If you have walked through a shopping district in Bangkok, Singapore, or Tokyo recently, you have likely seen a strange phenomenon: grown adults queuing for hours outside Pop Mart stores, and luxury handbags adorned with a mischievous, sharp-toothed elf.
That elf is Labubu, and it is currently the hottest accessory in the world.
But how did a vinyl toy character, created years ago by artist Kasing Lung, suddenly skyrocket from a niche collector's item to a mainstream fashion icon in 2024? The answer lies in a perfect storm of celebrity influence, the "ugly-cute" trend, and the psychology of blind boxes.
1. The "Lisa Effect": The Spark That Started the Fire
While Labubu has been popular in the art toy community since 2015, its explosion into the mainstream can be traced back to a specific moment.
In early 2024, Lisa from BLACKPINK posted an Instagram story featuring a "The Monsters - Tasty Macarons" vinyl face plush hanging from her luxury bag. She was later spotted hugging a giant "Fall in Wild" Labubu plush.
The impact was instant.
- The "Sold Out" Phenomenon: Within hours, the specific "Macaron" series she showcased sold out globally. Prices on the secondary market (StockX, eBay, Xianyu) tripled overnight.
- Celebrity Validation: Lisa proved that Labubu wasn't just a toy for kids; it was a valid fashion accessory that could sit alongside Celine and Bulgari. This gave permission for fashion-conscious adults to embrace the trend without feeling "childish."
2. Bag Charms: The New Status Symbol
Labubu's rise coincides with a broader fashion trend: Bag Charms.
Inspired by the revival of the "Jane Birkin aesthetic"—messy, personalized, and full of trinkets—Gen Z and Millennials have started decorating their expensive minimalist bags with loud, colorful accessories.
Labubu fits this trend perfectly.
- Contrast: The chaotic, mischievous expression of Labubu provides a perfect ironic contrast to the serious, polished look of a Louis Vuitton or Goyard bag.
- Color Matching: With diverse colorways like "Soymilk," "Sesame Bean," and "Lychee Berry," fashionistas can coordinate their Labubu with their Daily Outfit (OOTD). It's no longer just a toy; it's the finishing touch to an ensemble.
3. The Psychology of "Ugly-Cute" (Kimo-Kawaii)
Why do people love a character with serrated teeth and a wicked smile?
Labubu falls into the category of "Kimo-Kawaii" (gross-cute or ugly-cute). Unlike Hello Kitty or traditional Disney characters which represent pure innocence, Labubu represents mischief.
- Relatability: In a stressful world, young people relate more to a character that looks a bit chaotic and naughty than one that is perfectly happy. Labubu's expression says, "I'm up to no good," and fans love that energy.
- Uniqueness: It signals that the owner has a unique, slightly edgy taste in art, rather than following the mainstream crowd of traditional cute aesthetics.
4. The Thrill of the Hunt (Blind Box Mechanics)
We cannot ignore the genius of Pop Mart's business model. Buying a Labubu isn't as simple as purchasing a product; it's a gamble.
- Dopamine Hit: Opening a blind box triggers a dopamine rush similar to gambling. Will you get the color you want? Will you get the "Secret" (Hidden) edition?
- Community Trading: Because you can't choose what you get, a massive community has formed around trading. "I have a Sea Salt, looking for a Toffee." This social interaction keeps the topic trending on social media platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu (RedNote), creating a self-sustaining cycle of hype.
5. Is It Just a Fad?
Critics might say Labubu is just a fleeting trend, but the data suggests otherwise. The IP has depth. With the release of new formats like the "Have a Seat" series (which features posable limbs) and the expansion of the "Mokoko" sub-character, the universe is expanding.
As long as celebrities continue to use them as bag charms and Kasing Lung continues to innovate with new designs, Labubu is here to stay.
Join the Trend (Even Digitally)
Can't get your hands on a physical Labubu because they are sold out everywhere? Or maybe you aren't ready to pay the reseller premiums?
You can still join the movement. Deck out your phone with the same aesthetic. Check out our wallpaper collections to match the specific Labubu style you love.