Labubu is a designer art toy character created by renowned illustrator and toy artist Kasing Lung. It is best known for its cute-yet-creepy appearance, blending fairy-tale innocence with mischievous and slightly dark expressions.
Labubu belongs to the world of art toys (designer toys)—limited-edition collectible figures made primarily for adults, collectors, and art enthusiasts rather than children.
Who Created Labubu?
It was created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong–born illustrator currently based in Europe. Kasing Lung is internationally famous for his unique storytelling art style inspired by:
- Fairy tales
- Fantasy worlds
- Childhood imagination
- Dark whimsical themes
Labubu is part of “The Monsters” universe, a fantasy world created by Lung that includes other characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, and Spooky.
The Meaning Behind
This is not just a toy—it’s a character with personality and story.
Key Traits:
- Naughty and mischievous
- Curious and playful
- Childlike but mysterious
- Cute with a slightly eerie edge
Kasing Lung has described Labubu as a creature that represents pure curiosity and emotional honesty, much like a child who isn’t afraid to express feelings openly.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
Labubu’s popularity has skyrocketed globally due to several factors:
1. Unique Cute-Creepy Design
It stands out because it combines:
- Big expressive eyes
- Sharp teeth or grins
- Soft pastel colors
- Fantasy creature aesthetics
This “cute but dark” style appeals to modern collectors who want something different from mainstream toys.
2. Limited Edition Releases
Most Figures are released in:
- Blind boxes
- Limited runs
- Exclusive collaborations
Scarcity increases demand, making Labubu a highly collectible item.
3. Strong Social Media Presence
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Xiaohongshu have played a huge role in spreading Labubu’s popularity through:
- Unboxing videos
- Shelfie photos
- Collection showcases
4. Emotional Connection
Collectors don’t just buy Labubu for display—they connect with its expressions and stories, making it feel personal and artistic.
Types of Labubu Figures
It comes in many forms and themes, including:
- Fairy Tale Series
- Halloween Series
- Circus Series
- Forest & Nature Series
- Seasonal & Holiday Editions
- Collaboration Editions
Some figures are small vinyl toys, while others are large collectible statues.
Is Labubu a Toy for Kids?
Technically, no.
Designed mainly for:
- Adult collectors
- Art lovers
- Designer toy enthusiasts
While it looks cute, Labubu is considered a collectible art piece, not a children’s play toy.
Labubu vs Regular Toys
| Feature | Labubu | Regular Toys |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Collectible art | Play |
| Target Audience | Adults & collectors | Children |
| Production | Limited edition | Mass-produced |
| Value | Often increases | Usually depreciates |
| Artistic Design | High | Basic |