What Are Labubu Dolls And How Did They Become Internet's Latest Obsession
Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung created Labubu dolls in 2015, inspired by Nordic fairy tales.
Labubu dolls have become the latest collectible trend among Gen Z and celebrities worldwide, going viral on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
The history of these dolls is not as new as the sudden craze behind acquiring them. Notably, Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung created Labubu dolls in 2015, inspired by Nordic fairy tales. A decade later, they have become a worldwide sensation.
Labubu is one of the characters created by Lung, which has become very popular among youngsters and celebrities. She belongs to Lung’s imaginative storybook world, The Monsters. It also features other whimsical characters such as Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky and Pato.
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According to Lung’s book, Labubu is an elf, a girl distinguished by high-pointed ears, no tail, and a unique face that ranges from innocent to impish.
Labubu is deeply admired for her kind-hearted character. Her slightly eerie, toothy grin and kooky expressions are a hit among children, resembling the vibe of a mischievous Teletubby. Over the years, Labubu has been reimagined in over 300 variations, in different colours, outfits, sizes and themes.
The craze is also clear on Lung’s Instagram, where a wide range of Labubu merchandise is available. His posts have drawn countless comments filled with fans’ admiration for these products.
For broader appeal, these collectibles are available in adaptations of various pop-culture phenomena and major festivals. For example, "Jingle Bells" becomes the festive “Jing-Bu Bells” for the festival of Christmas.
In 2019, Chinese toy company Pop Mart teamed up with Kasing Lung to launch Labubu figures in their The Monsters series. These are sold in blind boxes and each sealed package hides a surprise design.
The artist has also collaborated with popular brands such as Coca-Cola and the anime series One Piece. Thailand-based jewellery brand Ravipa has also collaborated with Lung to bring Labubu characters to life through chains and bracelets.
Labubu doll accessories have caught the attention of major celebrities, with stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian seen sporting them.
