What Is The Trend Behind Labubu?

The rise of Labubu, the mischievous monster-elf from Pop Mart, is more than just a toy trend—it's a cultural movement. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu has evolved from a niche vinyl figure into a luxury collectible, fashion statement, and social media sensation. Here’s why this quirky character has taken the world by storm.

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1. "Ugly-Cute" Design & Emotional Storytelling

Labubu’s sharp teeth, bunny ears, and scruffy grin fall into the ugly-cute aesthetic—a design trend that thrives on contrast (menacing yet adorable). Unlike traditional cute characters (e.g., Hello Kitty), Labubu’s edgy look sparks strong emotional reactions, making it instantly memorable.

• Backstory matters: Labubu is part of a mythical monster tribe, adding depth that fans love to explore.
• Artist appeal: Kasing Lung’s underground art credibility gives Labubu indie cred, attracting collectors who value authentic creativity.

🔹 Why it works: The design taps into Gen Z and millennial preferences for unconventional, expressive characters.

 More:  Why is Labubu hard to get?

2. Blind Box Mania: The Thrill of the Hunt

Pop Mart’s blind-box model is a psychological masterstroke. Each sealed box contains a random Labubu figure, including:

• Common editions (easily available)
• Hidden "Secret" variants (ultra-rare, driving obsession)
• Limited collaborations (e.g., Labubu x Disney, Labubu x Keith Haring)

📈 Scarcity = Demand:

• Some rare Labubu figures resell for $10,000+ (e.g., the Labubu Zombie edition).
• In China, scalpers use bots to buy out stock, creating artificial shortages.

💡 The psychology: Blind boxes mimic gambling’s dopamine rush, making collecting addictive.

 More:  How to check Labubu authenticity QR code?

3. Celebrity & Influencer Hype

Labubu’s 2024 explosion came when Blackpink’s Lisa posted hers on Instagram. Overnight, it became a must-have accessory.

🎤 Other A-list fans:

• Rihanna – Spotted carrying a custom Labubu purse.
• Kim Kardashian – Showed off a gold-plated Labubu on her vanity.
• Pharrell Williams – Wore a Labubu pendant at Paris Fashion Week.

📸 Social media fuel:

• #LabubuTikTokChallenge – Fans style their figures in mini photoshoots.
• Unboxing videos – Get millions of views on YouTube.

4. Community & Cultural Identity

Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a badge of belonging.

• Fan meetups: Collectors trade rare editions at Pop Mart stores and conventions.
• Customization culture: Artists repaint, modify, and redesign Labubu, creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Emotional comfort: In Asia, many adults see Labubu as "therapy in plastic"—a small joy in stressful lives.

🌍 Global subculture:

• China: Seen as a status symbol (owning rare editions = flex).
• US/EU: Embraced by streetwear and art collectors.
• Southeast Asia: Huge resale market on platforms like Carousell.

More:  Where to Buy Clothes for Labubu: A Collector's Guide

5. Pop Mart’s Genius Business Strategy

The company turned Labubu into a billion-dollar IP through:

✅ Limited drops – Artificial scarcity keeps demand high.
✅ Cross-brand collabs – Labubu x Casio watches, Labubu x Uniqlo.
✅ Digital integration – Pop Mart’s app gamifies collecting (scan figures for rewards).

💰 By the numbers:

• $419M+ in Labubu sales (2024).
• 900% growth in North America.
• Pop Mart’s stock rose 1,200% since Labubu’s viral moment.

Why Labubu Isn’t Just a Fad

Unlike short-lived toy crazes (e.g., Fidget Spinners), Labubu has staying power because:

🔮 Nostalgia + Innovation – It feels retro yet fresh.
💎 Luxury appeal – High-end editions attract serious collectors.
❤️ Emotional connection – Fans don’t just buy it; they identify with it.

Final Verdict: Labubu is the perfect storm of art, psychology, and hype—a trend that’s reshaping how we think about toys, fashion, and collectible culture.