Labubu, a whimsical toy line created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, has captured the attention of collectors and celebrities alike since its debut in 2015. In the decades since, this bunny-bodied, elf-faced gem has quietly cultivated a cult following. In the past couple of years, it’s gained popularity like never before! Labubu’s striking design, which Labubu has himself described as being equal parts grotesque and adorable, made him an immediate fan-favorite and highly sought-after item.
Ones that are getting attention from the fashion world include shared interest from stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from Blackpink. Their owners wear them like hip accessories, like fashionable good luck charms! Toys were the stars of Paris Fashion Week this year. Dozens of Pop Mart Labubus danced their way onto the stage with their colorful outfits, mesmerizing the crowd. These furry, toothy little dolls inspired mass mobs around the world and caused fist fights between fans protesting outside stores that sold them.
These increased operational costs associated with the growing demand and popularity for Labubus have created undeniable burdens on consumers attempting to purchase Labubuses. Since the beginning of April, Chinese customs authorities have seized 462 total Pop Mart toys. This action was a direct result of those toys’ all-consuming popularity and the buying crises that ensued. The toys are not only scarce but carry ridiculous premium price tags at resale. Though a blind box from the newest Labubu 3.0 series would have originally cost 584 yuan (around $81). Now, you can see it on second-hand platforms at around 1,000 yuan ($139)—2,000 yuan ($278)!
At home in China, where Pop Mart has its roots and produces most of its toys, residents and workers are suffering. They are facing difficulty in procuring Labubus from the official sources. Kate Yang, a local consumer, expressed her frustration:
“It’s almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels.”
She further noted that many buyers feel compelled to turn to resale platforms:
“Because they are not available on official platforms, if you’re in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can’t manage to get the popular ones in time. You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms.”
As demand keeps exceeding supply, Labubus have come to represent a broader trend in collectible toys. This phenomenon is a testament to the fierce desire of consumers. A testament to the large cultural influence these figurines have already posed into the worlds of fashion and celebrity.
