Labubu is a mischievous, sharp-toothed monster created by artist Kasing Lung in 2015, rooted in Nordic folklore and brought to global fame through a partnership with toy giant Pop Mart. Far from an overnight sensation born in a corporate boardroom, Labubu started as a hand-crafted resin art piece before evolving into a viral luxury collectible coveted by celebrities and collectors worldwide.
Understanding the explosive rise of this character requires looking beyond the hype cycles and viral TikTok unboxings. This guide unpacks the real origins of Labubu, the design philosophy behind its ugly-cute aesthetic, how Pop Mart scaled production, and what collectors need to know about navigating the secondary market.
Who Created Labubu and Nordic Folklore Roots
Many casual fans assume Labubu is a modern corporate creation or a Japanese anime derivative. In reality, the character was designed by Hong Kong-born, Dutch-raised artist Kasing Lung. Lung grew up immersed in European folklore, spending his childhood in the Netherlands where he developed a deep fascination with Nordic mythology, elves, trolls, and woodland spirits.
In 2015, Lung introduced Labubu as part of his "The Monsters" storybook series. The character belongs to a larger group of woodland creatures that includes Zimomo, Tycoco, and Spooky. Unlike traditional cute characters designed to be universally endearing, Labubu was envisioned with distinct flaws. With nine pointed teeth, tall ears, a mischievous grin, and an arched back, Labubu represents a playful yet misunderstood spirit.
Lung’s early storytelling framed Labubu as well-meaning but clumsy—a creature that often wants to do good things but ends up causing minor chaos. This emotional vulnerability resonated with art toy collectors who appreciated characters with depth rather than standard glossy mascots.
From Indie Art Toys to Pop Mart Collaborations
During its first few years, Labubu existed strictly within the high-end designer vinyl and resin art toy community. Produced in very small batches by indie galleries like How2Work, early Labubu figures were expensive, hard to find, and sold primarily at specialized conventions in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and select European cities. These editions were strictly targeted at serious collectors, often costing hundreds of dollars on the secondary market right out of the gate.
The turning point arrived in 2019 when Lung signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant famous for popularizing blind box culture.
Pop Mart transformed Labubu's trajectory by shifting production from small-batch artisan resin to mass-manufactured PVC and plush formats while keeping the blind box element intact. This collaboration scaled distribution globally, putting the character into thousands of retail vending machines and flagship stores across Asia, North America, and Europe. By lowering the entry price point to around fifteen to thirty dollars per blind box, Pop Mart turned an exclusive gallery piece into an accessible impulse buy.
The Blind Box Economy and the Plush Craze
The modern Labubu craze is fueled heavily by Pop Mart's blind box strategy and a recent pivot toward soft plush pendants.
Blind boxes tap directly into collector psychology. Consumers aren't just buying a toy; they're buying a gamble. The thrill of scoring a rare "secret" edition—often packed at a ratio of 1 in 72 boxes—drives repeat purchases. Fans document their unboxing rituals on short-form video platforms, creating a massive organic marketing engine.
Furthermore, the introduction of the The Monsters - Have a Seat vinyl plush series changed the game. Instead of hard plastic figures, these fuzzy, keychain-attachable plushies allowed fans to accessorize luxury handbags, backpacks, and outfits. When K-pop idols like Lisa of BLACKPINK were spotted accessorizing their designer bags with Labubu plush pendants, demand instantly skyrocketed beyond traditional toy collectors into the fashion and luxury lifestyle space.
Navigating Counterfeits and the Secondary Market
As retail stores sell out within minutes of restocks, a massive secondary market has emerged on platforms like StockX, Carousell, and eBay. Rare secret editions and vintage 2015 resin figures regularly command thousands of dollars. However, this high valuation has triggered a flood of counterfeit products.
Protecting yourself as a buyer requires attention to detail:
- Check the packaging: Authentic Pop Mart blind boxes feature crisp printing, correct typography, and holographic security seals that refract light uniquely.
- Inspect the feet and tags: Official Labubu vinyl figures feature etched copyright markings and artist signatures on the foot or back. Plush pendants include specific sewn-in batch tags and official Pop Mart holographic tags.
- Evaluate stitching and scent: Counterfeit plushies often feature sloppy stitching around the facial vinyl plate and use cheaper, chemically treated faux fur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labubu a boy or a girl?
Labubu does not have a fixed human gender. Kasing Lung has stated that Labubu is a woodland elf spirit, existing beyond traditional human binary definitions, though many fans refer to the character using neutral or playful pronouns.
Why are Labubu figures so hard to buy at retail?
Pop Mart utilizes intentional scarcity and limited-edition series drops. Combined with scalpers using automated bots and viral celebrity endorsements, demand vastly outstrips the manufacturing supply for popular series.
What is the difference between Labubu and Zimomo?
Zimomo is another character in Kasing Lung’s The Monsters universe. Zimomo is larger, features a small tail, and is generally depicted as the leader or protector of the group, whereas Labubu is smaller and more mischievous.
Are older Labubu figures a good investment?
While early artist-proof resin pieces from 2015 have appreciated significantly, mass-produced blind box vinyl and plush items are subject to market trends. Collectors should buy primarily for enjoyment rather than guaranteed financial return.
