Labubu: The Rise of a Collectible Asset
- Labubu, a wide-eyed, snaggle-toothed "ugly-cute" monster elf, is the must-have collectible and fashion mascot of 2025.
- Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, raised in the Netherlands, created Labubu as part of his graphic novel series, "The Monsters," in 2015.
- However, a 2019 partnership with Chinese collectible giant Pop Mart propelled Labubu into global popularity.
Labubu Mania: The Collectible Craze Sweeping Celebrities and Investors
Updated June 22, 2025
Labubu, a wide-eyed, snaggle-toothed “ugly-cute” monster elf, is the must-have collectible and fashion mascot of 2025. Spotted dangling from designer bags at Art Basel and on Instagram feeds, Labubu has become a six-figure investment for some.
Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, raised in the Netherlands, created Labubu as part of his graphic novel series, “The Monsters,” in 2015. The character’s unique look, featuring elfin ears and a mischievous grin, was never intended for mainstream appeal.
However, a 2019 partnership with Chinese collectible giant Pop Mart propelled Labubu into global popularity. Pop Mart’s blind-box model, where buyers don’t know which Labubu variant they will receive, has created a lottery-like excitement, driving the hunt for rare editions of this popular collectible.
Labubu’s appeal stems from its nonconformist design, a departure from the polished perfection of characters like Hello Kitty. The character embodies self-expression,nostalgia,and irony,resonating with