What is Labubu? Everything about the hype around Popmart's mysterious figure

Nando de Voer

If you have opened TikTok, Instagram, or a festival market in recent months, chances are you have already come across it: a strange, hairy little creature with teeth, round eyes, and a look somewhere between sweet and crazy. That is Labubu Pop Mart. And no, it’s not a character from a children’s series or a gadget from the toy store—it is an iconic character that has rapidly secured a place within fashion, street culture, and design scenes worldwide.

Labubu comes from the mind of the quirky artist Kasing Lung and was first released in small editions by an Asian art platform. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with countless variations, themed editions, and mysterious releases that disappear just as quickly as they appear.

What makes Labubu so special?

Labubu’s appearance immediately sparks the imagination: pointed ears, long teeth, jagged edges, and a body that looks both cuddly and grim. But the appeal goes beyond its look. Labubu lives at the intersection of mystery and expression. Each design feels like a chapter from a book that no one is allowed to read. From rainbow versions to glow-in-the-dark editions or outfits inspired by fairy tales—the character is constantly transforming.

Instead of mainstream produced toys, Labubu is more seen as a story you can hold. That story is spread through temporary series, usually packaged in closed boxes where you only discover which version you have after opening it. That suspense makes the experience intensely addictive.

 

Labubu has a status in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Labubu has secured a clear place. You see them in custom display cases, on Pinterest mood boards, next to sneakers in content shoots, and even on clothing items. The community is growing not only among collectors but also among lovers of aesthetics and lifestyle. What started in a niche quickly spread to big cities, market squares, and digital forums. Especially young people with an eye for design and storytelling find their way to these quirky figures.

While some people wonder why anyone pays so much for a mysterious box, others know: this is not about price, but about feeling, rarity, and symbolism. The Labubu collection has that which cannot be put into words, and that is what makes it so valuable.

The search for unique editions

Finding the right version is no simple task. Because most Labubu editions are launched outside Europe, the local supply is often limited. Yet in the Netherlands, you increasingly see carefully built collections from people who know what to look for. Instead of loose figures, you find sealed boxes, original packaging, and even trade groups that exchange and compare among themselves.

Demand is high, but supply is erratic. That’s why reliable suppliers are essential. Platforms that check authenticity, packaging, and origin make the difference between a hype and an investment. Especially sealed copies in original boxes, with accompanying paper wrap and correct seals, are valued within the community.

Labubu Pop: from blind drop to conversation piece

The term “Labubu Pop” is often used to refer to the entire culture surrounding these figures. It’s not just about a physical object, but everything around it: opening the box, the moment of revelation, displaying it in a showcase, or styling it next to a pair of Jordan 4’s. Pop here is not the packaging—it is the emotion.

Each new series has its own atmosphere. From fairy-tale editions to nocturnal animals, sports heroes, or glitchy graphic prints, each design carries the signature of Kasing Lung and a piece of recognition from the wearer. Because whether you start with one box or have a whole cabinet full, every Labubu feels like a character you have discovered yourself.

 

Labubu Sale

For those who have been looking around for a while, there are moments when you can score that one copy for a softer price. At Snrkickz, you regularly find selected Labubu editions on Sale. No leftovers, no fakes, but carefully checked drops with the original story intact. Whether it’s a recently launched variant or a rare one from older series: if it’s here, you know it’s legit.