Recently, the charm of Labubu has become a popular topic on social media as individuals share their new companion accessory—a tiny nine-toothed fuzzy monster keychain plush adorning their purses or backpacks. As fandom and fashion continue to evolve, the trend of personalizing daily carry-ons with charms has gained momentum, with none being more sought after than Pop Mart’s collaboration with Kasing Lung, featuring the whimsical characters from “The Monsters” series, including the playful Labubu figures.
Kasing Lung, a creator and picture book artist, drew inspiration from Nordic mythology, particularly enchanted forest elves, in creating the Labubu characters. These fantasy creatures have drawn attention within the toy collector community, with many also being intrigued by Pop Mart’s Disney collaborations. The appeal lies in the endearing combination of a Jim Henson Creature Shop aesthetic mixed with “Where the Wild Things Are” vibes and the quirkiness of “Donnie Darko’s” Frank the Bunny.
Labubu evokes a nostalgic sentiment reminiscent of child-like make-believe. Posts from fans, including one from a friend and devoted K-pop enthusiast, showcase Labubu on red carpets and concert adventures. There was speculation that this might be linked to K-pop; indeed, the craze gained traction when Blackpink singer and “The White Lotus” star, Lalisa, adorned her designer bags with Labubu from the “Exciting Macaron” and “Have a Seat” collections, which she featured in a Vanity Fair segment. The growing curiosity was further piqued by the expansion of Pop Mart locations, leading fans to hope for a chance to view the items firsthand.
Interest continued to grow, fueled by enthusiastic reports from friends undertaking the quest to find these collectibles. The official Pop Mart website and stores have been challenged by high demand, leading to strategies like online pre-orders and controlled releases to manage customer expectations and stock availability. Employees have confirmed that Labubu items, much like their mischievous inspirations, tend to be swiftly claimed once in stock.
The intersection of fantasy folklore and fandom fashion continues to draw in enthusiasts. Online platforms and YouTube videos, including Lalisa’s content, offer insights into the Labubu characters’ backstories and relationships, highlighting their appeal. The Labubu figures, available in multiple plush sizes, cater to collectors’ desires, compounded by the allure of Pop Mart’s blind box offerings. Notably, the existence of a dedicated Labubu land within a Pop Mart theme park has heightened interest among fans, especially those with a passion for theme parks and fantasy creatures.
Encouraged by friends’ experiences, some enthusiasts have ventured to malls in hopes of finding Labubu via Pop Mart vending machines and associated retailers. Storefronts have been busy, with crowds forming and empty shelves in sight. Collectors, including a friend who specializes in spooky-cute items, have researched methods to verify the authenticity of Labubu items from third-party sellers. Pop Mart maintains that the best means to ensure authenticity is through direct purchases from their retail outlets, although resources like TikTok provide additional insights with a cautionary note.
The search for these collectibles has been reminiscent of a classic collector’s quest. With elevated prices and potential indicators of counterfeit products, such as differing packaging, seekers must remain vigilant. Some mall retailers, known for stocking Pop Mart items, have raised their prices in response to demand, contrasting with the official retail cost.
Despite facing frequent “sold out” alerts, likely exacerbated by automated purchase systems, fans have continued their pursuit. Visits to Pop Mart stores have often revealed “out of stock” signs, fostering a sense of temporary defeat. Nonetheless, resourceful guidance from employees at local coffee stands has sometimes led to potential purchase opportunities. Until obtaining a Labubu directly from official sources, enthusiasts remain eager for forthcoming releases to ensure authenticity and finally add this charming creature to their collections.
