Is Labubu a Luxury Brand? The Answer Might Surprise You

Short answer: No, Labubu is not a traditional luxury brand—but it has luxury-like appeal due to exclusivity, artistic value, and high resale demand.

Now, let’s dive deeper into why Labubu occupies a unique space between affordable art toys and high-end collectibles, and why some people mistake it for a luxury brand.

What Makes a Brand "Luxury"?

Before judging Labubu, we should define what constitutes a luxury brand. Key traits include:
✅ High price tags – Far above functional value (e.g., a $10,000 handbag).
✅ Exclusivity – Limited production or VIP access only.
✅ Premium craftsmanship – Fine materials and meticulous detailing.
✅ Status symbol – Owning it signals wealth or taste.

Brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Rolex fit this mold. But where does Labubu stand?

 More: The Most Expensive Labubu: A Surprising Rise in the World of Designer Toys

Labubu: Art Toy or Luxury Collectible?

1. Price & Accessibility

• Standard releases cost $50–$200—far cheaper than luxury goods.
• Rare editions (e.g., collaborations, event exclusives) can resell for $1,000+, mimicking luxury scarcity.
• Verdict: Some pieces feel luxurious due to aftermarket hype, but most are reasonably priced.

2. Exclusivity & Hype

• Labubu drops often sell out instantly, creating FOMO-driven demand.
• Limited runs (e.g., Labubu x SpongeBob, Hidden Night series) drive secondary market prices up.
• Verdict: The hype resembles luxury sneaker culture (think Nike x Travis Scott), but it’s still niche.

More: The Rarest Labubu Collectibles: A Guide to Ultra - Exclusive Art Toys

3. Artistic Value vs. Mass Production

• Designed by Kasing Lung, Labubu is part of the art toy movement—valued for creativity, not just branding.
• Some pieces are hand-painted or resin-cast, but many are factory-produced vinyl.
• Verdict: More comparable to KAWS or Bearbrick than Hermès.

4. Brand Perception

• Among art toy collectors, Labubu is prestigious.
• In mainstream luxury circles? Not yet—it lacks the historical prestige of brands like Gucci.
• Verdict: A cult-favorite collectible, not a status symbol like a Rolex.

More: Why is Labubu suddenly so popular?

Final Verdict: Labubu is a "Luxury Adjacent" Brand

• Not a true luxury brand (like Chanel or Patek Philippe).
• But certain pieces act like luxury items due to scarcity and resale value.
• Its appeal lies in artistic storytelling and underground hype—not traditional opulence.

So, Should You Treat Labubu as an Investment?

Maybe! Rare editions can appreciate, but the market is volatile. If you love the art, buy it. If you’re chasing profit, tread carefully.