain on Instagram, instantly sparking a buying frenzy across Asia.
Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham followed, casually styling Labubu charms on luxury handbags and accessories.
By May 2025, Indian actress Ananya Panday’s pastel-pink Labubu went viral, leading beauty brand Lakmé to launch a Labubu-themed campaign.
K-pop idols from groups like SEVENTEEN began posting personalized Labubus, further boosting the toy’s visibility and desirability.
As demand exploded, Pop Mart even had to pause in-store sales in South Korea due to safety concerns over crowd sizes.
The Economics of Collecting Labubu
Labubu has become far more than a toy — it’s a status symbol, fashion statement, and in some cases, investment asset.
Standard figures retail $50 USD.
Rare “secret” editions often sell on secondary markets for $500–$1,500+.
In July 2025, a four-foot mint-green Labubu sold for $170,000 at a Pop Mart auction in Beijing — setting a new record.
Pop Mart has now released over 300 unique Labubu figures, including crossovers with One Piece, Coca-Cola, and Louis Vuitton — often sold in exclusive blind-box runs at locations like the Louvre Museum.
Designers have also begun creating miniature couture for Labubus. Indonesian fashion houses like Sebastian Gunawan have debuted tailored Labubu outfits at fashion events in Jakarta and Paris.
At Labubuverse, we’ve seen the market evolve in real time — and we ensure collectors get authentic, high-quality pieces as demand and value continue to climb.
Counterfeits, Controversy, and Collector Culture
With popularity comes imitation. Counterfeit Labubu figures, sometimes jokingly called Lafufus, have begun circulating online. Some collectors ironically collect fakes, drawn to their humorously flawed designs. Still, counterfeits pose a serious problem for collectors — and a risk to Pop Mart’s brand integrity.
Meanwhile, the blind-box format has faced regulatory scrutiny. Critics compare the randomized purchasing model to gambling, citing compulsive buying behavior among younger fans. In response, Chinese regulators have:
Banned blind-box sales to children under 8
Mandated clear disclosure of odds
Pushed for increased corporate transparency
Russia’s Federation Council even proposed banning Labubu figures entirely, calling their appearance “frightening” and potentially harmful to children’s mental health.
What’s Next for Labubu?
Labubu shows no signs of fading. Pop Mart continues to expand the brand through:
Augmented reality collectibles
Animation and storytelling IPs
High-fashion collaborations
Global brand campaigns
Whether you view it as art, fashion, or investment, Labubu is now part of global pop culture history — and we at Labubuverse are proud to help lead that journey, one collectible at a time.
Ready to Start Collecting?
Explore the latest collections and exclusive Labubu drops at labubuverse.com — your trusted source for Pop Mart-authorized Labubu figures, rare editions, and community-driven collecting.
Contact us at support@labubuverse.com