Last month, Pop Mart stores across China were flooded with eager fans. Shoppers lined up for hours. The website crashed in mere minutes. The reason? One name: Labubu.
If you’ve never heard of Labubu, you’re about to. This tiny, pointy-eared creature has become a cultural juggernaut — combining collectible fandom, fashion accessorizing, and social media virality into one nine-toothed, grin-filled plush phenomenon.
So, What Is a Labubu?
Labubu is part of The Monsters series, a line of collectible toys created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and launched by Pop Mart in 2015. Described by Pop Mart North America’s Head of Licensing Emily Brough as “tiny devious elves with nine teeth and pointy ears,” Labubus hail from a whimsical Nordic forest world. Mischievous yet lovable, they’re full of charm and chaos — and apparently, mass appeal.
There’s also an ever-expanding cast of characters: Zimomo, the leader; Mokoko, her quirky friend; and Tycoco, her skeleton-like, bashful boyfriend. But it’s Labubu who’s captured the cultural zeitgeist, particularly in plush form — more specifically, as plush keychain pendants.
From Collectible to Couture
Originally a niche obsession for toy collectors, Labubu has now infiltrated the world of fashion. Influencers, stylists, and even celebrities are clipping the plush onto luxury handbags and belt loops, creating a playful juxtaposition that echoes fashion fads like Monchichi dolls or Fendi’s monster charms from the 2000s.
Social media content creator and vintage Prada collector Anna Bediones has taken her obsession one step further, dressing her Labubus in tiny designer outfits. And she’s not alone. Lisa from BLACKPINK sparked a frenzy when she was spotted with a Labubu charm on her Chanel bag. Kimora Lee Simmons followed suit with a plush on her Hermès Birkin. Then came Rihanna, who casually flaunted a pink “Lychee Berry” Labubu from the Macaron series on her Louis Vuitton Speedy.
The floodgates opened.
Scarcity + Social Proof = Obsession
What’s fueling the hype? According to Brough, it’s not just the character’s cuteness or lore — it’s also perfect timing. “While the Monsters collection and Labubu have been beloved characters for years, her popularity truly surged during the spring and summer 2024 fandom wave,” she explains. Key celebrity moments paired with a rising trend in playful bag charms catapulted Labubu into the style stratosphere.
Demand is so high that the plushies have become resale gold. The most recent Labubu drop is now StockX’s number one collectible release of all time, with over 8,000 units sold. Secret-edition pieces are commanding close to $400 on the platform, compared to their retail price of just $27.
A Cultural Mirror (With Ears)
While critics may scoff, writing off Labubu as a “recession toy,” the broader reality is this: people have always collected things. From Beanie Babies and Pokémon cards to Funko Pops and Sonny Angels, collectibles have long offered comfort and joy — especially in times of uncertainty.
For content creator Sammy Spice (55K+ Instagram followers), it’s about nostalgia and fashion. “It brings so much joy,” she says. “It reminds me of the Fendi monster charms I used to love. We’re always looking for fun, new things to wear.”
Fashion stylist Raz Martinez echoed the sentiment. “It was a slow burn,” he said. “The colors, the playfulness — eventually, TikTok caught on, and I just knew I had to join in.”
What’s Next in the Pop Mart Universe?
While Labubu shows no signs of slowing down, Pop Mart might have another hit on its hands. Brough hints that the Crybaby series — with their sullen expressions and plush bodies — could be next in line for viral fame. The Skull Panda characters, already gaining traction on TikTok, are also pushing their way into the spotlight. Their latest release is set for June 6, and early signs point to another online frenzy.
Final Thought: Joy in the Chaos
Labubu is more than a plush — it’s a cultural symbol of joy, nostalgia, and collectability in an otherwise chaotic world. Whether you see it as a fashion statement, a comfort object, or just an adorable keychain, one thing is clear: Labubu is here to stay.
So if you spot someone with a little green creature swinging from their designer bag, don’t be surprised. It’s not just a toy — it’s the must-have accessory of the year.