You’ve seen it. Even if you don’t know the name, you’ve definitely scrolled past a pic of a Labubu recently. Maybe it was dangling off a celebrity’s Birkin bag, or perhaps it was staring at you with those mischievous, serrated teeth from a curated Instagram grid. It’s everywhere.
Labubu isn't just a toy. Honestly, it’s a cultural fever dream that has managed to bridge the gap between "weird art project" and "must-have luxury accessory." Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung back in 2015, this creature is part of a larger universe called "The Monsters." But Labubu is the breakout star. She’s got these long, rabbit-like ears and a row of sharp teeth that should be scary but somehow end up being incredibly cute. It’s that "ugly-cute" aesthetic that the internet feeds on.
People aren't just buying these; they are hunting them.
The Viral Pic of a Labubu That Changed Everything
If you’re wondering why your social media feed suddenly looks like a monster convention, you can thank Lisa from Blackpink. It’s really that simple. A single pic of a Labubu posted to her Instagram stories sent the valuation of these vinyl figures into the stratosphere. When one of the biggest pop stars on the planet shows off her "Fall in Wild" series plush, the world notices.
It wasn't a paid ad. It was just a girl and her toy. But that authenticity is exactly what sparked the current craze in Southeast Asia and, increasingly, the West. Prices for the "Macaron" series—those fuzzy, pastel versions—tripled overnight on the secondary market. You used to be able to walk into a Pop Mart and grab one for a reasonable price. Now? You’re looking at long lines, "out of stock" signs, and eye-watering markups on Resell apps.
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Why the Design Actually Works
Kasing Lung drew inspiration from Nordic mythology. That’s why Labubu feels a bit different from the hyper-polished, sugary sweetness of Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse. There is a bit of grit there. Lung spent time in the Netherlands, and those European folklore influences are baked into the character's DNA. Labubu is a girl—fun fact that surprises a lot of people—and she’s known for being mischievous but kind-hearted.
The physical design is a masterclass in tactile marketing. The vinyl figures have a weight to them, while the plush versions use a specific type of faux fur that feels premium. When you take a pic of a Labubu, the textures pop. Whether it’s the matte finish of the "Zimomo" (the bigger leader of the monsters) or the soft fluff of the "Have a Seat" collection, they are designed to be photographed.
Spotting the Real Deal in a Sea of Fakes
Because the demand is so high, the market is flooded with "lookalikes." If you see a pic of a Labubu online for $10, it’s almost certainly a fake. Real Pop Mart products have specific security features that collectors obsess over.
- The Feet Test: Authentic Labubus have clearly defined markings on the bottom of their feet. Fakes often have blurry or shallow engravings.
- The Box QR: Every genuine Pop Mart box comes with a scratch-off QR code. If you scan it and it takes you to a weird, unofficial-looking URL, you’ve been scammed.
- The "Feel": This is hard to judge from a photo, but real plush versions have a certain density. Fakes feel like carnival prizes—light and cheap.
- The Teeth: Look closely at the serrated smile. On a genuine figure, the teeth are sharp, distinct, and perfectly painted.
The "blind box" element adds another layer of insanity. You don't know which one you’re getting. This creates a secondary market where "Secret" or "Chase" figures—the ones with a 1/72 or 1/144 rarity—sell for thousands of dollars. It’s basically gambling for people who like cute aesthetics.
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More Than Just a Plastic Toy
The "Kidult" trend is a massive economic driver right now. Adults with disposable income are buying toys to reclaim a sense of play, or perhaps just to have something cool to display on their shelves. Labubu fits perfectly into this. It’s a status symbol. Carrying a Labubu charm on your bag is the 2026 version of wearing a designer logo. It says, "I'm in the know, and I have the patience to track down a limited edition."
Art toy culture used to be niche. It was for people who frequented galleries in Soho or tucked-away shops in Akihabara. Pop Mart changed that by making it accessible—and then Lisa made it aspirational.
Collectors Are Getting Creative
Go to TikTok or Xiaohongshu and search for any pic of a Labubu. You’ll see people dressing them up. There is an entire cottage industry on Etsy and Taobao dedicated to making tiny clothes for these monsters. Tiny sweaters. Tiny sunglasses. Even tiny designer-inspired handbags. It’s a level of customization that turns a mass-produced object into something personal.
This community aspect keeps the trend alive. It’s not just about owning the toy; it’s about the "unboxing" experience and the "mail day" posts. The dopamine hit comes twice: once when you win the blind box lottery, and again when you post the photo and the likes start rolling in.
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Is the Hype Sustainable?
Trends this hot usually burn out. We saw it with Beanie Babies in the 90s and, to a lesser extent, with certain NFT projects. However, Labubu has the benefit of being a physical, well-designed object backed by a massive corporation like Pop Mart. They know how to manage scarcity. They release just enough to keep people hungry, but not so much that the market crashes.
There’s also the "art" factor. Because Kasing Lung is a legitimate illustrator with a background in children's books, there is a depth to the character that a random corporate mascot lacks. Labubu has a soul, or at least a very well-marketed personality.
How to Start Your Own Collection (Without Getting Ripped Off)
If you’re looking to get your first piece, don’t start with the resellers. It’s a trap. Check the official Pop Mart website or physical stores first. Even if they are sold out of the "trending" series, they often have other "The Monsters" merch that is just as cool and way more affordable.
- Follow Official Channels: Pop Mart’s Instagram and Discord are the first places they announce restocks.
- Join Collector Groups: Facebook groups and Reddit forums are great for "legit checks." If you’re unsure about a pic of a Labubu you’re looking to buy, the community will usually spot a fake in seconds.
- Check Local Toy Conventions: Events like DesignerCon or local "Toy Swaps" are goldmines. You get to see the product in person before handing over any cash.
- Understand the Series: Learn the difference between the "Macaron" plush, the "Fall in Wild" series, and the standard vinyl blind boxes. Prices vary wildly between them.
The most important thing is to buy what you actually like. Don't chase the "Secret" figure just because it's expensive. If you think the basic green Labubu looks the best, get that one. The joy of these things is the personality they add to your space.
Looking Ahead
We are seeing a shift in how "cool" is defined. It’s no longer about being sleek and minimal. It’s about being expressive and a little bit weird. Labubu represents that shift perfectly. Whether you think it’s a waste of money or a brilliant piece of contemporary pop art, you can’t deny its impact. The next time you see a pic of a Labubu, you’ll know it’s not just a toy—it’s a tiny, toothy piece of a billion-dollar cultural phenomenon that isn't slowing down anytime soon.
If you’re ready to dive in, start by researching the "The Monsters" backstories. Knowing the lore makes the collecting process much more rewarding. Keep an eye on regional exclusives too; often, the coolest designs are released only in specific markets like Thailand or China, making them the ultimate prize for international collectors.