The Labubu Phenomenon
Updated: Jul 7
Feb 17, 2026
Is it a Labubu or a Lafufu? Labubus are a popular, snaggle-toothed, elvish character created by Hong Kong artist Kansing Lung in 2015 as part of “The Monster” series. Some other members of the series include Zimomo, Mokoko, Tycoco, and more. When he moved at the age of seven to the Netherlands, he was heavily inspired by Nordic Fairy Tales. However, later in 2019, he collaborated with PopMart, which grew in popularity. “A few key features that make her so unique are the wide eyes that are almost as big as her "mischievous smile," she has a furry exterior body and nine very visible teeth in her grin.” (The Today Show).
The photo shows a girl holding up
her Loyalty Labubu from the
BingInto Energy series.
Since the beginning of Labubus, PopMart has made $2 billion dollars.“Celebrities like Rihanna, Emma Roberts and Rose only fed the frenzy by clipping the dolls on to their handbags, branding them as the new “luxury” accessories and leading fans to do whatever it takes to get their hands on one”(The Guardian). Many fans of Rose, Emma Roberts and Rihanna, brought thousands of Labubus, just because they saw their favorite celebrities using it on their bag.
BLACKPINK Rose poses with her labubu that is part of her iconic look.
As PopMart increased production to meet demands, resale prices for Labubus began to reach its highest. People also started to make fake Labubus called Lafufu. Prices from 70$- $100. “At peak, Labubu dolls weren’t just collectibles, they were emotional currency. Every social feed served unboxing after unboxing of pastel creatures with wide grins and rabbit-like ears.” (Forbes). On the PopMart App, millions of labubu sold out within seconds. To attract customers, PopMart uses a “blind box” model where the rare Labubu is a mystery and the secret is only once in every 72 boxes. This creates a “lottery-like” excitement.
The photo shows Lafufus hanging up at Shanghai’s swap meet.
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