From blind boxes to celebrity wardrobes, the Labubu toy is more than just a collectible—it’s the viral trend redefining fashion, fandom, and pop culture.
Introduction: Why the World Can’t Stop Talking About Labubu
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or even peeked at celebrity street style lately, chances are you’ve seen a strange little creature with fang-like teeth, pointy elf ears, and a mischievous grin. Meet Labubu—the quirky collectible toy that has exploded into one of the biggest pop culture trends of 2025.
What started as a niche art toy has now become a global phenomenon, adored by Gen Z, flaunted by A-list celebrities, and embraced by luxury brands. On TikTok alone, the hashtag #Labubu has racked up millions of views, with fans showing off their collections, unboxing blind boxes, or styling their Labubu figures as fashion accessories.
The craze has also supercharged the fortunes of Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant behind Labubu’s blind-box empire. With revenues surging into the billions, Labubu has gone from being “just a toy” to a status symbol, meme icon, and cultural talking point.
So how did this quirky monster rise from underground art circles to worldwide stardom? Let’s dive deep.
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a collectible toy character designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, who first introduced it in 2015 as part of his whimsical universe called “The Monsters.”
Key Features That Define Labubu:
- Fang-like smile that’s both cute and creepy
- Pointed elf ears and expressive eyes
- Playful, mischievous personality often captured in multiple poses
- Wide variety of costumes and themes released in limited runs
Unlike mainstream plushies, Labubu has an edge—it blends innocence and weirdness, making it irresistibly unique to both kids and adults.
How Labubu Became a Global Trend
1. The Pop Mart Blind Box Culture
The real turning point came in 2019, when Pop Mart partnered with Kasing Lung to launch Labubu figures through blind boxes. Each box hides a random variant, creating excitement, scarcity, and collectibility. Fans never know if they’ll score a common design or a rare limited edition—fueling the hype.
2. Seasonal & Limited Drops
Pop Mart mastered the art of exclusivity. By releasing seasonal Labubu editions (Halloween Labubu, Christmas Labubu, Summer Labubu) and ultra-limited collaborations, the toy became not just a purchase but an event.
3. Global Expansion
What started in China quickly spread worldwide. Today, Labubu figures are sold in flagship Pop Mart stores, e-commerce platforms, and global retail chains, making it a truly international phenomenon.
The Role of Social Media & Celebrity Culture
TikTok & Instagram Virality
Labubu content dominates TikTok, with over 1.3 million videos featuring unboxings, styling tutorials, and memes. The toy’s quirky expression makes it perfect for short, viral clips.
Celebrity Endorsements
Labubu’s global boom got a rocket boost thanks to celebrity fans:
- BLACKPINK’s Lisa wore a Labubu-inspired pink outfit on stage.
- Rihanna and Dua Lipa were spotted with Labubu charms.
- David Beckham reportedly bought Labubu for his kids.
- Kim Kardashian and other influencers turned it into a luxury accessory.
- In India, stars like Ananya Panday and Urvashi Rautela embraced the trend.
Street-Style Inspiration
Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a fashion accessory. Fans attach mini Labubu figures to handbags, customize them with clothes, or incorporate them into DIY art, making it part of Gen Z identity expression.
Labubu as a Fashion & Cultural Symbol
Labubu’s transformation from toy to cultural status symbol is striking.
- Fashion Integration: Luxury brands and streetwear designers have used Labubu in pop-up stores, collaborations, and styled photoshoots.
- Gen Z Street Culture: Young fans see Labubu as more than a collectible—it’s an extension of self-expression.
- “IRL Brain Rot” Culture: The New Yorker described Labubu as embodying a new wave of internet-inspired aesthetics—quirky, memeable, and oddly relatable.
Essentially, Labubu is no longer just something you own—it’s something you wear, flaunt, and post about.
Economic Impact of Labubu & Pop Mart
Labubu isn’t just cultural—it’s big business.
- Revenue Surge: Pop Mart reported a 400% profit increase in 2025, reaching nearly $1.9 billion—largely thanks to Labubu.
- Resale Market: Rare Labubu figures fetch thousands of dollars on secondary markets. Collectors pay premium prices for limited drops.
- Counterfeits: Demand is so intense that counterfeit “Lafufu” toys have flooded markets, leading to crackdowns and consumer warnings.
Labubu has cemented Pop Mart’s position as one of the fastest-growing toy companies worldwide.
Why People Love Labubu (Psychological & Cultural Appeal)
- Surprise Factor: Blind boxes create a lottery-like thrill.
- Cute + Creepy Combo: The design taps into both kawaii and horror aesthetics.
- Collectibility: With constant new designs, fans feel compelled to “catch them all.”
- Status Symbol: Owning rare editions signals taste, wealth, and trend-awareness.
- Community Belonging: Labubu fans bond over unboxings, trades, and online forums.
Labubu isn’t just about the toy—it’s about the experience and identity.
Global Expansion & Regional Impact
- China: Still the strongest market, with dedicated Pop Mart stores.
- United States: Labubu has entered major toy retailers and trendy concept stores.
- Europe: Pop-up events in London, Paris, and Berlin boosted awareness.
- India: Social media influencers drove demand, with local e-commerce platforms now flooded with Labubu products.
Wherever it lands, Labubu sparks lines outside stores, online bidding wars, and social buzz.
Future of Labubu
Looking ahead, the Labubu phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down.
- Fashion Collaborations: More partnerships with luxury brands are expected.
- Digital Expansion: Labubu could evolve into NFTs, gaming avatars, or metaverse collectibles.
- Entertainment Crossovers: Animated series, movies, or short-form content featuring Labubu are strong possibilities.
- Sustained Collectibility: If Pop Mart keeps the surprise + exclusivity formula, Labubu may remain a cultural mainstay.
Quick Recap / Bullet Timeline
- 2015: Labubu created by Kasing Lung (The Monsters series).
- 2019: Pop Mart introduces Labubu in blind boxes.
- 2020–2023: Gains traction in China, early TikTok virality.
- 2024: Celebrities start flaunting Labubu; global expansion accelerates.
- 2025: Labubu becomes a worldwide phenomenon, boosting Pop Mart’s revenue 400%.
Conclusion
Labubu’s journey from a quirky illustrator’s character to a worldwide cultural and fashion icon is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s more than a toy—it’s a symbol of identity, creativity, and the viral power of social media.
With celebrities, influencers, and millions of fans embracing it, Labubu stands as one of the most defining cultural trends of 2025. Whether you see it as cute, creepy, or both, one thing’s certain—Labubu is here to stay.
What do you think about the Labubu craze? Would you collect one yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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