Labubu: The Chinese-Born Toy Icon Taking the Global Collectibles World by Storm
In the dynamic realm of global designer toys, few IPs have captured the hearts of collectors quite like Labubu—a quirky, endearing forest elf that hails straight from China and has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon.
Labubu was the brainchild of Kasing Lung, a renowned Hong Kong-based artist, making its debut in 2015 within the pages of his illustrated book The Mysterious Buka. With its distinctive look—nine sharp teeth, upright pointed ears, and big, curious eyes—Labubu exuded a unique “ugly-cute” charm that set it apart from the crowd. Initially released as limited-edition art toys by How2Work, it quickly gained a cult following among niche toy enthusiasts, who were drawn to its whimsical design and the artist’s imaginative storytelling.
The turning point for Labubu’s global ascent came in 2019, when it entered a strategic partnership with Pop Mart, the leading Chinese designer toy brand. Pop Mart transformed Labubu into a star of its blind box series, leveraging its expertise in mass production, brand marketing, and global distribution. The collaboration unlocked Labubu’s mainstream potential: limited-edition blind box series, thematic collections tied to festivals and pop culture, and high-end art toy collaborations turned the once-niche elf into a household name among Z世代 and toy collectors worldwide.
What makes Labubu truly stand out, beyond its eye-catching design, is its universal appeal rooted in Chinese creativity. It blends Eastern artistic aesthetics—such as delicate craftsmanship and storytelling that emphasizes warmth and playfulness—with a modern, trendy vibe that resonates across borders. From North America to Europe and Southeast Asia, Labubu’s popularity is evident in sold-out blind box launches, viral unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram, and thriving secondary markets where rare hidden editions fetch premium prices, sometimes as much as 20 times their original value.
Today, Labubu is more than just a toy—it’s a symbol of Chinese IP innovation making waves on the global stage. Its diverse product line spans blind boxes, large-scale art toys, plush dolls, and lifestyle merchandise, catering to collectors of all ages and preferences. For toy lovers and collectors, Labubu isn’t just a collectible; it’s a piece of art that carries the charm of Chinese design, bridging cultures one whimsical elf at a time.