🌟 The Birth of Labubu – Origins in Designer Toy Culture
The Labubu history begins with Kasing Lung, a visionary illustrator and artist known for blending innocence and darkness in his storytelling. Labubu was first introduced as part of the The Monsters collection — a set of fantastical beings with deeply emotional expressions and eerie, mischievous charm. With Labubu Original, the character appeared as a forest monster: wide-eyed, long-eared, wild-haired, and often bearing a toothy grin. His design resonated with fans of urban vinyl toys and designer art toys.
From Popmart Labubu launches to limited-edition drops, Labubu quickly evolved into an art toy phenomenon. Born in Hong Kong and brought to life through Pop Mart collaborations, Labubu transcended traditional toy definitions — entering galleries, streetwear, and plush collectibles.
🧸 From Figurines to Plush — The Monster Labubu Evolution
While vinyl figures remained the starting point, fans soon demanded more huggable forms of Labubu Monster. Enter the Labubu Plush series: soft versions of the monster, still retaining his fierce charm and curious nature. These plush toys became collectibles in their own right, with certain editions fetching high prices on the secondary market.
The Monster Labubu came in various forms — including Forest Labubu, Space Labubu, Pirate Labubu, Clown Labubu, and Vampire Labubu — creating a rich tapestry of character lore. Labubu’s expressions often reflect deep feelings: loneliness, joy, mischief, and sorrow — all captured in a whimsical, gothic art style.
👕 Labubu Meets Fashion: The Uniqlo Labubu Collab
In a groundbreaking move, Uniqlo Labubu apparel hit stores globally, introducing Labubu to mainstream fashion. Fans lined up for limited-edition tees, hoodies, and accessories featuring Labubu Original illustrations by Kasing Lung. With designs blending high art and streetwear, Labubu Uniqlo merchandise sold out within minutes during release.
This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in Labubu history — proving its impact beyond toys and into lifestyle branding. It established Labubu as a cross-cultural icon, bridging East and West through fashion and art.
🛍️ Popmart Labubu – Collectible Culture Redefined
Popmart Labubu became a cornerstone in the designer toy community. Pop Mart, known for producing blind box collectible figures, brought Labubu to shelves worldwide. Series like Labubu The Circus, Labubu Sweet Nightmare, and Labubu Fairy Tale became top-sellers in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Each box is a surprise — encouraging fans to collect, trade, and engage. Many of these figures became social media sensations, with unboxing videos generating millions of views on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Fans often refer to these moments as entering the “Labubu multiverse.”
🧙♂️ The Lore of Labubu – Mythology and Artistic Depth
Labubu’s origin is rooted in folklore and the surreal mind of Kasing Lung. The character is said to reside in dark forests, watching humans from a distance. Often misunderstood, Labubu reflects the duality of joy and melancholy — similar to folklore creatures like the Kitsune of Japan or the European Púca.
Labubu Monster represents the emotional world of children and the inner child in adults. This psychological and symbolic depth gives Labubu toys more than just decorative appeal — they become emotional companions.
🧩 Types of Labubu Collectibles – A Universe of Variants
Over time, the Labubu universe expanded into dozens of series and themes:
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Labubu Fairy Tale Series
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Labubu Sweet Nightmare Series
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Labubu Circus Series
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Labubu Space Series
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Labubu Pirate Series
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Labubu Vampire Series
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Labubu Monster Xmas Edition
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Labubu Zodiac Series
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Labubu X Artist Collabs
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Labubu Plush and Keychains
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Labubu Costume Variants
Collectors strive to complete full sets or chase rare secret editions that appear in only a few boxes per hundred.
🌍 Global Reach – From Asia to Europe to the Americas
Labubu History traces its geographic rise — starting in Hong Kong, spreading to China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and later making waves in France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the USA. Pop-up shops and exhibitions featuring Labubu Toy drew record-breaking crowds, especially in Beijing, Tokyo, and Paris.
The Labubu Uniqlo drop happened simultaneously across flagship Uniqlo stores in major cities, from New York to Shanghai — highlighting its global appeal.
🧑🎨 The Artist Behind the Monster: Kasing Lung
Kasing Lung's work extends beyond Labubu — but the character remains his most iconic creation. Trained in illustration and storytelling, Lung crafts each Labubu edition with emotional nuance. His unique use of line, texture, and expression sets Labubu Original apart from mainstream toys. Fans often cite Kasing Lung’s art as “poetic monsters” — combining horror and heart.
🛒 Resale Market & Collector Value
Certain Labubu Toy variants have fetched over $1000 in the collector’s market. Exclusive event-only editions, such as Labubu Halloween Specials or Art Basel Drops, are among the most sought after. Collectors organize online groups, Reddit threads, Discord communities, and local meetups to trade Labubu Plush, share rare finds, or display customs.
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🎁 Why Labubu Is More Than a Toy
Labubu isn’t just a monster — it’s an emotion, a piece of art, a fashion symbol, and a collectible legacy. Whether you discover Labubu through a Uniqlo Labubu shirt, a Popmart Labubu figure, or a Labubu Plush, you’re stepping into a universe filled with stories, magic, and mystery.
Labubu History is a celebration of creativity and connection. As Kasing Lung once said, “Labubu is the child hiding inside all of us — wild, misunderstood, and full of wonder.”
📦 Where to Buy Labubu in 2025
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Pop Mart Official Website
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Uniqlo Global Stores & Website
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Amazon & eBay for Rare Labubu Toys
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Designer Toy Retailers (Mighty Jaxx, ToyQube, etc.)
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Special Event Pop-Ups and Limited Edition Drops
🔚 Final Thoughts
Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering Labubu for the first time, the journey into Labubu history reveals how one little monster can change the world. From vinyl to fashion, plush to myth — Labubu is here to stay.
Embrace the mischief. Collect the story. Wear the legend. 🐾
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