What Is Labubu? The Story Behind the Pop Mart Icon Taking Over Designer Toy Culture
You’ve seen it. The wild smile, spiky ears, mischievous eyes. But what exactly is Labubu—and why is the world so obsessed?
What Is Labubu? Meet the Mischievous Icon of Pop Mart’s Toy Universe
There’s a high chance you’ve stumbled across Labubu while scrolling Instagram or browsing collectible shops. With its signature grin and scruffy charm, Labubu has quietly become the face of a global art toy movement.
So... what exactly is it?
🎨 Labubu: A Character Born From Chaos & Cuteness
Labubu is part of “The Monsters” series by renowned Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, and produced by Pop Mart, the Chinese designer toy juggernaut.
Labubu’s design? A mashup of fairy tale mischief and punk energy—like a gremlin that grew up on street style and Japanese folklore.
Key traits:
- Spiky ears
- Giant eyes
- Always grinning
- Sometimes cute, sometimes creepy (intentionally so)
"Labubu isn't just a figure—it's a vibe."
📦 Pop Mart Blind Boxes: How the Addiction Starts
Most fans meet Labubu through Pop Mart’s blind box system, where you buy a sealed box and hope for your favorite design. Each series has:
- 12 base designs
- 1 secret “hidden edition”
- Some themed releases (like Big Into Energy, Jungle Story, or Fairy Tale Night)
You don’t know what’s inside until you open it—that’s the thrill.
Check out our blind box buying tips →
🧠 What Does “Labubu” Mean?
There’s no official dictionary meaning. “Labubu” is more of a sound name, like a playful goblin might say when surprised. It adds to the fantasy.
Still, the name sparks curiosity. That’s part of the brand’s genius—it feels personal, almost like a childhood imaginary friend.
🔋 Spotlight: The “Big Into Energy” Series
Among the most sought-after collections is the Labubu Big Into Energy series—a clever nod to Gen Z caffeine culture.
Each figure in this set comes with a hyper-detailed can of “Labubu Energy” and matching outfits. It’s Labubu... but on Red Bull.
Character VariantStyleNotesPink PunchPastel PunkLimited dropBlue VoltageTechwearCollector favoriteSecret Edition???You’ll know when you see it
🧸 Labubu vs Jellycat: Two Worlds, Same Love
Let’s compare for fun:
LabubuJellycatAestheticPunk cute / fantasy monsterUltra-soft plushCore AppealBlind box thrill + displayHug factorCustom Clothes?Yes, via series releasesRarelyFandom CultureDeep collector communitiesMore gifting-oriented
You’ll find people who collect both—but they’re usually Labubu-biased.
🌎 Where Can You Buy Labubu?
For fans outside Asia, options include:
- Our US Shopping Guide →
- Pop Mart Amazon & Tmall Global
- Events like DesignerCon, ToySoul, or ComicCon
⚠️ Tip: Be cautious with secondhand markets. If the price seems too good, it’s probably a fake. Our authenticity checklist helps you spot fakes quickly.
👕 Is Labubu Fashion a Thing? You Bet.
Labubu’s charm has leapt off the shelf and onto streetwear:
- Limited-edition hoodies
- DIY clothes for mini-figures
- Fashion collabs worn by stars like Blackpink’s Lisa
Fans now build entire aesthetics around the Labubu “look.” Explore some ideas in our Outfit Style Guide.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just Labubu-curious, there’s no denying this oddball creature has cult status. With new drops, collabs, and global appeal, Labubu is here to stay.
Wanna get started? Check our Labubu 101 Guide for buying tips, rare finds, and where to begin.
