Who Made Labubu Trendy? The Global Rise of a Cult Toy

The viral popularity of Labubu, the distinctive "ugly-cute" plush toy, represents a perfect convergence of artistic vision, corporate strategy, and celebrity influence. While Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung originally designed the character, its transformation into a worldwide phenomenon was propelled by BLACKPINK's Lisa, strategic marketing from Pop Mart, and a broader cultural shift toward unconventional aesthetics. Here's the detailed analysis:

1. The Creator: Kasing Lung’s Artistic Vision

Labubu first appeared in 2015 as part of Lung’s illustrated book The Monsters, drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore. With its sharp teeth, asymmetrical eyes, and goblin-like ears, the design deliberately challenged traditional notions of cuteness, initially appealing primarily to niche art toy collectors. The character's mainstream breakthrough occurred when Pop Mart acquired licensing rights in 2019, transforming it into mass-produced blind-box collectibles.

 More: What's the Story Behind Labubu?

2. The Catalyst: Lisa’s Unparalleled Influence

In 2024, BLACKPINK’s Lisa became instrumental in Labubu’s global explosion by frequently featuring the toy in her Instagram posts, affectionately referring to it as her "new friend." The impact was immediate and far-reaching:

• Sales Explosion: A single post featuring Lisa with a fluorescent green Labubu resulted in global sell-outs within minutes, with secondary market prices skyrocketing.
• Celebrity Endorsement Chain: High-profile figures including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and members of the Thai royal family subsequently embraced Labubu, elevating its status to that of a luxury fashion accessory.
• Market Expansion: The toy saw unprecedented growth in Western markets, effectively breaking the traditional Asian dominance in collectible toy trends.

Industry analysts observed that this phenomenon likely represented a strategic synergy between Pop Mart’s marketing apparatus and Lisa’s team, blending authentic fandom with carefully orchestrated promotion.

 More: Is Labubu made by Lisa?

3. Pop Mart’s Strategic Marketing Playbook

The Chinese toy conglomerate executed a multifaceted strategy to maximize Labubu’s appeal:

• Blind-Box Psychology: The implementation of rare "hidden editions" with extremely low pull rates created a compulsive collecting dynamic.
• Global Retail Presence: Strategic flagship store openings in major Western cities generated media buzz and consumer frenzy.
• Cultural Adaptation: Partnerships with global brands like Vans and prestigious institutions such as the Louvre Museum allowed Labubu to resonate across diverse cultural contexts.

By 2025, Labubu had become Pop Mart’s most valuable intellectual property, achieving staggering year-over-year revenue growth.

  More: What is the most popular Labubu series?

4. The Cultural Phenomenon: Why Labubu Captured the Zeitgeist

• "Ugly-Cute" Revolution: The toy’s imperfect charm aligned perfectly with Gen Z’s rejection of conventional beauty standards.
• Emotional Resonance: Many fans described Labubu as a form of psychological comfort in an increasingly stressful world.
• Social Status Symbol: Ownership of rare variants became a marker of cultural capital, drawing comparisons to luxury collectibles.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Success Story

While Kasing Lung provided the creative foundation for Labubu, its meteoric rise to trendiness was powered by Lisa’s global influence, Pop Mart’s marketing expertise, and a cultural moment ripe for unconventional icons. The toy’s journey—from obscure art project to record-breaking auction pieces—demonstrates how contemporary cultural phenomena emerge from the intersection of artistic expression, commercial strategy, and celebrity culture.

Authenticity Tip: Genuine Labubu products feature Kasing Lung’s signature and Pop Mart’s official holographic certification—critical details given the proliferation of counterfeits.