Character origin: Created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of his “The Monsters” series, inspired by Nordic mythology.
Product launch: Became a collectible toy under Pop Mart in 2019 through the blind‑box format that encourages repeat purchases
Celebrity endorsement: The trend gained massive momentum when Blackpink’s Lisa and other stars like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian were spotted with Labubu charms and plushes.
Fashion meets nostalgia: The pastel yet slightly edgy monster blends “cute-ugly,” making it the perfect quirky accessory for bags and outfits .
Collectible appeal: Blind‑box sales, rare “secret” variants, limited runs, and massive resale markups (even auctioning rare giants for over $170k!) fuel the hype.
Social media virality: Influencers unbox them on TikTok and Instagram, stirring global social buzz.
