From Ananya Panday’s designer bag to David Beckham’s arm, there’s a cheeky little character that’s been showing up everywhere. Say hello to Labubu — the weirdly adorable, slightly creepy, and impossibly stylish toy that’s gone from cult favourite to global fashion accessory.

Here’s everything you need to know about the trend that’s taken over handbags, TikTok, and collector shelves.

So, what’s a Labubu anyway?

Labubu isn’t just a toy — she’s a character with a whole backstory. Originally dreamed up by artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu was a doodle born from fairy tales and mischief. With spiky ears, wild eyes, and a toothy grin, she looks like a cross between a woodland elf and a mischievous gremlin.

But don’t be fooled by her creepy-cute vibe — Labubu is meant to be kind-hearted and playful. She’s part of Lung’s whimsical story universe called “The Monsters”, which includes other quirky characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, and Spooky.

From blind boxes to big buzz

In 2019, Chinese toy giant Pop Mart partnered with Kasing Lung to bring Labubu to life in the form of collectible vinyl toys.

The twist? They’re sold in “blind boxes” — you never know which version you’re going to get until you open one.

That mystery element turned Labubu into an instant hit with collectors. Each figure comes with its own look — from fruity outfits and dessert themes to punk vibes and fantasy costumes. Some are common, while others are ultra-rare “secret editions” that fans scramble to find.

Labubu goes luxe

What really blew Labubu into the stratosphere, though? Celebrity love. Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian were all spotted with Labubu charms dangling from their designer handbags. And when David Beckham jumped on board — yes, even Becks has a soft spot for the elf-doll — the hype went international.

Closer to home, Bollywood’s Ananya Panday was seen rocking a Labubu charm, proving the trend has hit India too.

TikTok, K-pop & total mayhem

Labubu's popularity isn’t just about cute toys — it's a full-on cultural moment. TikTok is flooded with unboxing videos, DIY displays, and reactions to scoring a rare edition. K-pop idols like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rosé have helped drive the craze, showing off their own Labubu collections online.

Now, just walking into a Pop Mart store can feel like entering a mini festival. Long queues, dropped jaws, and people treating blind boxes like treasure chests — it’s become the hunt of the season.

The price of cute

And of course, where there’s hype, there’s money. Labubu dolls aren’t just toys — they’re big business. Pop Mart’s 2024 revenue reportedly hit $1.8 billion, and Labubu alone pulled in nearly $400 million.

Meanwhile, collectors are reselling rare editions online for as much as $1,000 — especially those hard-to-find secret variants that only show up in one out of every hundred boxes.

Why Labubu, though?

Labubu’s popularity is also riding the wave of the “kidult” phenomenon — a growing trend where adults are diving back into the toys, games, and pop culture they loved as kids.

Whether it’s action figures, plushies, or comic collectibles, more and more grown-ups are proudly embracing their inner child.

Labubu fits perfectly into this movement: it’s nostalgic, fun, and collectible, but also stylish enough to sit next to a Prada purse. In a fast-paced, stressful world, toys like Labubu offer a comforting, playful escape — and a chance to express a little joy without apology.

What makes Labubu different from other toys is her personality. She’s not polished or perfect — she’s expressive, cheeky, and a little odd. That uniqueness makes her feel more like a character you want to root for than just a pretty thing to collect.

Plus, the sheer number of versions — over 300 designs and counting — means there’s a Labubu for every mood, style, and shelf space.