Fluffy, a little creepy, with nine teeth and huge eyes, the Labubu monster has conquered the world of fashion, collectors and social media. It is bought for crazy money, collected, given to stars, and even... people fight in lines for it.
A toy that a few years ago was known only to fans of Chinese figurines has today become a true global phenomenon — from Shanghai to London, from Lisa from BLACKPINK to David Beckham.
Where did Labubu come from?
The hero was born in the imagination of Hong Kong illustrator Kasin Leung, inspired by Scandinavian mythology. He first appeared as a character in books about fairies and trolls. But in 2015, the Chinese company Pop Mart invited the artist to collaborate - and that's how the real success story began.
Labubu became part of the Monsters series of figures, which were sold in blind boxes - the buyer did not know which character he would get. It was this “gambling” anticipation that became one of the main factors in its rapid popularity.
A monster with a kind heart
Labubu looks like a cross between a rabbit and a troll, with long ears, a toothy smile, and bizarre shapes. But Pop Mart says he's kind, even though he often gets into trouble. This contrast attracts millions of people, both children and adults, who are looking for something unconventional, cute, and anti-perfectionist.
Global trend and business success
Labubu is sold in more than 30 countries around the world, including the US, UK and Singapore. In 2024, sales outside of China accounted for almost 40% of Pop Mart's revenue. The cost of one toy varies from $25 to $70, but on the secondary market it can increase several times.
Pop Mart has opened thousands of “robostores” around the world and become an industry giant, with its shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange soaring more than 500% in the past year.
Labubu in a starry environment
The fashion for toys is actively supported by celebrities: Lisa from BLACKPINK, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and recently - David Beckham, who received Labubu from his daughter. The figures are worn as decorations on bags, jeans, belts. This is a new wave of fetishism of consumption - infantile, but conscious.
The cultural phenomenon of new China
Labubu is not just a toy, but an example of China's "soft power." Even the state-run Xinhua news agency considers it proof of "the appeal of Chinese culture that is understandable to the world."
According to analysts, China is demonstrating that it can create not only electric cars or AI, but also aesthetic phenomena that captivate the world.
