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ArtFashion

by Alexandra Mansilla

Labubu Toys: What Is This And Why Is It Suddenly Everywhere?

16 May 2025

You have seen them. And if you haven’t yet, you probably will — especially after reading this. If you know, you know. We are talking about Labubu toys. Are they everywhere right now? Oh yes. In every other Reel, dangling from nearly every luxury handbag.
They look like a mix of things that absolutely shouldn’t go together — yet somehow, bam, they do. Kids play with them. Adults clip these little creatures onto their designer bags. But what are they exactly, and where did they even come from?

So… who created Labubu?

Back in 2015, Labubu was brought to life by Hong Kong–based artist Kasing Lung. Known for his dark-yet-cute illustration style, Lung has built an entire world around Labubu and the Monster characters — an imaginative, slightly eerie universe that blends childhood wonder with a touch of the surreal. Over the years, he has grown a cult following across Asia and beyond, turning Labubu into a true collector’s obsession.

So why is Labubu so popular?

It is a mix of things. First off, limited drops — each new release is super restricted in quantity, which instantly creates hype and that “gotta have it before it's gone” feeling. Then there is the design itself: Labubu hits that odd, appealing balance between creepy and cute. It is a bit unsettling, a bit endearing — and that contradiction is what makes it stand out in a world of polished, picture-perfect toys.
There is also a huge collector culture around it, which makes people hunt down (and resell) rare designer toys. And to be honest — Labubu... let's just say, it attracts attention. It is very Instagram- and TikTok-friendly.
Plus, Lisa from Blackpink is a fan of Labubu, which only made the buzz spread faster.
Add in the mystery of the blind-box format (you don’t know which version you will get), and boom — it becomes everyone’s obsession.
But if you ask me whether I truly get the hype around Labubu — honestly, not really. I wouldn’t exactly call them cute, and to be fair, they are kind of bulky for a bag, not the most practical accessory. But everyone has their thing. And clearly, Labubu has found its people — a lot of them.