Fluffy, a little creepy, with nine teeth and huge eyes - Labubu monster conquered the world of fashion, collectors and social networks. It is bought for crazy money, collected, given to stars, and even ... for it they fight in queues.
The toy, which was known only by fans of Chinese figurines a few years ago, has become a real global phenomenon today - from Shanghai to London, from the forest with Blackpink to David Beckham.
Where did Labubu come from
The hero was born in the fantasy of Hong Kong illustrator Kasin Luna, 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 cooperate - and so the real success story began.
Labubu became part of a series of monsters figurines, which was sold in blind boxes - the buyer did not know what kind of character he would get. It is this "gambling" expectation that has become one of the main factors of rapid popularity.
A monster with a good heart
The appearance of labubu - a mixture of rabbit and troll, with long ears, tooth with a smile and bizarre shapes. But Pop Mart assures that he is good, though he often gets into the mess. This contrast attracts millions of people - both children and adults, who seek something non -standard, sweet and antifuster.
Global trend and business success
Labubu is sold in more than 30 countries, including the US, Britain and Singapore. In 2024, sales outside China amounted to almost 40% of POP Mart's income. The cost of one toy varies - from $ 25 to $ 70, but in the secondary market it can grow several times.
Pop Mart has opened thousands of "robots" around the world and has become a giant of the industry. Her stocks on the Hong Kong Exchange have taken over 500%over the last year.
Labubu in the star environment
Celebritis is actively supported by the toy: Laba, 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. It 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 "soft power" of China. Even the Sinhua State Agency considers it proof of the "attractiveness of Chinese culture, understandable world."
According to analysts, China demonstrates that not only electric vehicles or AI can create, but also aesthetic phenomena that capture the world.
