The beginning of Labubu’s story

Labubu, the mischievous yet charming character from The Monsters series created by artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart, started as a niche art toy before becoming a global collectible phenomenon. Its early presence was quiet, mainly appreciated by art toy enthusiasts in Asia. At that stage, labubu was not yet a mainstream name, but the foundation for something much bigger was already forming.

The earliest memorable moment in Labubu’s history is simply its introduction into the designer toy world. Unlike traditional toys, Labubu carried a unique identity slightly eerie, expressive, and emotional which set it apart from typical cute characters. This design direction would later become one of the strongest reasons for its global appeal.

The Pop Mart collaboration breakthrough

One of the most important turning points in Labubu’s history was its collaboration with Pop Mart. This partnership transformed Labubu from a niche art creation into a widely distributed collectible series.

Pop Mart’s blind-box system played a major role in this shift. Instead of buying a specific figure, collectors purchase a sealed box containing a random character. This added surprise element dramatically increased engagement and repeat purchases. Labubu quickly became one of the standout characters within Pop Mart’s expanding universe of designer toys.

This collaboration marked the beginning of Labubu’s transition from art piece to mass collectible phenomenon.

The rise of blind-box culture

Another defining moment in Labubu’s journey was its integration into the global blind-box culture. As Pop Mart expanded internationally, Labubu became one of the flagship characters representing this new way of collecting.

Collectors began chasing “secret” or rare variants hidden inside blind boxes. These chase figures often had extremely low probability rates, making them highly desirable. The excitement of unboxing and the unpredictability of what each box contained created a strong emotional connection between collectors and the brand.

This phase also marked the beginning of Labubu communities forming online, where users shared their pulls, trades, and collection displays.

The viral explosion on social media

A major milestone in Labubu history was its viral spread on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Short-form videos showing unboxings, shelf displays, and rare figure reveals helped introduce Labubu to millions of new viewers worldwide.

The character’s “ugly-cute” aesthetic became highly shareable content. Unlike traditional cute toys, Labubu stood out visually, making it instantly recognizable in social feeds. Influencers and collectors began showcasing Labubu as part of lifestyle content, often pairing figures with bags, desks, and fashion setups.

This social media exposure transformed Labubu into a cultural symbol rather than just a collectible toy.

The emergence of rare chase figures

One of the most exciting chapters in Labubu’s history is the rise of rare chase figures. These secret variants became the centerpiece of collector excitement. Some figures were produced in extremely limited quantities, making them highly valuable in the resale market.

Collectors began tracking entire series, hoping to complete sets or find secret editions. Online marketplaces saw growing demand, with rare Labubu figures sometimes reselling for significantly higher prices than retail.

This moment established Labubu as not just a toy, but also a collectible asset with perceived investment value.

The expansion into global markets

Labubu’s expansion beyond Asia into North America and Europe was another key milestone. Pop Mart opened stores in major international cities, making Labubu more accessible to global audiences.

This expansion helped solidify Labubu’s presence in countries like the United States and Canada, where collectible toy culture was already growing. As availability increased, so did demand, especially for exclusive regional releases and limited collaborations.

At this stage, Labubu became part of a global collector identity rather than a regional trend.

Celebrity influence and lifestyle adoption

Another memorable phase in Labubu’s history was its adoption by celebrities and influencers. Labubu figures began appearing in fashion photos, social media posts, and lifestyle setups. Some celebrities were seen attaching Labubu figures as bag charms or displaying them as part of personal branding.

This helped shift Labubu’s identity from a toy to a lifestyle accessory. It became part of fashion culture, especially among younger audiences who valued unique and expressive items.

The combination of fashion and collectibles significantly increased its cultural relevance.

The peak hype cycle

Perhaps the most intense moment in Labubu’s history was the peak hype period, where demand far exceeded supply. New releases sold out quickly, online queues formed during drops, and resale prices surged.

Collectors often described the experience as competitive and fast-paced. Missing a drop meant paying significantly higher prices later on the secondary market.

This phase marked Labubu as a true “hype collectible,” similar to limited sneaker drops or exclusive streetwear releases.

The rise of counterfeit “Lafufu” figures

As popularity increased, counterfeit versions of Labubu often referred to informally as “Lafufu” began appearing in online markets. This created a new challenge for collectors, as fake figures became harder to distinguish from authentic ones.

This moment highlighted both the success and vulnerability of the brand. High demand naturally attracted imitation products, forcing collectors to become more careful and informed when purchasing.

The shift toward a mature collector market

More recently, labubu big into energy has entered a more stable phase. While still extremely popular, the extreme scarcity-driven hype has begun to normalize due to increased production and wider distribution.

Collectors are now more focused on:

  • Completing series collections
  • Display aesthetics
  • Long-term value
  • Specific rare editions

This shift marks Labubu’s evolution from viral trend to established collectible brand.

Conclusion: A character that became a cultural icon

The history of Labubu is filled with memorable moments from its quiet beginnings as an art toy to its transformation into a global collectible phenomenon. Key milestones such as the Pop Mart collaboration, blind-box explosion, social media virality, and peak hype cycles all contributed to its rise.