In a world increasingly driven by digital culture, one quirky little character from China has managed to take the physical toy market by storm. That character is Labubu — a mischievous, wild-haired creature that has become one of the most beloved and sought-after figures in the designer toy world.
At first glance, Labubu might look like a cheeky monster or a mischievous gremlin, but behind that grinning face is a deep story rooted in Chinese creativity, artistic collaboration, and a booming toy culture.
This article explores what Labubu truly is, its Chinese origins, why it became a global phenomenon, and how it’s shaping the future of collectible toys.
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu comes from the creative universe of The Monsters, a series of designer toys imagined by the talented artist duo Kasing Lung and the team at POP MART, a leading Chinese toy company.
Who is Kasing Lung?
Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong-born artist known for his surreal illustrations and fantastical creatures. He originally worked in graphic design and illustration but eventually transitioned into the world of designer toys, where his style truly flourished. His characters—often resembling fairy tale monsters with a twist of melancholy and humor—carry a signature that is hard to miss.
Labubu was born from his imagination—a creature that is both playful and unpredictable, with a mischievous grin and a childlike spirit. Over time, Labubu evolved from a sketch into a three-dimensional vinyl art toy that now stands as an icon of modern collectible culture.
Labubu and POP MART: The Partnership That Changed Everything
While Kasing Lung created Labubu, it was POP MART that helped turn the character into a collectible sensation.
POP MART is a Beijing-based company that specializes in designer blind box toys. These are small, sealed packages where you don’t know which figure you’re going to get—adding an element of surprise and excitement to each purchase. The company collaborates with artists from around the world to bring their characters to life in vinyl form.
Labubu was introduced into POP MART’s product line through various series such as Labubu Fairy Tales, Labubu Circus, Labubu Animal Series, and many others. Each series features Labubu dressed in different themes and costumes—from pirates to forest elves, astronauts to dinosaurs.
This clever combination of strong visual storytelling and blind box marketing made Labubu a hit in China and soon across Asia.
What Does Labubu Look Like?
Labubu has a highly recognizable appearance. The core features include:
- Spiky, unkempt hair that gives it a wild, feral vibe.
- Wide, toothy grin full of jagged teeth, giving it both a cute and creepy appeal.
- Big, expressive eyes that can look innocent, sly, or mysterious depending on the version.
- Slim limbs and small body, allowing artists to dress it up in a wide range of themes.
Though simple in structure, Labubu’s design is extremely flexible. That’s part of the genius—its base form is like a canvas that can be transformed into any number of whimsical identities.
Blind Box Culture: Fueling Labubu’s Popularity
One of the main drivers behind Labubu’s success is the blind box culture in China and across Asia. Buying a POP MART box is like buying a lottery ticket. You might get the regular version, a rare variant, or even the secret edition, which is the most valuable and desired.
This mystery element keeps fans coming back. Collectors form communities online where they trade or sell figures, discuss new series releases, and even display their growing collections in custom shelves.
Because each series has limited runs, older editions of Labubu can become extremely valuable on the resale market—some going for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
1. Cultural Crossover Appeal
Although Labubu comes from China, its charm is universal. It’s cute enough to appeal to younger fans, strange enough to intrigue art lovers, and rare enough to entice collectors. Labubu doesn’t speak a specific language, nor is it tied to a particular myth or folklore. That freedom makes it globally accessible.
2. Emotional Connection
Labubu isn’t just a figure; it feels like a character with a personality. Some versions look mischievous, others look sad, happy, sleepy, or playful. This emotional range allows fans to connect with different versions in a personal way.
3. Artistry and Craftsmanship
Unlike mass-produced toys, Labubu figures feature beautiful paintwork, hand-drawn aesthetics, and thoughtful details. Each figure feels like a mini sculpture, bridging the gap between collectible toy and artwork.
4. Rarity and Exclusivity
The limited-edition nature of Labubu makes it highly desirable. Some special editions are only available through events, pop-ups, or raffles. This scarcity creates a strong secondary market and fuels passionate collecting.
Labubu’s Global Expansion
Though Labubu originated in China, it didn’t take long for it to travel far and wide. POP MART has opened flagship stores in countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the U.S., and the U.K.. Labubu figures have been displayed in international toy exhibitions and art shows, further increasing their reach.
In addition, POP MART’s online platform and partnerships with global e-commerce websites have made it easier for international fans to purchase Labubu toys, though rare editions still require dedicated hunting.
Labubu has also become a popular subject in fan art, custom toys, and digital illustrations shared widely on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Labubu in Fashion, Lifestyle, and Art
Labubu’s popularity has expanded beyond toys. The character has appeared on clothing, accessories, bags, phone cases, and more. Limited-edition merchandise often sells out quickly, especially collaborations with designers or influencers.
Art galleries have hosted Labubu-inspired exhibits, where the character is reimagined through paintings, sculptures, and even augmented reality experiences. This shows that Labubu is no longer just a product—it’s a cultural icon.
The Future of Labubu
Labubu’s journey is far from over. As designer toys become more mainstream, characters like Labubu are well-positioned to lead the next wave of creative culture.
Future possibilities include:
- Animated series or films based on Labubu and The Monsters universe.
- Digital collectibles and NFTs featuring Labubu’s many versions.
- Augmented reality toys, where fans can interact with Labubu using their phones.
- Theme parks or pop-up experiences centered around the Labubu world.
With a strong fan base, innovative creators, and a versatile character, Labubu could become a timeless brand much like Hello Kitty or Pokémon—straddling the line between toy, art, and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Labubu as a Symbol of Modern Creativity
In many ways, Labubu is more than just a designer toy. It’s a symbol of how Chinese creativity has made a powerful mark on global culture. Through a clever mix of art, play, emotion, and mystery, Labubu invites people of all ages to dream, collect, and connect.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone drawn to Labubu’s curious grin, the character offers something unique—an escape into a world that’s as strange as it is beautiful.
Labubu teaches us that art doesn’t have to hang on a wall or live in a museum. Sometimes, it comes in a little blind box, waiting to surprise you with a smile full of teeth and a heart full of charm.
