A wave of collector mania is sweeping across Asia and beyond, driven not by tech or finance—but by a wide-eyed, mischievous plush creature named Labubu.
Born from the imagination of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu is currently the crown jewel of the global designer toy market. Marketed and distributed by Chinese retail giant Pop Mart, this quirky character has transcended its toybox origins to become a full-fledged pop culture icon.
What started as a whimsical sketch has now become the centerpiece of a booming collectibles phenomenon—one that’s captivating both children and adults, and stirring frenzy among international toy collectors.
The Rise of a Plush Phenomenon
Labubu is not your average stuffed animal. With exaggerated features, wild expressions, and a touch of dark humor, the character embodies a unique aesthetic that merges innocence with eccentricity. Its distinctive style, which blends Western storytelling with East Asian art influences, has struck a chord with fans across generations.
Created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu originally appeared in a series of storybook-style illustrations. Its popularity exploded after Pop Mart—China’s leading art toy retailer—transformed it into a series of collectible vinyl figures and plush toys. Pop Mart’s marketing brilliance, combined with the rising interest in designer toys, turned Labubu into an overnight sensation.
Limited Editions, Unlimited Demand
What fuels Labubu’s hype is more than just its endearing design—it’s the thrill of rarity.
Pop Mart releases Labubu figures in limited blind boxes, where buyers don’t know which variant they’ll receive until they open the package. This element of mystery has created a strong emotional hook, similar to trading cards or NFTs, and helped cultivate a community of collectors who trade, display, and even invest in these toys.
Rare Labubu figures can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars on secondary markets, turning a once-affordable toy into a high-stakes collectible. As demand continues to soar, new editions often sell out within minutes of release.
Cultural Impact and Global Reach
Though Labubu originates from Asia, its fanbase has quickly gone international. Pop-up stores and exclusive drops in cities like Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Paris have drawn long lines of fans. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of unboxing videos, collector showcases, and Labubu-themed art.
What’s especially remarkable is how this character has bridged generational gaps. Millennials and Gen Z buyers are as likely to display Labubu on a shelf as they are to cuddle with one, reflecting a growing shift in how toys are perceived—not just as playthings, but as art and identity.
Designer Toys as a Financial Market
Beyond the cuteness lies a much bigger story: the emergence of designer toys as an asset class. As traditional collectibles—like vintage sneakers or trading cards—become increasingly mainstream, art toys like Labubu are gaining traction as high-yield, passion-driven investments.
With Pop Mart now publicly traded and expanding its international footprint, toys like Labubu are not just expressions of taste, but potentially lucrative pieces of pop culture.
Collectors track drops with stock market precision, trade figures like fine art, and even insure high-value pieces. In this world, Labubu is more than a plush figure—it’s a brand, a symbol, and in many cases, a financial asset.
What’s Next for Labubu?
The future looks bright (and a little chaotic) for Labubu. Pop Mart continues to release new variations and collaborations, including holiday editions, glow-in-the-dark models, and artist mashups. Animated adaptations and branded merchandise are also on the horizon.
For now, one thing is clear: Labubu isn’t just a trend. It’s a phenomenon that reflects the power of storytelling, design, and community in shaping new kinds of consumer experiences.
Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just someone drawn to offbeat charm, Labubu may already be a part of your world—and if not, don’t be surprised if it shows up soon.
Source: Pop Mart | Kasing Lung Studio
