Once upon a time in the whimsical world of fashion and collectibles, a mischievous little creature named Labubu captured the hearts of celebrities and fans alike, sparking a global craze that shows no signs of slowing down.
Remember the frenzy of hunting down the perfect Cabbage Patch Kid or the rarest Barbie for your child—or maybe even for yourself as a child?
That electric mix of joy and madness is back, but this time it’s dressed in designer and dangling from the waists and handbags of stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian.
Say hello to Labubu—the quirky little charm with a big personality that’s become the must-have collectible of the year.
All across the world, including here in Australia, fans are lining up for hours at Pop Mart stores to get their hands on the newest releases, with lucky draws and blind boxes only adding to the thrill.
For modern moms, it’s a nostalgic blast from the past wrapped in a fresh, fashionable craze your kids—and maybe even you—won’t be able to resist.
🎨 What Makes Labubu So Irresistible?
Labubu’s unique design—a blend of cute and creepy—resonates with the moms of Gen Z and their children’s desire for individuality and nostalgia.
These “emotional support charms” serve as both comfort objects and bold style statements, often adorning luxury handbags and outfits.
The element of surprise in Pop Mart’s blind-box packaging adds to the allure, making each unboxing an exciting experience.
💎 The Rarest of the Rare Labubu
While standard Labubu figures are accessible, certain limited editions have become highly sought after by collectors:
- Labubu x Vans Old Skool Vinyl Plush Doll: A rare collaboration piece with an average resale price of HK$12,970 .
- Pop Mart MEGA LABUBU Sketch 1000%: A large-scale figure averaging HK$9,930 on the resale market .
- Labubu Best of Luck Vinyl Plush Doll: Another coveted item, fetching around HK$7,700 .
These rare editions often sell for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, especially in secondary markets .
🇦🇺 Labubu Down Under
In Australia, the Labubu phenomenon has taken hold, with Pop Mart establishing 11 stores across cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Collectors often line up for hours to get their hands on these elusive figures.
For those looking to purchase Labubu figures online, Kogan offers a selection, including the POP MART Labubu 2nd Generation Doll.
🛍️ Where to Find Labubu
Beyond physical stores, Labubu figures are available through various online retailers:
- Pop Mart Australia: Offers a range of Labubu figures, including blind boxes and limited editions .
- Kogan: Stocks various Labubu products, such as the POP MART Labubu 2nd Generation Doll. Kogan Australia
- Valor Hype: Features a collection of Labubu figures, including special series and accessories.
🌟 The Spark That Ignited the Craze
Labubu, a quirky monster with pointy ears and a toothy grin, was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015.
Originally featured in Lung’s Nordic fairy tale picture books, Labubu gained widespread popularity after a collaboration with Chinese toy company Pop Mart in 2019.
However, it wasn’t until April 2024 that Labubu truly skyrocketed to fame, thanks to K-Pop band BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
She shared photos of herself with a Labubu plush toy and a Labubu charm on her handbag, captivating her massive international fanbase. Lisa is House Ambassador for French fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton.
Following Lisa’s lead, other global icons like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian were spotted accessorizing with Labubu charms, further amplifying the doll’s popularity.
The trend quickly caught on, turning Labubu into a must-have fashion accessory.
📈 The Cultural Impact
Labubu’s rise reflects a broader cultural trend where collectibles intersect with fashion and personal expression.
The doll’s blend of nostalgia, surprise, and exclusivity appeals to a generation seeking unique ways to showcase their identity.
POP MART Labubu Quartz Watch – Cute & Stylish Silicone Strap Wristwatch
As Labubu continues to charm its way into the hearts of fans worldwide, it demonstrates the power of storytelling and design in creating cultural phenomena.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer intrigued by this quirky creature, Labubu offers a delightful blend of art, fashion, and fun.
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