Labubu: from toy to global fashion obsession🧸
Discover how Labubu evolved from quirky collectible to luxury icon, captivating TikTok and redefining fashion with its exclusive charm.
Origins and history
Labubu was created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of the “The Monsters” series. With its distinctive design - large eyes, a toothy grin, and playful posture - the character gained global fame in 2019 when adopted by Pop Mart, transforming from a niche collectible into a cultural phenomenon. According to The Sun, Labubu’s creepy-cute aesthetic has made it a favorite among collectors and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Read more about it at this link!
From blind boxes to the luxury market
Labubu's success hinges on the "blind box" model, where buyers don’t know which character they’ll get, encouraging repeat purchases in search of rare variants. The brand has elevated its appeal with collaborations and exclusive editions. For instance, a four-foot-tall Labubu sold at auction in China for over $170,000, a testament to its status as a luxury collectible, as reported by People. Discover more here
Going viral: TikTok and celebrity endorsements
Labubu has exploded on TikTok, with the hashtag #Labubu collecting millions of views. Videos showcasing “box openings” and complete collections drive engagement and fuel the global fan community. Celebrities such as Lisa from Blackpink, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna have further amplified Labubu’s popularity by featuring it as a luxury accessory.
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Chaos and consumer obsession
Labubu fever has sparked chaos at Pop Mart stores, particularly in cities like Shanghai, where crowds and clashes over limited editions have led to temporary in-store sales suspensions, as documented by The Sun. This frenzy underscores the intense demand for exclusivity and the lengths fans will go to secure coveted pieces. Find more here!
Labubu are increasingly used as playful charms on luxury bags, with fans clipping them onto high‑end totes and backpacks. Their appearance on designer accessories highlights a shift: these quirky accessories are no longer just toys, but fashion statements that merge collectible culture with luxury style .
POP MART x Uniqlo: "The Monsters" collection
Collaborations in the fashion world are thriving, consistently delivering unique and exclusive capsule collections. Among them, the partnership between Pop Mart and Uniqlo UT stands out, celebrating The Monsters and the beloved Labubu. This vibrant collection features t-shirts in white, black, gray, and pink, adorned with striking graphics like the "The Monsterland" logo and the bold slogan "We Are The Monsters." A true must-have for fans of pop culture and streetwear!
Another standout collaboration featuring the charming Labubu brought together sacai and SEVENTEEN. The limited-edition plush collectibles, auctioned on JOOPITER, combined fashion and philanthropy, with proceeds supporting UNESCO. Read more here!
The hidden psychology behind Labubu: obsession, comfort, and escape
Labubu figures embody a poetic escape from the complexities of modern life. In a world that feels fragmented and overwhelming, these tiny collectibles offer a ritualistic focus, providing comfort and a sense of control in a chaotic reality. Their allure taps into deep emotional needs, transforming simple objects into totems of care and identity.
The Labubu craze mirrors the Tamagotchi phenomenon from the past, where obsessive care created a captivating escape - blurring the lines between nurturing a digital world and stepping away from reality. Discover more!
Meanwhile, PopSugar explores how their "blind-box" appeal stimulates a dopamine-fueled thrill, making ownership an act of emotional refuge. The blind box craze hooks collectors by blending the rush of surprise with the hunt for rare gems. It works because we love getting rewards that come at random, like the feeling of winning a prize. Every unopened box brings excitement and hope for something special. This fun cycle keeps fans coming back, always looking for the next unique treasure and feeling excited all over again. Read more at this article!
What do you think about the Labubu phenomenon - are they just cute collectibles, or something deeper in our need for connection and control?