On a bustling Friday morning in Los Angeles, the enthusiasm for Labubu dolls was palpable, as eager fans gathered in a long line outside the Pop Mart store as early as 4:45 a.m. Korin Reese, who thought she arrived early, realized others had been waiting since the previous evening. These devoted collectors were there for the latest Labubu doll, part of a collection by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, which features charming, mischievous figures known as The Monsters.
The Labubu dolls encapsulate a playful yet endearing persona: fuzzy Nordic elves with cheeky grins and impish ears. As female characters, they embody kindness but often find themselves unintentionally creating "well-intentioned" chaos, as described by Emily Brough, the head of licensing at Pop Mart North America. Conceptualized in 2015 by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu initially appeared in a children’s book series before making the exciting transition to collectible designer toys through a partnership with Pop Mart in 2019.
With their first series, Exciting Macaron, unveiled in October 2023, the Labubu dolls have proven to be a massive hit, consistently selling out within minutes and fetching prices around $30, with limited editions priced even higher. Beyond just toys, these dolls have created vibrant communities both online and offline—where enthusiasts share styling tips and showcase their collections. Rectified alongside high-end handbags, Labubu dolls have also emerged as fashionable accessories, marking a new era for playful collectibles.
