The Rise of Labubu: Unveiling the Irresistible Charm of This Adorable Art Toy

Introduced in 2015, Labubu was initially designed for art toy collectors and primarily intended for display. Over time, art toys have evolved into a trend that has captivated many young enthusiasts. Although Labubu entered the Vietnamese market quite some time ago, the art toy scene in Vietnam only began to gain significant traction in recent years. Labubu exemplifies this trend perfectly, as celebrities and influencers worldwide have been consistently sharing images of the mischievous rabbit, boosting the popularity of blind boxes to new heights.

Labubu quickly captured the hearts of young people with its adorable appearance, cheeky expression, and a wide array of designs and colors. So, what factors have contributed to the enduring popularity of Labubu?

**KASING LUNG – THE CREATOR OF LABUBU**

Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. It belongs to the Zodiac series, which also includes other characters such as The Monsters and The Little Monsters, inspired by mystical Nordic folklore. In 2019, Kasing Lung entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Chinese toy company Pop Mart, agreeing to transform his “The Monsters” characters from comic books into art toys.

With his rich imagination, Kasing Lung developed Labubu and released it in various versions, featuring diverse colors, shapes, and unique sizes. A distinctive feature of all Labubu toys is their sharp teeth, round eyes, and playful smiles. Through clever marketing strategies and external factors, Labubu has garnered widespread attention, attracting not only art toy collectors but also fashion enthusiasts and anyone captivated by the cuteness of this toy line.

**LABUBU’S RISE TO FAME WITH LISA (BLACKPINK)**

Although Labubu was first introduced in 2015, it truly became a sensation when it became an accessory for K-pop idol Lisa from BLACKPINK. Lisa posted a photo featuring the Macaron series from The Monsters on her Instagram story, significantly boosting Labubu’s popularity, particularly in Thailand. Lisa’s affection for Labubu elevated its status as a trendy fashion accessory, making Thailand the leading market for Labubu in Asia. The Thai government even partnered with Pop Mart to promote tourism by leveraging Labubu’s popularity.

Moreover, in early 2024, Labubu made an unexpected leap by appearing at Milan Fashion Week. Two Labubu figures were spotted in the audience, dressed in the colors and attire of Pronounce, the sole Chinese high-fashion brand participating in the event. Following the show, guests eagerly gathered around the figures for photos.

In Vietnam, the Labubu fan base continues to grow. More communities and forums are being established for enthusiasts to share experiences, knowledge, and collaborate on collecting these toys. However, the growing popularity of Labubu has also led to the emergence of counterfeit and substandard products in the market. To ensure you’re purchasing authentic items, visit Pop Mart’s official retail stores in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang to bring home a genuine “toothy rabbit” of your own.