Pop Mart, the Chinese retailer behind the Labubu phenomenon, is experiencing unprecedented demand as fans eagerly await each new release.
The Rise of Labubu Dolls: From Concept to Collectible Craze
The Rise of Labubu Dolls: From Concept to Collectible Craze
As Labubu dolls captivate collectors worldwide, their charm lies in their mischievous nature and heartwarming backstory.
In an early morning scene reminiscent of a concert line, hundreds gathered outside the Pop Mart store in Los Angeles at 4:45 a.m. on a recent Friday, eager for a chance to purchase the latest series of Labubu dolls—a highly sought-after collectible exclusively available at Pop Mart, a well-known Chinese retailer. Korin Reese, among the crowd, arrived assuming she would be among the first but was surprised to find many already present, some having camped out since the previous evening.
The Labubu dolls are part of a quirky collection known as The Monsters, featuring adorable, fuzzy Nordic elves with impish grins and large ears. Characterized by their kindheartedness and penchant for getting into harmless mishaps, these dolls have quickly gained a status akin to iconic figures like Hello Kitty and Sonny Angel, which have left their mark on pop culture. According to Emily Brough, head of licensing for Pop Mart North America, the dolls are "well-intentioned" pranksters that spread joy without any malice.
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, the Labubu dolls first emerged from a children’s book series before being adapted into collectible toys in partnership with Pop Mart in 2019. The inaugural series, called Exciting Macaron, was released in October 2023, and since then, each new Labubu release has sold out within minutes. Retailing at approximately $30 each—though some limited editions reach higher prices—the dolls have ignited significant online and in-person fan communities that share tips for acquiring them, showcase their unique styles, and even pair the dolls with high-end fashion accessories.
As the popularity of Labubu dolls continues to surge, they have not only become charming collectibles but also symbols of a growing community centering on creativity and joy. The magic of Labubu lies in their playful spirit and the connections fostered among fans, making these whimsical characters more than just dolls, but cherished companions in their collectors' lives.
The Labubu dolls are part of a quirky collection known as The Monsters, featuring adorable, fuzzy Nordic elves with impish grins and large ears. Characterized by their kindheartedness and penchant for getting into harmless mishaps, these dolls have quickly gained a status akin to iconic figures like Hello Kitty and Sonny Angel, which have left their mark on pop culture. According to Emily Brough, head of licensing for Pop Mart North America, the dolls are "well-intentioned" pranksters that spread joy without any malice.
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, the Labubu dolls first emerged from a children’s book series before being adapted into collectible toys in partnership with Pop Mart in 2019. The inaugural series, called Exciting Macaron, was released in October 2023, and since then, each new Labubu release has sold out within minutes. Retailing at approximately $30 each—though some limited editions reach higher prices—the dolls have ignited significant online and in-person fan communities that share tips for acquiring them, showcase their unique styles, and even pair the dolls with high-end fashion accessories.
As the popularity of Labubu dolls continues to surge, they have not only become charming collectibles but also symbols of a growing community centering on creativity and joy. The magic of Labubu lies in their playful spirit and the connections fostered among fans, making these whimsical characters more than just dolls, but cherished companions in their collectors' lives.
