What is Labubu?
Origin and design: Labubu is the star of The Monsters, a character series created around 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic folklore and mythology, thus the pointy ears, fang-lined grin, stubby limbs, and almost scary but endearing feel.
Launch and Evolution: Initially created by How2Work in 2015, the collaboration with Chinese collecting giant Pop Mart in 2019 propelled Labubu into the mainstream as a collector toy.
Since then, over 300 distinct varieties have been released, including vinyl figures, plush charms, keychains, and massive editions.
Blind Box Strategy and Collector Psychology
Pop Mart adopted the “blind box” model, in which purchasers are unable to tell the variety they would receive until they open it. This generates excitement, suspense, and a gambling-like rush.
Cultural and Financial Explosion
In 2024, Labubu contributed around $400 million to Pop Mart’s entire sales and revenue, which reached $1.8 billion.
Pop Mart’s market valuation reached $40 billion, overtaking large toy companies like Mattel and Hasbro. CEO Wang Ning became a billionaire.
Rare copies can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, such as £1,000, ₹48,000 ($600), or up to $7,000.
Celebrity Influence and Fashion Credibility
BLACKPINK’s Lisa started the craze by attaching a Labubu charm to her purse in early 2024. Rosé followed suit.
Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, Ananya Panday, Twinkle Khanna, and others have all been seen wearing Labubus dangling from fancy bags or in airport style.
Luxury brand collaborations: Charms from Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Lakmé campaigns feature Labubu, combining collectibles with high fashion.
Social Media and Global Hype
TikTok craze: Over 1 million #labubu postings due to unboxings and reaction videos.
Popping with delight or frustration both perspectives fuel engagement.
Community culture: Active collector groups and Reddit boards discuss authenticity, quality control issues (“pregnant-looking” bellies!), and bogus warnings designated as “Lafufus” or “Chabubu”
Pop-up Store Events: Regular flash mobs, long lines, or even retail scuffles in the UK led a temporary stoppage of in-store sales.
Psychological Hooks and “Kidult” Appeal
Ugly-cute charm: Labubu’s unusual appearance draws into semantic instability, creating emotional pull through contradiction. Part adorable, part disturbing.
Stress relief and nostalgia: Adults are lured to toys as a source of comfort and escape from adulthood. Labubu serves as a warm emotional outlet.
Completionism and dopamine loops: The collector’s “hunt”, especially for secret varieties, promotes dopamine hits with each unwrapping.
Controversy and Risks
Addiction and Minors: Growing worries about blind-boxes that resemble gambling. Chinese regulators are considering restrictions.
Moral Panic: Some parents regard Labubu as an example of Gen Z frivolity or emotional dependency.
Quality and Fakes: Counterfeits (“Lafufus”) jeopardize brand integrity. Fans check the packaging foil, holograms, and packing to confirm
Psychological Effect: Critics believe that obsessive purchasing and resale binges can financially burden customers.
Availability and Pricing (Including in India)
Retail prices vary from $30 (₹2,500) for standard blind-box figures and plush keychains to ₹48,000+ (~$600) for limited editions in India.
India sources: Pop Mart official stores, e-commerce such as Kalakaar, Hype Fly India, Crep Dog Crew, and Nykaa; also resale and rental starting at £3 a day via By Rotation in the UK.
Global availability: Over 130 Pop Mart storefronts and over 200 vending machines worldwide; online via their app and partner boutiques.
The future trajectory
Expanding IP through collaborations like Coca-Cola, One Piece, Louvre Paris editions, Vans, Fendi, Warner Bros, and more.
New Markets: Aggressive spread to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and South Asia. UK shop presence is increasing.
Regulatory climate: China may strengthen blind-box regulations. Russia is proposing prohibitions. Pop Mart stock fell 3.6% when addiction fears appeared.
Sustainability test: Analysts warn that to maintain momentum, Pop Mart must innovate beyond current releases or risk trend weariness.
Quick Recap Table: Aspect Details
Kasing Lung and Pop Mart have been in collaboration since 2019.
Product Types Vinyl figures, plush/keychain charms, mega editions, themed lines
Sales Model Blind-box mystery, secret variants, limited releases
Collecting Culture Social media unboxing, collector communities, resale marketplaces
Celebrity Appeal BLACKPINK, Rihanna, Beckham, Ananya, others drive fashion trend
Market Impact ~$400M revenue from Labubu in ‘24; Pop Mart ~$40B valuation
Controversies Gambling-like buying, fakes, youth addiction, quality concerns
Where to Buy Pop Mart stores/vending/online, Indian sites from ₹2.5K up to ₹48K+
Should You Get A Labubu?
Love design or fashion? Labubu is on the cutting edge of “ugly-cute” collectibles and accessories.
Enjoy the pleasure of unboxing- Blind-boxes provide surprises but can be addictive.
Collector or investor?- Rare editions can increase in value; nevertheless, be careful of the difficulty of resale and the premium price.
Know the risks: regulatory pushes and fakes are real; assess financial costs and market viability.
Join the culture – If you enjoy lighthearted nostalgia and aren’t afraid of some creepy fangs, Labubu could be your odd new companion.
Labubu dolls are more than just toys; they have become a cultural, economic, and fashion sensation. From their Nordic-mythic design beginnings to viral celebrity endorsements and multi-million-dollar influence, this little elf-like creature represents broader trends in “kidulting,” social media-driven consumerism, and collecting culture.
If you are drawn to its aesthetic, the thrill of the pursuit, or simply desire a statement piece, now is the time. However, recognizing that it is a fast-moving, unexpected fanbase that some may dismiss as transient, others find genuine satisfaction in its playfulness.
