This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
In the world of collectible toys, where creatures with huge eyes and perfect shapes reign, a being has emerged that immediately broke all the rules. Small, a bit mischievous, with a wild look, a toothy grin, and disproportionate ears — this is Labubu.
But what exactly is Labubu? And why are collectors hunting for it in Asia and around the world?
Who created Labubu?
Labubu is a character created by Kasing Lung, an artist from Hong Kong, who, in collaboration with the company Pop Mart, launched a series of collectible figurines. The idea was born from sketches that Kasing drew in his childhood — a world of strange forest creatures, each with its own character, story, and even a bit of darkness.
Labubu first appeared in the public space around the mid-2010s, but it truly gained insane popularity in 2020–2022 when Pop Mart launched mass production in the format of “blind box” — a surprise box.
Labubu is a small creature that is hard to classify clearly. It is something between an animal, a monster, and a fairy spirit. Its main features are:
- pointy ears and a toothy grin,
- large eyes with a somewhat sly or even crazy look,
- slim body and large paws,
- often — unexpected clothing (from a clown costume to a superhero cape).
Each series of figurines presents Labubu in a different guise: a fisherman, a princess, a farmer, an astronaut — this is part of its charm.
The popularity of Labubu can be explained by several factors:
- Design with character It’s not a cute “nya” like Hello Kitty or Bearbrick. Labubu has character, emotion, sometimes — wild, sometimes — a bit sad. People see something real in it.
- “Blind box” format Every purchase is a lottery. You don’t know which figurine is inside. This creates excitement and forms fan communities for trading.
- Limited releases Some series are released in very small quantities — only at events or in certain countries. This encourages collectors to literally “hunt” for specific figurines, the prices of which on the secondary market can reach hundreds of dollars.
- Pop Mart culture The Chinese company Pop Mart, which is behind the production of Labubu, has created a whole ecosystem around its toys — with special stores, international exhibitions, and fan events.
Labubu as part of modern culture
Labubu is not just a toy. It has become an art object, a meme, an emotional talisman adored by adults. Unboxing “blind boxes” videos are popular on TikTok, Instagram is filled with fan art, and some fans create their own clothing lines for Labubu.
In Ukraine, Labubu is also gradually appearing among collectors — it is brought from Asia, resold in themed groups, and some designers use the image of Labubu as inspiration for fashion accessories or art projects.
- Labubu × Coca-Cola
In 2024, Pop Mart released a series of Labubu figurines in collaboration with Coca-Cola. This collection includes 11 figurines in Coca-Cola style, available in a "blind box" format, meaning the contents of the box are a surprise. These figurines became popular among collectors due to their unique design and limited release.
- Labubu × One Piece
In early 2025, Pop Mart introduced a series of figurines where Labubu transforms into characters from the famous anime and manga One Piece. This collection includes 13 figurines, among which Labubu appears as Tony Tony Chopper. Large MEGA Labubu figurines in the style of this character were also released.
- Labubu × PRONOUNCE
In 2024, a collaboration took place between Labubu and the Chinese fashion brand PRONOUNCE. As part of this collaboration, a Labubu figurine in a purple denim outfit was created and showcased at Milan Fashion Week.
- Labubu × Arcane (League of Legends)
In April 2025, Pop Mart released a series of figurines where Labubu is presented in the style of characters from the animated series Arcane, based on the game League of Legends. This collection includes 9 figurines and 2 secret ones, making it appealing to fans of the game and collectors.
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