If you’ve walked through a mall in Singapore, Bangkok, or New York lately, you’ve seen those mischievous, serrated-teeth monsters dangling from everyone's backpacks. They’re everywhere. Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming. Those quirky creatures are Labubu, the breakout star of the "The Monsters" collection. But for all the hype—and the eye-watering resale prices—most people are still scratching their heads asking: when was labubu made and how did a vinyl toy become a global cultural phenomenon?
It didn't just appear out of thin air last week, though the recent TikTok explosion might make it feel that way.
The Long Road to 2015: The Birth of a Monster
Labubu was officially created in 2015.
The mastermind behind the pointed ears and the jagged grin is Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist who spent much of his youth in the Netherlands. That European influence is massive. You can see it in the design. Unlike the hyper-cute, rounded aesthetics of many Asian "kawaii" characters, Labubu feels a bit more like something out of a Nordic fairytale—darker, edgier, and slightly more unpredictable.
Lung was originally an illustrator for children's books. You can still feel that storytelling DNA in the characters. In 2015, he introduced Labubu as part of a larger Norse-mythology-inspired world called "The Monsters." These weren't just plastic statues; they were characters with distinct personalities. Labubu is actually a girl (surprise!) and she’s part of a group that includes Zimomo, Tycoco, and Spooky.
The early days were niche.
If you were into the designer toy scene in Hong Kong or Taiwan back then, you knew Kasing Lung. You might have been lucky enough to snag a limited-run vinyl figure at a gallery or an art show. But back in 2015, Labubu wasn't a household name. It was an "if you know, you know" situation for serious collectors.
The Pop Mart Partnership: When Everything Changed
Things shifted in 2019. This is the year Labubu went from "cool art piece" to "global retail juggernaut."
Kasing Lung signed an exclusive license agreement with Pop Mart. If you aren't familiar with Pop Mart, they are the Beijing-based titans of the "blind box" industry. They took Lung’s complex, somewhat scary monster designs and softened them just enough for the mass market without losing the soul of the character.
Pop Mart’s brilliance was the blind box format. You pay $10 to $15, but you don't know which version of the character you're getting. Maybe it’s the common one. Maybe it’s the "Secret" or "Chase" figure that’s worth ten times the price on the secondary market.
This turned Labubu from a toy into a gamified experience.
Why 2024 Was the Year Labubu Broke the Internet
So, if Labubu was made in 2015 and went mainstream in 2019, why is your social media feed currently drowning in them?
One word: Lisa.
In early 2024, Lisa from Blackpink—arguably one of the most influential humans on the planet—started posting photos of her Labubu collection on Instagram. She was seen carrying the "Macaron" plush series. She had them attached to her designer handbags.
The "Lisa Effect" is real.
Suddenly, it wasn't just toy collectors looking for Labubu. It was every fashionista and K-pop fan in the world. Stocks vanished. Websites crashed. In Thailand, the obsession became so intense that the government actually had to issue warnings about potential scams involving fake Labubu dolls. It's wild. You have people queuing for six hours just for a chance to buy a fuzzy monster that fits in the palm of your hand.
Beyond the Teeth: What Makes the Design Work?
It’s easy to dismiss this as just another fad. But there’s a reason Labubu sticks.
The design is a contradiction. Labubu has nine rows of sharp teeth. She looks like she might bite you. But she also has these big, expressive eyes and a mischievous energy that feels relatable. Kasing Lung has often said that Labubu is kind-hearted but likes to play tricks.
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In a world of perfectly polished, overly-sweet brand mascots, Labubu feels authentic. She’s messy. She’s a troublemaker.
The Evolution of Materials
When Labubu was first made in 2015, the figures were primarily soft vinyl (sofubi). They were hard, collectible, and meant for a shelf. The 2024 craze, however, is driven by the plush versions. The "Exciting Macaron" series changed the game because it turned a static figure into a tactile fashion accessory.
People are "customizing" their Labubus now. They buy little outfits for them. They put them in tiny sneakers. They treat them like high-fashion Tamagotchis that don't need to be fed.
Spotting the Real Deal: Don't Get Scammed
Because the demand is so high and the origins date back to 2015, the market is flooded with fakes. Honestly, some of the counterfeits are getting scary good.
If you're looking to buy one today, keep these things in mind:
- The Feet: Authentic Pop Mart Labubu plushes usually have the brand logo and Kasing Lung’s signature embossed on the bottom of the foot.
- The QR Code: Most modern Pop Mart boxes come with a scratch-off sticker and a QR code you can scan to verify authenticity on their official platform.
- The Price: If someone is selling a "Secret" Labubu for $20 when the market rate is $200, it’s a fake. Period.
The Future of "The Monsters"
Will Labubu be around in five years? Probably.
Kasing Lung has built a deep world. He’s constantly iterating on the character. We’ve seen Labubu as a diver, a pilot, a forest spirit, and even a SpongeBob crossover. This isn't just a one-hit wonder; it’s a character brand with nearly a decade of history behind it.
The transition from a 2015 art toy to a 2024 fashion icon shows that "kidult" culture is now mainstream. We aren't embarrassed to have toys on our bags anymore.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you're ready to jump into the world of Labubu, don't just start clicking "buy" on random sites.
- Check the Pop Mart Official Store first. They restock periodically. It’s the only way to pay the actual retail price rather than the "Lisa-inflated" resale price.
- Join Collector Communities. Groups on Facebook and Discord are great for learning the nuances between different series, like the "Fall in Wild" set or the "Lazy Yoga" series.
- Verify the Year. If you are looking for vintage Labubu (pre-2019), be prepared to pay a premium. These are the pieces from when Labubu was first made and are considered high-end art, not just toys.
- Watch the "The Monsters" Story. Look up Kasing Lung’s original illustrations. Understanding the lore of the other characters like Zimomo makes the hobby much more rewarding than just following a trend.
The Labubu story is a perfect example of how art, luck, and celebrity endorsement can turn a 2015 sketch into a global phenomenon. Whether you love the look or think it's weird, those nine rows of teeth aren't going anywhere anytime soon.