Labubu Doll

### 🧸 **Labubu Doll: Comprehensive Description**

#### 🧑 **1. Origin & Creator**
- **Creator**: Designed by **Kasing Lung** (Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised artist), inspired by Nordic folklore and mythology during his childhood .
- **Debut**: First introduced in **2015** as part of Lung’s illustrated story series *The Monsters*, with commercial toys launched via **Pop Mart** in 2019 .
- **Name Meaning**: "Labubu" (拉布布) is the primary character in a tribe called "The Monsters," which includes companions like **Zimomo** (leader), **Tycoco** (skeleton boyfriend), and **Mokoko** .

#### 👀 **2. Physical Characteristics**
- **Appearance**:
- **Facial Features**: Wide, glossy eyes; pointed ears; a signature mischievous grin with **nine sharp teeth** .
- **Body**: Furry, plush texture with rounded, huggable proportions .
- **Size Range**: 3-inch mini figures to 31-inch "mega" editions; a 4-foot auctioned variant sold for **$170,000** in 2025 .
- **Personality**: Described as kind-hearted but accident-prone, often causing chaos unintentionally .

#### 🎁 **3. Product Lines & Series**
Labubu releases span **300+ designs** across diverse themes:
- **Popular Collections**:
| **Series** | **Theme** | **Notable Features** |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| *Exciting Macaron* | Pastel colors, desserts | First keychain line (2023) |
| *Big Into Energy* | Neon colors, abstract patterns | Secret "DuoDuo" variant |
| *Fall in Wild* | Nature/outdoor attire | Worn by Blackpink’s Lisa |
| *One Piece Collaboration*| Anime characters | 13 figurines (2025) |
- **Formats**: Vinyl figures, plush dolls, bag charms, and limited museum editions (e.g., Louvre’s *Artistic Quest* series) .

#### 🎲 **4. Blind Box Mechanics**
- **Concept**: Sold in sealed boxes where the design is a surprise until opened .
- **Rarity System**: Each series includes 6–7 regular designs + a **"secret" variant** (1:72 odds). Secret figures resell for **$500–$1,000+** (e.g., rainbow-tooth Labubu) .
- **Pricing**: $15–$30 per blind box; resale markups exceed **500%** due to scarcity .

#### 🌍 **5. Cultural Impact & Popularity**
- **Celebrity Endorsements**: Carried by **Blackpink’s Lisa**, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham, fueling global trends .
- **Cultural Adaptations**:
- **Thailand**: Labubu amulets/sacred tattoos believed to bring luck .
- **Singapore**: Used in political campaigns and temple festivals (e.g., Nine Emperor Gods Festival) to engage youth .
- **Controversies**: Banned in Russia for "frightening appearance," though marketed to ages **15+** .
- **Sales**: Generated **$870M** (first half of 2024) for Pop Mart .

#### ⚠️ **6. Authenticity & Counterfeits**
- **Fakes ("Lafufus")**: Proliferate due to demand; identifiable via:
- **Teeth**: Authentic dolls have **nine precise teeth**; fakes often have uneven counts.
- **Logos**: Genuine figures bear **Pop Mart** and **Kasing Lung** logos on the foot .
- **Packaging**: Official blind boxes use high-quality branding .
- **Collector Response**: Some intentionally seek "Lafufus" for their quirky designs .

#### 💎 **Conclusion: Why the Obsession?**
Labubu’s blend of **"ugly-cute" aesthetics**, emotional relatability ("well-meaning but clumsy"), and thrill of collecting drives its appeal. It bridges **nostalgia**, **fashion** (as bag charms), and **investment culture**, symbolizing a shift in toys from playthings to cultural artifacts . As *The New York Times* notes, its rise reflects China’s growing influence in global pop culture via creative storytelling and savvy marketing .

For further details, explore Pop Mart’s official releases or collector communities on TikTok/Reddit .