What Is A Labubu Doll & Why Is There So Much Hype?
What is Labubu?
A ‘Labubu’ is a collectible vinyl figure or plush toy, part of the ‘The Monsters’ series created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung.
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Unique Aesthetic
It is a fictional elvish creature with a mischievous, kind-hearted nature, often depicted with a crocodile smile, oversized eyes, and an ambiguous gender. The figures are known for their unique aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Nordic fairy tales.
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Why the Hype?
The toy's appeal is fueled by a hard-to-explain cuteness — they're kind of ugly, but huggable, with a devilish grin.
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1. ‘Blind Box’
Pop Mart’s limited releases and sale of Labubu and other ‘The Monsters’ characters in sealed blind boxes, creating a sense of rarity, anticipation and excitement for collectors.
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2. Collector Culture
The hunt for specific Labubu figures, combined with social media frenzy, has created a passionate collector community.
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3. Celebrity Endorsement
The popularity of Labubu has been fuelled by celebrity endorsements.
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4. Inimitable Design
The distinctive look of Labubu, with its mix of cute and slightly eerie features, resonates with collectors and those seeking a sense of nostalgia.
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5. Charm for Designer Bags
Labubu figures have become popular as bag charms, adding a unique and playful touch to luxury bags, further boosting their appeal.
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6. Resale Market
The high demand and limited availability have created a thriving resale market, with some figures selling for significantly higher prices than their original retail value.
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7. Consumerist Trend
The Labubu craze can also be seen as part of a broader consumerist trend where people collect and display items that are seen as desirable and trendy.
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