Labubu: The Latest Fashion and Collecting Frenzy
But Labubu don’t travel alone; they’re accompanied by a myriad of gadgets, ranging from Labubu cases to custom-made clothing , not to mention exclusive collaborations that are turning heads. This gentle invasion has taken hold on social media, turning into a significant economic phenomenon. As reported by Forbes, the CEO of Pop Mart, the manufacturer of Labubu, reported a staggering $1.6 billion in a single day , thanks to a surge in stock prices fueled by the growing popularity of these creations.
Milan, just one example among many, saw long lines form on the opening day of a dedicated store, quickly selling out all available stock.
Who are the Labubu?
The Labubu, fantastical and bizarre creatures , are the result of the creativity of Kasing Lung. They belong to the “The Monsters” series, and their name, devoid of a specific meaning, evokes a playful and intriguing sound. Originally from Hong Kong and raised in the Netherlands and Belgium, Lung draws inspiration from Nordic mythology and folklore. One can’t help but think of the Smurfs , another great collector’s phenomenon of the 1980s, which share the idea of a village and a village chief. In the Labubu dimension, the village chief is represented by Zimomo, a character with a long dinosaur tail and a “brown” color that stands out among the pastel hues.
Lung consistently describes Labubu as an elfin character, drawn from his work “The Story of Puca,” part of the same series. Despite his protruding ears and serrated teeth, he’s a gentle soul, often getting into trouble while trying to help. The name “Labubu” was chosen to evoke a sense of playfulness and mystery, perfectly in line with the aesthetic of his creations.
After signing a contract with Pop Mart, Labubu production took off, riding the wave of unboxing, which generates viral social media content. Blind boxes, containing a surprise Labubu, encourage collectors to complete their collections, chasing rare models, like the “Secret,” with a 1 in 72 chance of finding it.
Prices and Value of Labubu
The starting price for a blind box is around €20 , but special editions—such as fluorescent or glittery ones—can exceed €100 on the secondary market. The “Labubu x Kasing Lung Artist Special Edition” has reached over $2,000, while the “Labubu x Vans Oldskool” collaboration has hovered between $2,000 and $3,000. A “Labubu x Ultraman” figure has even surpassed $4,500 on resale platforms.
According to the Financial Times, Pop Mart has seen a 700% increase in sales for its Labubu line , with international sales accounting for 39% of the company’s total revenue. In Thailand, Labubu has even been awarded the title of ” Amazing Thailand Experience Officer ” by the local government, highlighting its cultural impact.
The Influence of Celebrities
Labubu’s success has been amplified by celebrity appeal. The doll was spotted on Blackpink’s Lisa’s bags, who stated in an interview with Vogue, “Labubu is my baby.” Her passion for these creations became evident when she shared photos of herself with a Labubu keychain, sparking a wave of interest among fans and helping make Labubu a coveted fashion accessory.
Stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa even spotted Labubu during this year’s Paris Fashion Week. This has sparked a market for unofficial replicas, with online tutorials on how to recognize the originals thanks to the QR code on the label.
Beware of the Lafufu!
A crucial warning for all enthusiasts: Labubu must be purchased through official channels. However, frequent out-of-stocks have fueled a thriving counterfeit market. On social media, these fakes are labeled Lafufu. But the story doesn’t end there; the origins of this phenomenon lie in China, the “birthplace” of these dolls, where, paradoxically, they are extremely difficult to find, as recently reported by CNN.
As a result, many fans are forced to turn to unorthodox, sometimes even illegal, sources, such as smugglers. Shockingly, since April alone, Chinese customs authorities have confiscated 462 Pop Mart toys, according to official reports from the Atlanta-based broadcaster.
In an interview with CNN, Kate Yang, a Beijing resident and ardent Labubu supporter, recounted her disappointing experience: “My last two purchases from resellers have both turned out to be knockoffs. Since there’s no availability on official channels, if you’re in a hurry to buy a gift for a friend, finding the most sought-after models in time becomes a tough task,” Yang explained. “The only option is to pay a premium to access resale platforms,” she confided to CNN.
Meanwhile, business continues to thrive : the company’s global gross profit saw a remarkable increase of over 125% in the past year, while revenue in mainland China reached an impressive figure of over $1.09 billion, marking a 34% increase compared to 2023.
