What is Labubu? Unpacking the Mystery Behind the World’s Hottest Elf

You may have already seen this curious creature with its pointy ears, mischievous grin, and a row of jagged teeth on social media, dangling from a fashionista's handbag, or drawing long queues outside toy stores. They are Labubu, the art toy that has taken the world by storm, becoming not just a collectible but a full-blown cultural phenomenon.

The Origins of Labubu: A Fantastical Elf from Nordic Lore

Labubu was born from the imagination of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Having grown up in the Netherlands, Lung was deeply inspired by Nordic fairy tales and mythical folklore. In 2015, he created an illustrated story series called "The Monsters," and Labubu was one of the main characters in this tribe of elves and monsters.

According to Lung's lore, Labubu is a kind and helpful elf girl. Although her sly smile and sharp teeth make her look a bit naughty, she is good-natured at heart—it's just that her enthusiastic attempts to help sometimes cause a bit of chaos. Her signature features include tall, pointed ears, large round eyes, nine jagged teeth, and a small body with no tail.

The Path to Stardom: From Illustration to Global Sensation

Labubu initially existed as an illustrated character, with the first "The Monsters" figure series launched in 2015 by the company How2Work. However, the real turning point that catapulted Labubu to fame was the collaboration with Chinese art toy company Pop Mart in 2019.

The Pop Mart Partnership

Through its partnership with Pop Mart, Labubu was released in a blind box format. This purchase method, filled with surprise and anticipation, was a massive catalyst for the collectibles market. From then on, Labubu's popularity skyrocketed, quickly making it a star character in the art toy world. Both limited editions and regular series would often sell out almost instantly upon release.

Fueled by Celebrity Power

Labubu's global recognition was also significantly boosted by the celebrity effect. When Lisa of the K-pop group BLACKPINK was spotted by fans using a Labubu as a bag charm, the trend exploded on social media. This pushed Labubu from the niche world of toy collecting into the mainstream fashion scene, making it a coveted accessory for young people everywhere.

More Than Just a Toy, It's a Cultural Symbol

Today, Labubu has transcended the simple category of a toy. It represents a cultural phenomenon:

• Collectible Value: To date, over 300 different designs, colors, and sizes of Labubu figures have been released. With prices ranging from a US$15 mini-figure to a nearly US$1,000 "mega" version, and even a four-foot-tall statue that sold for US$170,000 at auction, its incredible potential in the collectibles market is clear.
  
  
• A Fashion Accessory: The fluffy Labubu keychain has become a fashion statement, with people hanging it from their bags or belts to express their personal style.
  
  
• An Emotional Connection: In the designer's vision, Labubu symbolizes innocence, curiosity, friendship, and companionship. For many fans, Labubu is not just an object but a partner that brings joy and emotional comfort.

Conclusion

From an illustrated character inspired by Nordic myths to a global art toy sensation, Labubu's success is a combination of unique design, clever business strategy, and unpredictable cultural trends. Its charm—a mix of good and evil, cute yet slightly eerie—has successfully captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned toy collector or a fashion enthusiast chasing the latest trend, the world of Labubu is full of surprises and joy worth exploring.