Labubu: The global Chinese toy phenomenon that's winning over children, collectors, and celebrities.

Labubu has burst onto the global toy and collectibles scene, becoming a cultural phenomenon that goes far beyond childrenThis little furry character, from pointy ears and sharp smile, is now as recognized on social media and in store windows as it is on the luxury handbags of some of the most influential celebrities on the planet.

Behind Labubu's success is a story that mixes Artistic creativity, smart marketing, and China's ability to export cultural iconsIt is not uncommon to see children, teenagers and adults proudly displaying these figures, generating a real frenzy to get them, both in physical stores and in the resale market.

Labubu's origins and international rise

El Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung created Labubu in 2015, within the series The Monsters, inspired by Norse mythology and European folklore. However, the character's global popularity began to take off in 2019, following its alliance with the Chinese company Pop Mart, which included Labubu in its famous 'blind boxes' o surprise boxesThis marketing strategy, in which the buyer doesn't know which doll they'll get until they open the package, has turned the search for the desired Labubu into a game of chance and collecting that captivates the masses.

Labubu has thus gone from being an illustrated character to becoming object of global desire: from the Generation Z to adults, including influencers and celebrities. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024 alone, Pop Mart managed to get its series The Monsters reached revenues exceeding 3.000 billion yuan, boosting its international sales and raising the company's value to record levels on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

A pop icon in the age of social media

Part of Labubu's success comes from the viralization on social networks, where videos, photos, and challenges featuring these dolls have been viewed and shared by millions. Celebrities such as Lisa from BLACKPINK (who showed them on their Instagram stories, marking the start of the global fever), Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham o Wanda Nara They have naturally displayed their own Labubu, elevating the doll to the status of a fashion accessory and a symbol of aesthetic identity.

On platforms like TikTok or Douyin, fans show complete collections, personalize their Labubu with branded clothing and combine them with exclusive bagsEven K-pop and sports personalities have integrated these figures into their public and private routines, further expanding the phenomenon's influence.

Fever, exclusivity and speculation

The strategy of scarcity and limited edition Pop Mart has helped make getting certain Labubu a real obsession.In cities like Shanghai there are waiting lists that last months, endless lines in stores and resellers who triple or multiply the original price by up to 30 times in the secondary market, with Some special editions reach 3.000 eurosAuctions have also seen record figures: a giant Labubu sold in Beijing for around 130.000 euros.

The craze has reached such a point that even Chinese banks have given away Labubus as an incentive to attract customers, and some companies have used the character as a selling point in all kinds of promotions. This demand has also led to the proliferation of counterfeits and supply problems, both original products and illegal copies.

The Dark Side: Cyber ​​Scams and Fraud

Along with the commercial phenomenon, risks have arisen for the most enthusiastic. Cybersecurity experts warn of the emergence of fraudulent websites that mimic official stores to steal personal and banking information from buyers lured by irresistible offers or limited editions of Labubu. From brands like OpenAI recommend purchasing only from official channels, be wary of excessive discounts and always protect financial information.

Furthermore, compulsive shopping and social pressure to own the latest Labubu have sparked a debate among pediatricians and psychologists about the role of these items in child development and the importance of maintaining responsible and critical consumption in the face of fads.

Labubu, a symbol of Chinese soft power and creativity

Beyond the media frenzy, Labubu represents the new direction of Chinese cultural export based on intellectual property. The Pop Mart case demonstrates how China has moved from being a country historically associated with low-cost manufacturing to becoming creator and exporter of own brands with high aesthetic and symbolic valueThe internationalization of Labubu and its presence in markets such as Europe, America and Asia is part of a planned strategy to diversify exports and Improve China's global image through pop culture and creative innovation.

The ability to adapt has also been demonstrated: the brand launches special editions for specific countries (such as the Merlion version for Singapore), and collaborates with major companies and designers. Furthermore, the Labubu figure has already inspired other products, from mugs to themed cakes in restaurants in Barcelona and Moscow, reflecting its integration into contemporary culture and popular cuisine.

A transversal and borderless phenomenon

Labubu has broken the barriers of traditional collecting and has established itself as symbol of a new era for designer toysIts followers form a global community united by aesthetics, nostalgia, and a desire for exclusivity, while brands, influencers, and companies leverage its popularity to generate new trends and associated products.

Labubu's rise not only demonstrates the viral power of social media and celebrity influence, but also highlights a fundamental transformation: China is already a benchmark in the world of cultural innovation., capable of creating global icons that connect with audiences of all ages and continents. From Pop Mart windows to red carpets, Labubu will continue to set trends as its magic and mystery continue to fuel the passion of collectors and fans around the world.