Birth of the Labubu Doll
The Labubu doll was first created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung as part of his “The Monsters” story series. Inspired by Nordic mythology and fairy tales, Labubu’s distinct design—round body, large ears, wide grin, and nine sharp teeth—made an immediate impact . The character remained an artistic concept until 2019 when Pop Mart introduced the Labubu doll as a blind-box collectible. The nostalgia of childhood toys meets modern design in this plush creature that exudes mischievous charm.
The Blind-Box Strategy and Rapid Popularity
The Labubu doll exploded in popularity thanks to Pop Mart’s blind-box approach. Fans never know which variant they’ll get, spawning excitement, re-drops, and social media show-offs . TikTok users share unboxing videos, fueling the trend, and even K-pop stars like Lisa from Blackpink have tagged Labubu dolls in Instagram posts to global delight. Demand skyrocketed, with stores in Asia—later followed by U.S. outlets—selling out stock in minutes, often leading to long lines and event-based sales .
Celebrity Influence and Global Craze
Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham have been spotted with Labubu dolls, turning this quirky monster into an object of pop culture . These high-profile sightings helped elevate Labubu from toy to fashion statement, enabling Pop Mart’s blind-box model to cross over into mainstream popularity. The frenzy spurred community events, fan meetups, and even themed cafés.
Collector Obsession and Community Culture
Collectors, sometimes even parents, take the Labubu doll seriously. One dad spent $180 and 20 hours securing three of them for his daughter, and others wait in early morning queues to score rare variants . Online, forums, Discord groups, Reddit threads, and TikTok communities spring up around spotting, trading, and authenticating Labubu dolls. Knowledge shared in these circles helps collectors avoid knockoffs known as “Lafufus,” while also celebrating the toy’s whimsical imperfections .
Record-Breaking Auction Prices
From humble beginnings at $25–30, the rarest Labubu dolls have shattered price records. A life-size Labubu sold for over $150,000 at a Beijing auction, marking it among the highest-priced dolls ever . Another sold for around $170,000, and similar six-figure sales included giant bronze editions and limited-run variants . These auctions show just how far the Labubu doll has evolved—from mass-produced cute toy to rare collectible art.
Economics of Labubu (“Labubunomics”)
Economists call this craze Labubunomics: Pop Mart acquires dolls at standard retail prices and sells them at limited drops. Resellers then flip them for hundreds or thousands on platforms like StockX . One U.S. retailer jumped from $8,000 in stock to $240,000 in monthly revenue from Labubu sales alone . Pop Mart’s CEO, Wang Ning, saw his net worth reach $22.7 billion in June 2025 due in part to Labubu’s global appeal .
Counterfeits, Knockoffs, and “Lafufu”
With popularity comes imitation. Fake “Lafufu” dolls have flooded secondary markets, including knockoffs at Canal Street kiosks. Distinguishing real from fake is possible through checking official logos, quality materials, accurate tooth count, and well-blended airbrushing. Interestingly, some collectors find charm in these imperfect fakes, celebrating the humor in their rough edges. Still, the resale culture of the Labubu doll depends heavily on authenticity.
Global Reach: From Asia to India and Beyond
The Labubu doll has gone global. It’s wildly popular in China and Southeast Asia, sparked viral memes in India, and sold out in Western markets including the U.S. and Australia . Local cultural variations of the doll, including affordable DIY versions and knockoff keychains, are now spawning grassroots trends and fanwear. Labubu appears at themed cafés, toy pop-ups, and street markets from Mumbai to Houston .
Art, Design, and Brand Collaborations
Labubu’s charm extends from its quirky design—sharp fangs included—to high-end collectibles and brand tie-ins. Collaborations with Coca-Cola, One Piece manga, museum exhibitions like those at the Louvre, and limited-edition artist prototypes showcase the versatility of the Labubu doll . Art collectors prize early resin figures and one-of-a-kind global editions.
Why Labubu Dolls Matter
The Labubu doll represents more than a viral toy; it’s a social moment capturing 2020s collector culture. It combines blind-box surprise, FOMO hype, celebrity validation, and community participation. Its appeal spans ages: from kids who see bag charms to adults who chase auctions. It’s both cute and fierce, nostalgic yet fresh, democratized through retail and ultra-exclusive through auctions.
How to Start Your Labubu Collection
If you want an authentic Labubu doll, start with official Pop Mart drops—either in-store, via app, or through live streams. Avoid counterfeit boxes; study collector guides and mark official labels. Know your variant: common bag charms vs. mega editions (priced $15–$960 in 2025). For limited editions, monitor resell platforms—but beware of inflated prices and fakes.
Conclusion
The Labubu doll began as a whimsical monster plush but has grown into a global collectible phenomenon. The blend of artful design, clever marketing, and community-driven appeal makes it a case study in modern pop culture. Whether you’re drawn to its quirky grin, the thrill of blind boxes, or the prestige of rare variants, Labubu offers something for everyone—from casual charm to high-stakes investment. Its journey from a niche concept to auction record holder highlights the unpredictable power of viral trends. For anyone curious about today’s toy culture, the Labubu doll is more than a plush—it’s a playful symbol of collective obsession.
