Toothy little Labubu monsters are showing up more and more in Instagram and TikTok feeds. Bloggers and fashion fans of all genders are collecting them and decorating their bags with them (yes, the bag charm trend is going strong!). But some people don’t get the hype around these toys and wonder: what’s so special about these toothy creatures? Still, the fact is clear: their popularity grows every day.

 

Who is Labubu, where did it come from, and how did it take over the fashion world?

 

 

Where It All Began

Labubu isn’t just a toy—she’s the heroine of an illustrated book called “The Monsters”, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. The comic came out in 2015, and its characters are inspired by Scandinavian myths and fairy tales about elves. In a magical forest, Labubu lives with seven friends: Zimomo, the elf leader; Tycoco, her boyfriend; Mokoko, Yaya, Spooky, Pato, and Pippo. Each character has a unique look and personality. But Labubu, who looks like a kitten with pointy ears and a playful smile, became the star and won the hearts of fashion lovers worldwide.

 

Why Are Labubus So Popular?

In 2019, Kasing Lung decided to “bring his characters to life” by partnering with the Chinese company Pop Mart, known for collectible toys. The twist? You can’t just choose and buy a Labubu—they come in surprise boxes, and you don’t know which character you’ll get until you open it. This sparked a huge craze in Asia. Collectors bought boxes hoping to score rare ones, like Labubu from the Chinese New Year collection, Vans collaboration, or the exclusive “Chestnut Cocoa” color.

 

 

The popularity exploded in mid-2024 when BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rosé started decorating their luxury bags with Labubu and sharing it on social media. Western stars like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and others followed, showing off their collections or using Labubu as accessories. As a result, Pop Mart reported that their net profit in 2024 jumped by 188 percent, and sales more than doubled compared to the previous year.

 

How Much Do Labubu Cost?

With Labubu’s rise on TikTok and Instagram, fans started hunting for rare models. On Pop Mart’s official website, toys sell out instantly. Resellers charge anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the collection. A basic Labubu keychain can be found for about $20, but you’ll need to be patient until they’re back in stock.