One minute, you’re living your life peacefully. The next, you’re seeing a weird little creature with sharp teeth, creepy eyes, and troll ears clipped onto everyone’s bags, flooding TikTok feeds, and selling out across the internet. Welcome to the Labubu era. It’s chaotic. It’s oddly cute. And somehow, it’s the It-accessory of 2025. But what even is a Labubu—and why is everyone losing their minds over it?

First Things First: What Is Labubu?

Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung. It’s part of his illustrated universe called The Monsters, which blends twisted fairy tales with offbeat fantasy. Labubu has pointy ears, a jagged grin, beady eyes, and a slightly creepy (but surprisingly endearing) energy that’s difficult to explain but instantly recognizable.

Originally introduced in 2015 through Lung’s storybooks, Labubu started off as a drawing long before it became a plush toy. It wasn’t until 2019 that Labubu turned into a physical collectible, thanks to a collaboration with Pop Mart—the Chinese company known for its blind box toys and cult-like collector following.

If you’re not familiar with the blind box concept, it works like this: you buy a sealed box, but you won’t know which character you’re getting until you open it. It’s like a designer version of gachapon culture—mysterious, addictive, and designed to keep people coming back.

So… Why Did Labubu Blow Up Now?

Labubu already had a strong following within Asia’s art toy and collector communities, but it truly exploded into the global mainstream around 2023.

Pop Mart began releasing Labubu plush keychains, making the character soft, wearable, and easy to clip onto bags, keys, or even outfits. Once Labubu became portable, it went viral.

The tipping point came when celebrities started showing up with Labubu plushies. Figures like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa were seen carrying Labubu—whether in travel outfits, mirror selfies, or casual paparazzi shots. That’s when Labubu stopped being “just a toy” and started entering the fashion world.

From there, TikTok did what TikTok always does. Between late 2023 and early 2024, Labubu was everywhere. People posted dramatic unboxing videos, customized Labubus with names and outfits, created cosplay versions, and launched social media accounts dedicated entirely to their plush companions. The whole vibe was chaotic, weirdly sentimental, and slightly absurd—which made it perfect for the algorithm.

It’s Cute… But Also Expensive?

Yes—and that’s part of the hype. As demand for Labubu increased, so did prices. Limited-edition figures and plushies began reselling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on how rare they were.

Some drops sell out within minutes. Others are released exclusively in specific countries, which pushes fans to hunt them down through reseller platforms and collector groups.

Labubu has become something of a Gen Z Beanie Baby—except edgier, weirder, and with more personality.

But Why Is It That Popular? It Looks… Strange

That’s exactly why it works. Labubu doesn’t follow traditional rules of “cuteness.” With sharp teeth, intense eyes, and a chaotic goblin-like design, it stands out in a sea of pastel and polished aesthetics. And that’s the appeal. It’s cute, but in a subversive way.

Its design is intentionally open-ended. Labubu doesn’t have a clear gender, age, or personality. That makes it a blank canvas for self-expression. Whether your style is emo, hyper-feminine, cottagecore, or just pure chaos—Labubu fits right in. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being weird in a way that feels real.

The Fashion Factor

Labubu isn’t just popular among toy collectors—it’s infiltrated fashion. People began styling their Labubus with streetwear, designer bags, and maximalist outfits. On TikTok and Instagram, users dressed them up, shot full-blown fashion photo shoots, and even gave their plushies daily routines, complete with stories and captions.

Some Labubus have more social content than actual influencers. Not even joking.

Is It Just a Phase?

Possibly. But it’s a pretty major one.

Right now, Labubu sits at the center of multiple internet cultures. Art toy collectors see it as valuable. Fashion lovers treat it like a must-have accessory. K-pop stans, cosplayers, and TikTok trend-watchers love the quirky unpredictability.

Pop Mart isn’t slowing down either. They’re releasing new drops constantly—seasonal editions, artist collaborations, even hints at animated content. If things keep moving in this direction, we might see Labubu in a full series or global merchandise expansion soon.

Is There a Dark Side?

Like any hyped trend, Labubu has its controversies.

Some conservative or religious circles have criticized the character for looking “demonic” because of its sharp grin and eerie vibe. There’s also rising tension over how hard it is to get your hands on one. Scalpers often buy out entire boxes and resell at ridiculous prices, making it nearly impossible for casual fans to participate.

There’s also the issue of sustainability. Plush toy culture thrives on mass production and fast releases. For a generation increasingly aware of climate and waste, the disposable nature of some collectible trends is raising concerns.

So, Is It Just Another Trend?

It could be. But even if Labubu eventually fades out, its impact is real. Pop Mart is building a full-blown brand around it, tapping into multiple consumer segments—from high fashion to fandoms to niche toy collectors.

Labubu is no longer just a toy. It’s a fashion accessory, a collector’s item, a digital character, and a kind of mascot for creative chaos and self-expression.

It’s weird. It’s everywhere. And whether you love it, hate it, or still don’t quite get it, Labubu has already cemented itself as one of the most bizarrely iconic cultural moments of the post-pandemic era.