Labubu is more than just a brand – it’s a cultural phenomenon. With hundreds of striking designs, Labubu has transcended its origin as a character in children’s books to a sought-after collectible. In a jaw-dropping moment, the most expensive life-size Labubu doll fetched $170,000 at an auction on June 10, 2024. This iconic toy has become a favorite collectible among A-list celebrities including Blackpink singer Lisa, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna.
Labubu dolls are the most coveted collectibles today. The line of toys was created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung. In 2019, Lung entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Chinese toy retailer Pop Mart to give life to the children book’s character as collectible toys. Pop Mart released more than 300 Labubu dolls, priced from $15 for a three-inch vinyl figure to $960 for a jumbo, 31-inch high “mega” edition. Its blind box retail model, which sells toys in sealed packaging concealing the specific character inside, added an element of surprise and exclusivity that lured collectors.
Per New York Post: “Labubus are in such demand that fakes known as “Lafufus” have flooded the border. A half-million dollars worth of fakes were recently seized by US Customs and Border Protection officers at Seattle’s main airport. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently warned that some of the bogus products are so small that they can pose dangers to children, who might choke if they put them in their mouths.”
How has Labubu become larger than life? And where can one buy the real deal? This comprehensive guide offers readers an in-depth look at Labubu, from its distinctive design philosophy to its cultural impact. Additionally, it will guide readers where they can buy Labubu products and not be duped by the counterfeits flooding the marketplace. Whether you’re new to the brand or a fan, this guide will serve as your ultimate resource for all things Labubu.
History Of Labubu
Labubu is a line of collectibles created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung. Born in 1972, Lung was raised in the Netherlands and later settled in Antwerp, Belgium. He began his career as a children’s book illustrator, gaining recognition with works like My Little Planet (2013) and Lizzy Wil Dansen (2014). In 2015, Lung introduced Labubu as part of his story series “The Monsters”, which drew inspiration from Nordic folklore and mythology that fascinated him during his childhood. Labubu, characterized by its mischievous grin, large ears, and scruffy appearance, quickly became the central figure of the series.
Labubu was first introduced in 2015 with “Monsters” figurines produced by the company How2Work. In 2019, Lung entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Chinese toy retailer Pop Mart. This collaboration marked a significant turning point for Labubu, transitioning from a character in Lung’s illustrations to a commercially produced collectible toy. Pop Mart’s blind box retail model, which sells toys in sealed packaging concealing the specific character inside, added an element of surprise and exclusivity that lured collectors. Labubu’s popularity soared, leading to the release of over 300 different versions of the character, from vinyl figures to limited-edition art pieces.
By 2025, the brand released over 300 different Labubu figurines, ranging in size and price, from US$15 for an 8-cm vinyl figure to $960 for a 79-cm “mega” edition. In June, a 1.2-metre-tall Labubu was sold for $170,000 at the first official Labubu auction, held in Beijing. Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning’s 48.73% stake in the company has reportedly made him a US$21.1 billion fortune (as of 7 July 2025, up from $1.8 billion in 2024), making him the youngest member of China’s top ten billionaire list.
Labubu’s popularity soared in April 2024, when Thai-born K-pop superstar Lisa began posting photos on Instagram with Labubu dolls. Singer Rihanna was photographed with a Labubu toy clipped to her Louis Vuitton bag in February 2025 and Kim Kardashian shared her collection of Labubu dolls with her Instagram followers soon after!! In May, former England football captain Sir David Beckham also took to Instagram with a photograph of a Labubu, gifted to him by his daughter.
The success of Labubu is a testament to the effective partnership between Kasing Lung’s artistic vision and Pop Mart’s innovative marketing strategies. Labubu has transcended its origins as a character in a children’s book to become a global cultural phenomenon, influencing trends in fashion, art, and collectibles. The character’s widespread appeal is evident in its presence at major retail locations, collaborations with other brands, and its status as a sought-after item among collectors worldwide.
Labubu: Designs and Editions
Labubus are described as having a playful fierce look, featuring round, furry bodies, wide eyes, pointed ears and sharp teeth that form a mischievous smile. The first Labubu key-ring line, titled “Exciting Macaron” was released in October 2023. Pop Mart has also collaborated with various brands, producing a Coca Cola–themed blind box series of eleven Labubus in late 2024 and a 13-figurine line of “The Monsters” re-imagined as characters from the manga and anime “One Piece” in early 2025. The Labubu dolls have appeared in several series of “The Monsters”, such as “Big into Energy”, “Have a Seat”, “Exciting Macaron” and “Fall in Wild”. The Labubu brand also has other characters from its universe, which have inspired their own popular dolls – such as the tribe’s leader Zimomo, her boyfriend Tycoco and her friend Mokoko.
Labubu: From Children’s Books To Fashion Collaborations
Labubu’s journey from a character in a children’s book to a cultural icon is a testament to the brand’s innovative design. Initially created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung as part of his story series “The Monsters”, Labubu’s mischievous grin and quirky aesthetic quickly captured the hearts of collectors and fans worldwide. Pop Mart’s Labubu witnessed queues outside stockists worldwide as it continued to attract the attention of celebrities, influencers, and fashion icons.
Celebrities like rapper Travis Scott and fashion icons such as Virgil Abloh have been spotted with Labubu. Emma Roberts also took to Instagram to open a whole blind box. Now, the charms can often be seen dangling from Birkins and Miu Miu bags. The character’s whimsical style also fits into the streetwear culture, where it’s often featured in Instagram fashion posts. This has inspired several luxury fashion brands to collaborate with Pop Mart: Balmain and Chinese toy company Pop Mart unveiled an exclusive “New Year’s Mega Space Molly Balmain” co-branded collection. Limited to 999 pieces worldwide and priced at $844, the sought-after figurine created a sensation in the fashion industry.
Pop Mart X Balamin
Italian fashion brand Moncler announced its partnership with Pop mart in 2022, via a teaser on Weibo. This collaboration was limited to 2000 collectibles worldwide. Per Jing Daily: “Wearing the Moncler Grenoble’s special-edition capsule for Winter 2022, Space Molly is dressed up in futuristic white and silver, adorned with black, gold, and other colours from the collection. She travels with determination through time and space, leading and encouraging her followers to explore uncharted territory. Moncler Grenoble collection is designed specifically for alpine use, and pieces protect wearers with cutting-edge materials and functional details. By dressing up a popular IP in this high-performance puffer, Moncler discovered a new way to tap into China’s winter sports boom.”
For its fiftieth anniversary, Zara launched a project, “50 pieces, 50 creators” – a collaboration with 50 personalities from the world of fashion, culture or entertainment that Zara invited to design a piece. In the collection there was a Labubu, designed by its creator, Kasing Lung!
Where to Buy Labubu: Top Retailers and Online Platforms
Fang-toothed, fuzzy and mischievous, Labubus can be near-impossible to purchase unless you know exactly where to go. For those seeking to purchase Labubu, the official retailer Popmart offers a comprehensive online store where collectors can browse the latest releases and limited editions. Additionally, Pop Mart has established flagship stores in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These physical stores often feature exclusive in-store releases and provide an immersive shopping experience. Labubu figures are also available through online platforms. Farfetch, a global luxury fashion retailer, stocks high-end Labubu collectibles such as the “Let’s Checkmate” series and collaborations with designers like Pronounce.
Per BBC: “Pop Mart itself has now become a major retailer. It operates more than 2,000 vending machines, or “roboshops”, around the world. And you can now buy Labubu dolls in stores, physical or virtual, in more than 30 countries, from the US and UK to Australia and Singapore, although many of them have recently paused sales due to overwhelming demand. Sales from outside mainland China contributed to nearly 40% of its total revenue in 2024. In a sign of just how popular Labubus have become, Chinese customs officials said this week that they had seized more than 70,000 fake dolls in recent days.”
Labubu dolls are also available on resale sites like StockX, Depop and eBay with people paying astronomical fees to get their favourites. However, remember to be wary of counterfeit versions. It pays to research the differences between fakes and the real McCoy. For instance, collectors suggest looking for signs such as whether the dolls have a Pop Mart stamp on their foot and the presence of a QR code on the back of the packaging, which should take you to the official Pop Mart website.
When it comes to pricing, Labubu figures differ based on their rarity, size, and edition. Standard plush charms typically range from $20 to $30, while vinyl figures start at approximately $15. Limited editions and larger figures can command higher prices; for instance, the “Time to Chill” collectible figure is priced at $459. Rare and exclusive Labubu dolls have been known to fetch even higher amounts. Collectors should be aware of counterfeit products in the market and ensure they purchase from trusted retailers to guarantee authenticity.
Renting Labubu
Can’t afford labubu? Don’t worry. Renting a Labubu doll has become an increasingly popular option for those who wish to enjoy the charm of these quirky plush toys without committing to a full purchase. In the UK, platforms like By Rotation offer rentals starting at just £4 per day, allowing users to enjoy the doll for a limited time without the higher costs associated with buying one. Costume rental services such as All About Costumes provide Labubu-themed costumes for hire, with charges around £45 for the costume and an optional £20 for home delivery and return postage.
Labubu’s Global Reach and Impact
Labubu, the mischievous, rabbit-eared plush toy from Pop Mart, has become a global sensation, particularly appealing to Gen Z and millennials. In the first half of 2025, Pop Mart reported a staggering $392 million in sales from the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China), a 258% increase from the previous year. The Americas followed closely, with $311 million in sales, marking a 1,142% surge. Europe and other markets contributed $66 million, an increase of 729%. Thailand has emerged as a standout market for Labubu. In July 2024, Pop Mart opened its first Labubu-themed store in Bangkok, which achieved over 10 million RMB (approximately $1.4 million) in sales on its opening day. In 2024, due to the viral popularity of Labubu in Thailand, Thais began to believe that it could bring good fortune. As a result, it was made into Buddhist amulets and sacred tattoos.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
