What is Labubu? The Global Phenomenon Explained

4th November 2024 EDT FEATURES

What is Labubu? The Global Phenomenon Explained

Uncover the charm of Labubu—the viral toy sensation loved by collectors and celebrities alike. Explore its origins, unique designs, and where to snag your own!

What is Labubu? The Global Phenomenon Explained

Labubu Retail US$

In the whirlwind world of viral toys, few have captured hearts quite like Labubu. This eerie, yet adorable creature has exploded in popularity, leaving many scrambling to understand the phenomenon.

From its mysterious origins to its surprisingly complex backstory, Labubu offers more than just cute visuals. Dive into the world of Labubu and discover all you need to know about this captivating toy that’s stolen hearts worldwide.

The Birth of Labubu

Labubu first debuted in 2015 as part of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung’s story series, The Monsters, which is inspired by Nordic mythology. It features a variety of quirky characters, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato, and, of course, Labubu.

With her pointy ears, playful grin, and nine serrated teeth, Labubu is an elf known for her mischievous personality. *Fun fact: Labubu is a girl!

Beyond her cute appearance, Labubu embodies the spirit of childhood adventure and imagination, which is evident in her many expressive faces.

“I feel that this character has grown with me throughout all these events. In the past, I’d just thought of her as mischievous and kooky, but now I think she’s showing much calmer and amicable qualities,” said Lung.

Real-world Invasion

Although Labubu has built a dedicated following since its launch, it wasn’t until 2019 that Kasing Lung officially signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the Chinese toymaker Pop Mart to produce physical products in a blind-box format.

This partnership propelled Labubu into the global spotlight. The diverse array of designs, distinguished by expressions and colors, has further fueled public interest in collecting these toys, resulting in over 300 variations to date.

Labubu Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box V1

Labubu Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box V2

This brings us to the highly sought-after Labubu plush pendants, which are now popular as bag charms. The first of these, The Monsters – Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, commonly known as V1, was launched in October 2023. These charming figures come in various dessert-themed colors and feature adjustable heads, arms, and feet, making them ideal for both accessorizing and display.

Following that, in July 2024, the second series, The Monsters – Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box (V2), was released, introducing seated charms made from a softer, furrier material. These come with tonal ring clasps that match each doll’s color. Each Labubu in this series showcases one of three adorable expressions: eyes open, blinking, or closed.

Additionally, both V1 and V2 are available in a “secret” edition alongside the “regular” edition, featuring rare designs that are hard to find, adding to the excitement of collecting.

Star Power Surge: BLACKPINK’s Lisa

With Labubu’s existing popularity, the true spark came when BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared her Labubu collection, with Róse also appearing in the shot. This sent the internet into a frenzy, capturing the attention of fans of the K-pop group and pop culture enthusiasts alike, and resulting in numerous sell-outs worldwide.

Now that you know a bit about Labubu’s background, you might be eager to get one for yourself! Typically available at Pop Mart stores worldwide, Labubu can also be found on the SNKRDUNK platform. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a piece of this trendy collectible and enjoy the thrill of owning your very own Labubu. Happy shopping!