1. Who is Labubu?
Labubu is an elf character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, serving as the iconic figure of “The Monsters” series. Born from illustrated books, its distinctive “ugly-cute” aesthetic has made it a superstar in the designer toy scene.
Key Features:
✅ Sharp fangs + one-eyed/squinty-eyed – weird yet adorable
✅ Furry elf-like body with bold colors (neon pink, mint green, etc.)
✅ Playful expressions: Tongue-out, eye-roll, radiating rebellious charm
2. Why Is Labubu So Popular?
① Perfect Fusion of Art and Commerce
- Kasing Lung blends European picture-book aesthetics with urban design, giving Labubu a “dark fairy tale” vibe that’s artistic yet accessible.
- Collaboration with POP MART on blind boxes lowered the entry barrier, fueling mass-market appeal.
② The Power of “Ugly-Cute” Economics
Labubu defies the “cuteness equals perfection” rule, using quirky expressions and deliberate asymmetry to create反差萌 (contrast-cuteness), resonating with Gen Z’s love for individuality.
③ Social Currency Status
- Limited editions and hidden variants drive aftermarket hype (e.g., “Zombie Baby” resold for over ¥10,000).
- Viral hashtags like #LabubuCustomMakeup and #LabubuDisplayWall dominate Xiaohongshu and Douyin.
3. Iconic Labubu Series
| Series | Highlights | Star Item |
|---|---|---|
| Elf Squad | Beginner-friendly blind boxes | Strawberry Shortcake Labubu |
| Kozugoro Collab | Japanese mecha-style, metallic | Mecha Labubu |
| SpongeBob Collab | Dreamy colors + classic IP | Pineapple House Labubu |
| Art Sculptures | Large-scale collectibles | 20cm Ceramic Labubu |
4. Collector’s Starter Guide
① For Newbies:
- Start with Elf Squad blind boxes (¥69 each; hidden odds: 1/144).
- Buy from official channels (POP MART stores/Tmall旗舰店) to avoid fakes.
② Pro Tips:
- Customization: Repaint expressions with model paint for a one-of-a-kind piece.
- Diorama DIY: Build fairy-tale displays with miniature props.
- Trading: Swap duplicates on apps like “Chaowan Zu”.
③ Pitfalls to Avoid:
⚠️ Beware of “祖国版” (bootlegs) – Authentic Labubu has Kasing Lung’s engraved signature on the base.
⚠️ Keep away from sunlight – fluorescent colors fade/yellow easily.
5. Labubu as a Cultural Phenomenon
“Fans adore its whimsy, skeptics call it downright ugly” – This polarization mirrors modern youth culture:
- Anti-traditional beauty: Embracing “flaws” over cookie-cutter perfection.
- Emotional projection: Labubu’s sassy faces reflect their “daily chaos” mood.
- Community identity: Sharing collections in toy circles fosters belonging.
Final Thoughts:
Labubu transcends being just a toy – it’s a cultural icon. Its success proves that in today’s individuality-driven era, “weird” outshines “perfect.” If you don’t own a Labubu yet, maybe swipe your card next time you pass POP MART… After all, who could resist an elf that rolls its eyes at you?
(Visuals to include: Labubu series lineup/customized fan works/art installation displays)
Engagement Prompt:
What’s your favorite Labubu series? Ever scored a hidden variant? Show off in the comments! 🎉
