Once a humble picture book character, Labubu has transformed into a global collectible phenomenon. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is a mischievous character from The Monsters Trilogy—a Nordic mythology-inspired world brought to life by Pop Mart in 2019. Originally sold in blind boxes for around £25 ($34), these quirky figures have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to viral TikTok unboxings and celebrity endorsements from stars like Dua Lipa and Lisa from BLACKPINK.
Labubu isn't just a toy anymore—it's a serious collector's item. The recent Labubu x Vans collaboration features the plush dressed in classic Vans Sk8-Mid sneakers, a hoodie, and a blue-orange cap, and it recently reached £10,000 ($13,540) in a heated auction with 89 bids. Other highly valuable editions include the Three Wise Labubu, which sold for £22,000 ($29,789), and the Sacai-Seventeen-Labubu collaboration that fetched £24,200 ($32,768). Even life-sized Labubu figures have sold for over £115,000 ($155,720), however it is limited to only private auctions.
