What Is Labubu?

Labubu is one of the flagship characters in illustrator Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” universe. Conceived around 2015, Labubu is depicted as a female elf—or “monster elf”—with high pointed ears, nine serrated teeth, and a perpetually playful, “ugly-cute” expression. Although Lung originally sketched Labubu as part of his personal story series, the character truly took off once Pop Mart acquired production rights in 2019. To date, Labubu has appeared in over 300+ colorways, shapes, and sizes, ranging from vinyl figurines to plush bag charms.

Origins (2015–2018)

Creation of “The Monsters” (2015): Kasing Lung—raised partly in the Netherlands—introduced Labubu as part of his “The Monsters” storyline in 2015. Drawing inspiration from Nordic mythology, Lung populated his “monster tribe” with characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato, and the instantly fan‐favorite Labubu.

Early How2Work Figurines: Before partnering with Pop Mart, Lung released small‐run vinyl figurines under his own studio, How2Work. These first Labubu collectibles retailed for approximately $25–$40 USD each. Limited “artist proofs” (signed test‐shot pieces) occasionally surfaced and were traded among niche designer‐toy collectors for up to $75–$120 USD.

Pop Mart Partnership & Blind-Box Era (2019–2023)

Exclusive License with Pop Mart (2019): In mid-2019, Kasing Lung signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Pop Mart—a China-based collectible-toy retailer renowned for its “blind-box” model. Pop Mart integrated Labubu into its “The Monsters” umbrella line and began mass-production under its signature randomized packaging format.

Blind-Box Mechanics & Pricing:

• Core Vinyl Blind Boxes: ¥159–¥199 CNY (≈ $22–$28 USD) per box (common odds ≈ 1:6; secret ≈ 1:72).
• Key-Chain & Mini Blind Boxes: ¥99 CNY (≈ $14 USD) per box.
• Collector Hype: Common variants flip for $35–$50 USD; rare secrets fetch $100–$150 USD on resale.

“10 Things to Know About Labubu” (Aug 2024 Highlights)

1. Character Background: Labubu is a female “monster elf” in Lung’s original lore, part of a wider creature tribe.
2. Visual Traits: High pointed ears, nine serrated teeth, no tail, and a mischievous grin.
3. Pop Mart License (2019): Transitioned Labubu into mass-production and blind-box distribution.
4. Version 1 “Tasty Macarons” Plush (Oct 2023): 8×17×7 cm dessert-themed pendants + rare Chestnut Cocoa (1:72).
5. Version 2 “Have A Seat” Plush (Jul 2024): 15×8×7 cm seated plush—six editions + rare DuoDuo (1:72).
6. Retail Pricing: SGD 24.90 (~$18 USD) per blind-box in Singapore.
7. Bag-Charm Phenomenon: Gold-tone rings made V1/V2 plushes coveted bag charms after Lisa (BLACKPINK) clip.
8. Dessert Nomenclature: Names like Soymilk, Lychee Berry, Toffee align with colorways.
9. Global Clubs: Fan communities on WeChat, Reddit, Discord coordinate swaps and drop alerts.
10. Sold-Out Culture: Drops sell out within minutes; fans camp overnight for secrets.

Pricing Evolution: Then vs. Now

Why Labubu Remains a Phenomenon

• Design & Emotional Appeal: “Ugly-cute” dessert hues create comfort-collectible bond.
• Scarcity Psychology: <2% secret odds fuel repeat purchases and box hunts.
• Celebrity Stamp: Lisa (BLACKPINK), Rihanna, Dua Lipa unbox and style Labubu publicly.
• Social Virality: #LabubuUnboxing hits tens of millions on TikTok & Xiaohongshu.
• Community & Status: Full sets and rare finds are badges of honor among collectors.
• IP Expansion: Phone cases, apparel, collaborations with BAPE, Coca-Cola, Louvre.

Today’s Labubu Product Lineup

• Core Vinyl Blind-Box Figures: 6 regular + 1 secret; ¥159–¥199 CNY (~$22–$28 USD).
• Vinyl Plush Charms (V1 & V2):
  V1 “Tasty Macarons” (Oct 2023): 8×17×7 cm + rare Chestnut Cocoa (1:72).
  V2 “Have A Seat” (Jul 2024): 15×8×7 cm + rare DuoDuo (1:72).
  SGD 24.90 / ¥125 CNY (~$18 USD) per box.
• Mini Key-Chain Blind Boxes: 3″ keychains; ¥99 CNY (~$14 USD).
• Special Drops:
  Coca-Cola × Labubu (¥299 CNY/$42 USD); Louvre “Artistic Quest” (€49/$53 USD);
  One Piece Key-Chain (¥249 JPY/$2 USD); BAPE × Labubu (¥299 CNY/$42 USD).
• Accessories & Licensing: Doll kits ($13.99–$19.99 USD), phone cases, mugs (¥49–¥149 CNY).

Celebrity Fans of Labubu

Notable stars spotted with Labubu drive global hype:

• Lisa (BLACKPINK): Bag charm cameo in Bangkok (Oct 2023).
• Rihanna: Unboxing feature (May 2025).
• Dua Lipa: Instagram Stories unbox.
• Kim Kardashian: Street-style shoot (May 2025).
• Emma Roberts: Instagram plush flaunt.
• Simone Biles: Gucci-dressed Labubus in Asia (Jun 2025).
• Hailey Bieber: Repost of Simone’s Labubu shots (Jun 2025).
• Lizzo: Featured Labubu in “Whim Whamiee” video (Apr 2025).

Conclusion

From Kasing Lung’s indie How2Work runs in 2015 to sold-out Pop Mart drops and A-list endorsements, Labubu transcends “toy” status. Its quirky design, scarcity-driven model, and celebrity stamp have fueled a collector obsession that shows no signs of slowing. Whether you hunt secrets or simply love the charm, Labubu is here to stay.