Story by Editor at Large CAROLINA OGLIARO
Once upon a time, in the vast universe of designer toys, a peculiar little creature emerged from the depths of artistic imagination, LABUBU. With its signature toothy grin, pointy ears, and mischievous stare, LABUBU has become the ultimate must-have for collectors, hype beasts, and anyone with a soft spot for whimsical chaos. But how did this tiny troublemaker go from an underground sensation to a global collectible craze? And more importantly—why are people (maybe even you) willing to drop serious cash to own one?
The Birth of LABUBU: A Monster With a Mission
LABUBU was created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, a visionary storyteller whose universe of characters feels like a Tim Burton-meets-Ghibli fever dream. First introduced through the Chinese collectible brand POP MART, LABUBU quickly gained a cult following, becoming the flagship character of the Zimomo series.
What sets LABUBU apart from other designer toys is its irreverent charm. It’s not just cute, it’s the perfect mix of adorable and slightly unsettling, like a gremlin you kinda trust but also suspect might prank you in your sleep.
Why LABUBU Is the Hottest Collectible Right Now
1. The Hype Machine Is Real
Let’s face it: exclusivity sells. LABUBU drops are often limited edition, with rare variations selling out in seconds. The resale market? A frenzy. Some figures that originally retailed for $10-20 now go for hundreds (even thousands) of dollars. If you’ve ever tried (and failed) to snag a limited-edition sneaker, you know the pain.
2. The Aesthetic Appeal
LABUBU isn’t just a toy, it’s art. Whether it’s a celestial-themed LABUBU, a vintage circus-inspired one, or a golden, luxury-styled version, each design is a collectible masterpiece. Kasing Lung’s ability to fuse childlike wonder with high-art sensibility makes these figures feel like they belong in a museum as much as they do on your shelf.
3. Social Media Obsession
From Instagram unboxings to TikTok flexes, LABUBU has become a **status symbol for collectors and pop culture enthusiasts**. Hashtags like #LabubuHunting and #LabubuCollection rack up thousands of posts, proving that owning one (or twenty) is a certified flex.
4. A Gateway Drug to Designer Toys
For many, LABUBU is the entry point into the **designer toy rabbit hole**. What starts as “just one blind box” quickly spirals into a full-blown addiction. Before you know it, you’re tracking releases, joining Facebook trade groups, and explaining to friends why you absolutely need the new limited-edition skeleton LABUBU.
Is LABUBU Worth the Hype?
Whether you see LABUBU as a genius investment, a delightful art piece, or a dangerously cute financial trap, one thing is clear, it’s more than just a trend. In an age where nostalgia, exclusivity, and aesthetics drive consumer culture, LABUBU checks every box.
So, should you get one? Maybe. Should you prepare to fall into an inescapable world of collectible madness? Absolutely.
And if you think you can stop at just one LABUBU — Good luck with that. I totally failed at it.
