Labubu is everywhere. Seriously. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve definitely seen a picture of a Labubu dangling from a designer handbag or perched on a celebrity’s dashboard. But what exactly is this thing? It’s not just a toy. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has people camping out in front of Pop Mart stores and refreshing resale apps until their thumbs go numb.
Born from the mind of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu belongs to a group of characters called "The Monsters." Kasing Lung was inspired by Nordic folklore, which explains the slightly eerie, mischievous vibe. They have these jagged teeth—nine of them, specifically—and a rabbit-like appearance that manages to be both adorable and a little bit unsettling at the same time. This "monstrous-but-sweet" aesthetic is exactly why the internet is currently losing its collective mind over them.
The Lisa Effect: How One Picture Changed Everything
Pop culture is a weird beast. A character can exist for years in the vinyl toy community, beloved by collectors but ignored by the general public. Then, a global superstar posts a single photo.
When Lisa from BLACKPINK posted a picture of a Labubu Macaron series plush on her Instagram stories, the market basically exploded. It wasn't just a "cool toy" anymore. It became a high-fashion accessory. Suddenly, the demand shifted from "art toy collectors" to "literally everyone who wants to look trendy." This surge caused prices to skyrocket. A blind box that originally retailed for around $15 to $20 was suddenly being flipped for $100 or more on platforms like StockX and Carousel.
It’s kind of wild how much influence a single person can have on a plastic monster. But it wasn't just Lisa. Once the trend started, it trickled down through the Thai royal family, Southeast Asian influencers, and eventually landed right in the middle of global streetwear culture. Now, if you're looking for a specific picture of a Labubu to identify which one you want to buy, you're likely looking at the "Exciting Macarons" or "Have a Seat" series. Those are the big ones.
The Psychology of the Blind Box
Why are we so obsessed with these things? It’s not just about the teeth. It’s the gamble.
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Pop Mart perfected the "blind box" model. When you buy a Labubu, you usually don't know exactly which color or variant you're getting. You might want the "Soymilk" white one, but you pull a "Toffee" brown one. This creates a dopamine hit similar to gambling. You’re always chasing that "Secret" figure—the rare 1-in-72 or 1-in-144 pull that is worth ten times what you paid for it.
Honestly, the "unboxing" culture on YouTube and TikTok has turned every picture of a Labubu into a potential viral moment. People film themselves opening dozens of boxes, screaming when they find a rare one. It’s communal. It’s exciting. It’s also a little bit exhausting if you’re just trying to buy one for your desk without spending your entire paycheck.
The "Have a Seat" series actually changed the game a bit by making the plushies sit down, which made them even easier to display or attach to bags. This small design tweak made them even more "Instagrammable."
Spotting the Fakes: Don't Get Scammed
Because the hype is so high, the market is flooded with fakes. It’s a mess. If you see a picture of a Labubu on a random website for $5, it’s a fake. Period. Real Labubus have specific markers that collectors look for to verify authenticity.
First, check the feet. Genuine Pop Mart Labubus have branding on the bottom of the foot. The fur quality is another dead giveaway. Real ones are soft, while fakes often feel like cheap carnival prizes. Also, look at the eyes. The authentic ones have a certain depth and "sparkle" that the knockoffs can't quite replicate.
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There’s also the QR code factor. Most modern Pop Mart boxes come with a scratch-off sticker that reveals a QR code. You scan it, it takes you to the official site, and it tells you if the product is legit. If the seller won't show you the box or the sticker, run away. It's not worth the "deal."
Key Series You Should Know About:
- The Macaron Series: Soft, pastel colors. These are the ones Lisa made famous.
- The Monsters - Have a Seat: Vinyl faces with plush bodies, designed to sit on edges.
- Fall in Wild: A larger, floral-themed Labubu that is highly coveted by serious decorators.
- Zimomo: Labubu's bigger cousin. He has a tail and is usually more expensive and limited.
Is Labubu Just a Trend or Here to Stay?
Trends come and go, but art toys have a weird way of sticking around. Think about Bearbricks. People said those were a fad twenty years ago, and they're still a staple in high-end homes. Labubu has that same cross-over appeal. It bridges the gap between "toy" and "art."
The collaboration with fashion brands is the next logical step. We've already seen Labubu popping up at fashion weeks. Designers love the contrast of a luxury leather bag paired with a fuzzy, sharp-toothed monster. It adds a bit of "irony" to an outfit.
What's really interesting is how Kasing Lung continues to evolve the character. Labubu isn't just one thing. There are space-themed Labubus, sporty Labubus, and even Labubus dressed like other animals. This constant stream of "newness" keeps the community engaged. If you keep seeing a new picture of a Labubu every week, you're less likely to get bored of the brand.
How to Start Your Collection Without Going Broke
If you’re just getting into this, don't start by buying from resellers. That's the fastest way to regret your life choices.
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- Follow Pop Mart’s Official Channels: They announce restocks and new drops on Instagram and their app. If you're fast, you can get them at retail price.
- Join Local Collector Groups: Facebook groups and Discord servers often have people trading "doubles." You can usually get a better price from a fellow collector than you can on eBay.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away. Decide how many you actually want to display. Do you really need the whole set, or do you just want that one specific color that matches your room?
- Learn the "Shake" Test: Experienced blind-boxers know that different figures have different weights and "thuds" when you shake the box. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a fun part of the hobby.
A picture of a Labubu might look like just a toy to some people, but to others, it’s a piece of modern art history. Whether you love them for the aesthetic, the thrill of the hunt, or just because your favorite idol has one, there's no denying that these nine-toothed monsters have taken over the world.
Actionable Steps for Labubu Enthusiasts
If you are ready to hunt down your first (or fiftieth) monster, here is the most logical path forward. Avoid the temptation to buy the first one you see on a sketchy third-party marketplace. Instead, download the official Pop Mart app and set up notifications for your region. This is the only way to ensure you are paying the base price rather than the "hype tax."
Check the "blind box" communities on Reddit or specialized toy forums. These users often post detailed side-by-side comparisons of authentic vs. counterfeit items, which is invaluable if you are buying from a second-hand seller. Look for high-resolution photos of the stitching and the eye placement.
Lastly, if you're buying a Labubu to use as a bag charm, invest in a small clear protective case. These are widely available and prevent the plush fur from getting dirty or matted when you're out and about. It keeps the value of the toy high and ensures that every picture of a Labubu you take for your own social media looks crisp and high-quality.