The Labubu craze represents more than just a toy trend—it's a cultural movement blending art, scarcity, and social currency into a highly sought-after collectible. From its underground artistic roots to becoming a luxury status symbol, here’s why Labubu has captured the imagination of collectors worldwide.
1. Artistic Pedigree & Limited-Edition Appeal
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is part of The Monsters series—a line of designer vinyl toys that blends street art, mythology, and pop culture.
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Hundreds of variants: From standard releases to ultra-rare "Secret" editions, each figure is a miniature work of art.
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Collaborations: Labubu has crossed over with Disney, Keith Haring, and luxury brands, making certain editions instant grails.
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Artist credibility: Kasing Lung’s background in urban art and illustration gives Labubu indie appeal, attracting serious collectors.
🔹 Why it matters: Unlike mass-produced toys, Labubu is treated as limited-edition art, driving demand among designer toy enthusiasts.
More: Why is Labubu Pricy?
2. The Blind Box Boom: Scarcity & the Thrill of the Hunt
Pop Mart’s blind box model is a psychological goldmine. Buyers don’t know which figure they’ll get, creating:
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Gambling-like excitement: The chance of pulling a rare variant (as low as 1 in 144 odds) fuels addiction.
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Secondary market frenzy: Unopened boxes and rare figures resell for huge markups (e.g., a 10blindboxfiguresellingfor∗∗500+**).
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Artificial scarcity: Pop Mart strategically limits releases, ensuring constant demand.
💰 Resale reality:
- A Labubu Zombie Secret Edition sold for $10,500 on eBay.
- Mega-sized Labubu Drip figures have fetched $150,000+ at auction.
More: Is Labubu Coca - Cola Rare?
Labubu’s meteoric rise was supercharged when Blackpink’s Lisa posted hers online. Soon, A-listers followed:
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Rihanna – Flaunted a custom Labubu purse.
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Dua Lipa – Showed off her Labubu collection on TikTok.
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Pharrell Williams – Wore a Labubu pendant at Paris Fashion Week.
📸 Viral moments:
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#LabubuChallenge – Fans create mini photoshoots with their figures.
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Unboxing videos – Get millions of views, fueling FOMO (fear of missing out).
More: Is Labubu a Luxury Brand? The Rise of a Cultural Phenomenon
4. The Collector Economy: Labubu as an Investment
Unlike traditional toys, Labubu has appreciated in value, making it a legitimate alternative asset.
📈 Market trends:
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Common editions – 2-5x resale value.
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Secret editions – 10-100x original price.
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Collaborations – Often sell out in seconds, then skyrocket in value.
💡 Why collectors invest:
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Proven resale growth (similar to sneakers or Pokémon cards).
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Pop culture relevance ensures long-term demand.
More: How to check Labubu authenticity QR code?
5. A Global Subculture: More Than Just a Toy
Labubu isn’t just collected—it’s lived with. Fans have turned it into a lifestyle:
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Custom displays – DIY dioramas, LED-lit shelves, and miniature furniture.
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Trading communities – Dedicated forums, Instagram collectors, and Pop Mart meetups.
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Artistic expression – Some fans repaint, modify, or redesign their Labubu figures.
🌍 Cultural impact:
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China – A status symbol (owning rare editions = flex).
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US/EU – Embraced by streetwear and contemporary art circles.
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Southeast Asia – A resale goldmine on platforms like Carousell.
More: How do people buy Labubu?
Why Labubu Is Here to Stay
Unlike fads (e.g., Fidget Spinners), Labubu has staying power because:
✅ Artistic legitimacy – Backed by a respected designer.
✅ Scarcity mechanics – Blind boxes & limited drops keep demand high.
✅ Celebrity + social proof – A-listers and influencers keep it relevant.
✅ Collector economy – Proven investment potential.
What’s next?
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Labubu NFTs (digital collectibles).
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Animated series rumors.
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More high-end collaborations.
Final Verdict: Labubu Is the Ultimate Modern Collectible
Whether you see it as art, a fashion accessory, or an investment, Labubu has redefined what a toy can be. Its blend of design, hype, and scarcity makes it a blue-chip collectible in today’s market.