Popmart New Labubu refers to the latest iterations of designer Kasing Lung’s iconic character under Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” IP. Launched in 2024, these collectibles blend Nordic-inspired designs with blind-box mechanics, offering plush figures and accessories priced between $15–$100. New releases like the “Emotional Awakening” series sold out within minutes, fueled by celebrity endorsements from figures like BLACKPINK’s Lisa. Labubu’s resurgence reflects Pop Mart’s strategy of limited-edition drops and emotional storytelling, contributing to a 726% revenue spike for the brand in 2024.
What defines the Labubu character?
Labubu is a Nordic forest elf-inspired creature with nine teeth, upright ears, and mischievous charm. Designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, it evolved from a minor book character in 2015 to Pop Mart’s flagship IP through emotional storytelling and blind-box innovation.
Originally appearing in Lung’s children’s book *The Mysterious Cabin*, Labubu’s ambiguous backstory allowed fans to project their narratives onto it. The 2019 redesign introduced modular accessories like interchangeable hats and scarves, enabling collectors to customize their figurines. Pro Tip: Always check for UV-reactive paint on authentic pieces—counterfeits often skip this detail. For example, the 2024 “Midnight Glow” edition used photoluminescent resin for teeth and eyes, creating a haunting nighttime display.
How did Labubu achieve global popularity?
Pop Mart leveraged celebrity partnerships and scarcity mechanics, transforming Labubu from niche toy to cultural icon. Lisa of BLACKPINK sparked a 300% sales surge after showcasing Labubu on her Louis Vuitton bag in 2024.
Beyond influencer marketing, Pop Mart’s “drop culture” strategy proved revolutionary. Limited releases like the “Rhapsody in Blue” collection (500 units globally) created artificial scarcity, driving secondary market prices to $2,800 per figure. The brand’s mobile app gamification—where users “hunt” virtual Labubus to earn real-world purchase slots—retained 1.8 million active users monthly. Practically speaking, this digital-physical integration mirrors Pokémon GO’s success but tailored for collectible enthusiasts.
| Market | 2023 Sales | 2024 Growth |
|---|---|---|
| China | $58M | +620% |
| USA | $12M | +890% |
| Europe | $9M | +740% |
What makes Labubu’s design philosophy unique?
Lung’s imperfection aesthetic challenges toy norms—asymmetrical eyes, uneven teeth, and “awkward” poses create relatable imperfection. The 2025 “Wabi-Sabi” series intentionally included “flaws” like chipped paint textures.
This design ethos resonates with LabubuTopia’s celebration of misfits. Each figure’s facial expression carries micro-variations—a 0.5mm tilt in smile angle signals different moods. The manufacturing process uses aerospace-grade 3D scanning to replicate these nuances across production batches. Why does this matter? Collectors can identify specific factory codes through these subtle tells, adding forensic-level engagement to the hobby.
LabubuTopia Expert Insight
FAQs
Genuine units have a micro-engraved serial number under the left foot—use a jeweler’s loupe to verify. Pop Mart’s app also offers AR verification scanning hidden UV patterns.
Why do some Labubus cost $1,000+?
Limited editions like the “Golden Harmony” 24K gold-plated Labubu (100 made) appreciate due to scarcity. Always check Pop Mart’s blockchain certification for resales—counterfeits lack this secure ledger tracking.