Fluffy, wide-eyed, slightly wild-looking—Labubu might look like a quirky little creature, but it's become nothing short of a global phenomenon. And interestingly, it's not the kind of Chinese IP you might expect.
Forget dragons, ink brush paintings, or traditional motifs. With its messy fur, tiny fangs, and childlike yet mischievous expression, Labubu captures something refreshingly different.
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a mischievous, monster-like designer toy created by Chinese company Pop Mart. With messy fur, fangs, and a rebellious charm, it has become a global cultural icon, especially beloved by Gen Z for its uniqueness and emotional appeal.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
Labubu’s global obsession isn’t random—it taps into a deep cultural and emotional space. Here’s why fans can’t get enough:
- Unique Aesthetic – Wild, non-traditional, and unapologetically weird.
- motional Connection – Fans say it reflects their mood and identity.
- Social Virality – Heavily featured in TikToks, fan accounts, and celebrity posts.
- Lifestyle Integration – Displayed with vanity setups, nails, candles, and décor.
- Global Scarcity – High demand and limited supply create buzz and resale hype.
Walk into a Pop Mart store in Ma’anshan, China, and you’ll find shoppers eagerly browsing blind boxes. Labubu figurines sit in prime display spots, but staff will tell you: “They’re just for show—not for sale.”
Take Chen Yi, a collector from Changxing, Zhejiang. She started buying Pop Mart toys two years ago, and now her collection has grown to over 20 different styles. From WeChat mini programs to box machines and overseas resellers, she’s tried every way possible to get her hands on new releases.
So, what makes Labubu stand out in such a saturated designer toy market?
It’s not trying to be cute.
It’s not trying to please.
Labubu’s oddball charm and expressive little face represent something deeper—a quiet kind of rebellion. That sense of “I’m weird, and that’s okay” resonates strongly with Gen Z, who are constantly seeking ways to express their individuality. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, Labubu has become a symbol of being cool, independent, and anti-mainstream—and that’s exactly why it’s managed to break out of the niche toy collector bubble.
More Than a Toy—Labubu as a Lifestyle Symbol
Labubu is no longer just a collector’s piece. For many girls, it's become a kind of emotional sidekick—an extension of their mood, identity, and personal style.
As one fan puts it: “I love it because it doesn’t look like anyone else. It feels like me.”
We’re seeing more and more young women surround themselves with the little things they love—designer toys, candles, shelf décor, and even DIY nails—as part of their personal daily rituals.
A Labubu perched on your vanity next to a set of minimal, color-matching press-on nails? That’s more than cute—it’s a lifestyle choice. A soft statement. A vibe.
Just like Labubu, press-on nails have become tiny expressions of identity. With LuxeCharm’s ID collection, there’s no need for sizing guesswork—each set is thoughtfully designed in multiple shapes and up to five base tones, so you can find your “nail persona” to match the day’s aesthetic.
Whether you’re feeling ethereal, bold, dreamy, or offbeat, LuxeCharm ID press on nails sync effortlessly with your favorite objects, outfits, and moods—just like your favorite designer toy.
From Bangkok to New York: A Global Frenzy
Labubu's popularity isn't just a local trend—it’s gone global. In 2024 alone, Pop Mart’s international sales grew by a jaw-dropping 375%, accounting for nearly 40% of the brand’s total revenue. On April 25, 2025, the Pop Mart app even hit No.1 on the U.S. App Store shopping chart.
Nowhere was the Labubu craze more explosive than in Thailand. When Thai-born global icon Lisa started casually showing off her Labubu collection online, a buying frenzy began. Local Pop Mart stores saw unprecedented lines, becoming the busiest—and only—shops requiring crowd control.
The same hype echoed around the world.
In New York’s World Trade Center, Pop Mart’s pop-up was flooded with buyers, and limited-edition Labubu figures sold out the day they launched. In London, fans camped overnight outside the Oxford Street location for the new Labubu 3.0 blind box drop. In Tokyo, a Labubu x Lucky Cat mashup sold out in seven minutes after going live on the Japanese site.
Labubu may have started as a niche vinyl figure, but today, it’s much more than that. It’s become a mirror for a generation looking to express itself—imperfectly, freely, and on their own terms.
And maybe, whether through a tiny fanged toy or a perfectly chosen nail set, that’s the whole point.
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