Labubu: The Global “Ugly-Cute” Pendant That Turned Fashion Icons into Obsessed Fans
When you spot a grinning monster dangling from a Hermès bag, it’s not a prank—it’s Labubu, the plush creature from Hong Kong’s Pop Mart that’s taken the fashion world by storm. Adored by stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, Labubu charms have become collectibles with aftermarket prices soaring on platforms like eBay and Depop. But how did a quirky toy morph into a must-have fashion accessory?
Origins: From Storybook Character to Viral Trend
Labubu was born in 2015 in the picture book The Monsters, crafted by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Mysterious, playful, and full of expression, Labubu joined Pop Mart’s collectible lineup and hit peak fashion status in October 2023 with the popular keychain version “Exciting Macaron.” Riding the wave of “luxury bag charm” and “mini-luxury” trends, Labubu caught fire.
Notably, Lisa revealed on Vanity Fair she collects Labubus. With high-profile celebrities flaunting them in public, Labubu caught TikTok’s attention—#Labubu has racked up over 1.2 million posts.
Why Labubu Became a Global Sensation
The toy’s rise began in mid-2024 but exploded in 2025 when it became nearly impossible to find. Its tall, goofy appearance—long ears, a sly grin, and just-right weirdness—made Labubu the flagship of Pop Mart’s mystery-box strategy. Priced modestly, the uncertainty of which Labubu you’d get fueled demand; the newest series, “Labubu the Monsters Big into Energy,” sold out worldwide in a week. It even became StockX’s top-selling toy, marking a 20% average resale premium.
The blind-box craze made “unboxing” a thrill—a perfect fit for short-form video platforms. Unboxings, swaps, and secondhand auctions transformed Labubu into a cultural phenomenon.
Fashion Industry Embraces the Cute Weirdo
From Paris and Seoul to London, luxury department stores and pop-up shops are partnering with Pop Mart to offer Labubu collaborations. In fashion circles, these “ugly-cute” charms signal creativity, humor, and personal identity.
Pop Mart’s Kate Woodhead, toy buyer for Harrods, told Vogue Business:
“We’ve seen a surge in adult buyers drawn to nostalgia, cuteness, and simplicity—Labubu, Jellycat, Crybaby all hit that psychological sweet spot.”
The Comfort of Cute in a Chaotic World
As modern life becomes increasingly stressful and uncertain, objects like Labubu offer a comforting retreat. Market analyst Alison Bringé notes:
“Nostalgia is the most effective psychological comfort in unstable times.”
These toys remind us of feeling safe and amused, echoing a simpler past.
Trend-watcher Nina Maria explains Labubu’s fashion appeal:
“It’s a rebellion against overly filtered luxury—ugly-cute, handcrafted charms resist the chill of traditional high fashion.”
Content creator Mia Wells points out Leveraging lipstick-effect economics, consumers are embracing “micro-treats”—affordable luxuries that lift the spirit.
“I like showing I’m not afraid of ‘silly’ things. Style is about not taking yourself too seriously.”
What’s Next After Labubu?
Pop Mart is already prepping new characters—Hirono, Crybaby, Peach Riot—for their own breakout moments. And other brands are launching healing mini-accessories: phone cases, purse charms, and even boutiques dedicated to “therapeutic trinkets.”
Labubu may one day be eclipsed by the next TikTok darling, but for modern collectors, it stands as proof that growing up doesn’t mean losing a sense of playful wonder.
