24-05-2025
What Is Labubu? The Cute-And-Creepy Doll Everyone Is Talking About
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Labubu is part of a group called 'The Monsters', which includes other quirky creatures like Zimomo, Mokoko and Tycoco.
Who says cute and creepy can't go hand in hand? Clearly, they haven't met a Labubu. With their toothy grins and fuzzy little bodies, these quirky dolls are 2025's most unexpected fashion obsession. From keychains to bag charms, Labubus are everywhere—clipped onto tote bags, flaunted on social media, and chased down by collectors willing to stand in long queues for the latest drop. Adding to the frenzy, celebrities have been spotted rocking Labubu accessories, turning the once-niche character into a full-blown style statement.
But what is Labubu exactly? How did this elf-like creature turn into the 'it" accessory for so many people? Let's find out.
Labubu looks like a character from a fantasy story with its pointed ears, big, wide eyes and mischievous grin that shows nine pointy teeth. It is part of a group called 'The Monsters", which includes other quirky creatures like Zimomo, Mokoko and Tycoco. The doll's design is inspired by Nordic mythology.
Labubu was created by Kasing Lung, an artist born in Hong Kong and now living in Belgium. The character first appeared in Lung's children's book series. In 2019, Pop Mart, a popular toy company, started making Labubu dolls as collectables. Since then, Labubu has become more popular with new versions released regularly.
Pop Mart describes Labubu as 'kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite."
How Did Labubu Become A Fashion Accessory?
Labubu started as a collectable toy, but now it is a fashion accessory. One reason for its popularity is the 'blind box" format, where buyers don't know which version they will get until they open the box. This surprise element makes the quest of collecting them fun and exciting.
The big boost came from celebrities and social media. Lisa from BLACKPINK is often credited with starting the craze. In a Variety interview, Lisa said, 'I can't stop talking about Labubus. I've been going crazy for them for almost a year, but now I can't really get new Labubus. They're really hard to find. I'm kind of sad."
#LISA with her big Labubu's in her every :bubbles: live. She bought another friend for her brown one from the previous lemonade live :joy: — TEAM LISA PH (@TeamLisaPH) November 26, 2024
The singer further revealed that she has got 'only three to four" and want a 'whole box." Rihanna and Dua Lipa have also been spotted carrying Labubu charms which helped the trend go viral worldwide. In India, actress Ananya Panday was seen with a pink Labubu charm on her bag.
Why Are Labubu Dolls So Popular?
Labubu's jump from collectible toy to fashion must-have happened because of celebrities, social media unboxing videos and the thrill of collecting rare dolls. Fans enjoy showing off their finds online. Google Trends shows searches for 'Labubu doll" and 'Labubu keychain" have reached over 2.1 million in the past month alone.
New Labubu collections often sell out within minutes. While regular dolls cost around $30 (about Rs. 2,500), rare limited editions can be much more expensive.
The Business Behind Labubu's Success
Pop Mart has seen remarkable growth because of their popularity. The company made $1.8 billion in 2024, which is twice as much as the year before. Bloomberg reports that Labubu and the 'The Monsters" series alone made about $400 million, which is a huge jump of 726% in just one year.
But the craze has caused some problems too. In the UK, Pop Mart had to stop selling Labubu dolls for a while after customers started fighting in stores over them. A fan named Victoria Calvert told the BBC, 'It was just getting ridiculous. People were fighting and shouting, and you felt scared." To keep people safe, Pop Mart paused sales in 16 shops in the UK until June.
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