Labubu, the wild-eyed, sharp-toothed little creature from Pop Mart, didn’t become a global sensation overnight. In fact, this mischievous character began as a simple sketch in the mind of an imaginative artist. Over time, Labubu evolved into one of the most beloved designer toys across Asia and beyond.
But how did it all begin? Let’s explore the journey of Labubu — from concept to collectible icon.
✏️ The Birth of Labubu
Labubu was created by Kasing Lung, a talented Hong Kong-based illustrator and artist. Known for his whimsical and slightly dark style, Kasing imagined Labubu as part of his storybook-inspired series called “The Monsters.”
At first, Labubu was just one of many quirky creatures in his sketchbook. But its wild grin, big eyes, and rebellious energy quickly stood out to fans.
What started as a drawing… turned into a character with personality.
🧪 The Early Days: Limited Art Pieces
Before Labubu was ever mass-produced, it appeared in:
- Art books
- Exhibition pieces
- Hand-painted resin models
- Custom-designed displays
These early Labubu figures were often limited edition, handmade, and highly valued by collectors in the underground art toy scene.
🤝 The Pop Mart Collaboration
Labubu’s big break came when Kasing Lung teamed up with Pop Mart, China’s leading art toy company. Through this partnership, Labubu entered the blind box collectible toy world, reaching thousands of new fans.
This collaboration allowed Labubu to:
- Appear in themed series (e.g., Pirate, Winter, Fairy Tale editions)
- Be produced in high-quality vinyl
- Join the ranks of Pop Mart icons like Molly, Skull Panda, and Dimoo
This move transformed Labubu from an art-world gem into a mainstream pop culture figure.
🌟 Labubu’s Modern Look & Themes
With Pop Mart’s creative direction and Kasing Lung’s vision, Labubu evolved in design:
- More detailed fur textures
- Wider expressions and poses
- Costumes and story-based editions
- Crossovers with other artists and characters
Every new release brings a fresh twist on Labubu’s identity while still holding onto its original mischievous spirit.
🌍 Global Fame & Cultural Impact
Today, Labubu is loved not only in Asia but also by collectors worldwide. It’s more than just a toy — it’s:
- A symbol of creative expression
- A collectible art piece
- A way for fans to reconnect with their imagination
Labubu has appeared in fan art, cosplay, animations, and even tattoo designs. From sketch to superstar, it’s been quite the ride.
🙋♀️ FAQs: The Evolution of Labubu
Q1: Who created Labubu?
Labubu was created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based artist known for his dark-yet-cute characters.
Q2: When did Labubu first appear?
Labubu first appeared in art pieces and exhibitions around the early 2010s, gaining mass popularity after partnering with Pop Mart.
Q3: What was Labubu originally made of?
Early Labubu figures were often resin-based and hand-painted, but Pop Mart versions are usually vinyl.
Q4: Has Labubu’s design changed over time?
Yes! While the core features (big eyes, sharp teeth) remain the same, newer versions have more detail, creative costumes, and polished production.
Q5: Is Labubu still being designed by Kasing Lung?
Yes, Kasing Lung continues to be involved in the concept and creative direction of Labubu, even with Pop Mart handling large-scale production.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Labubu’s evolution is more than a design journey — it’s a story of how art, emotion, and a bit of chaos can capture the hearts of millions. From sketchbook doodle to global superstar, Labubu reminds us that the most unexpected ideas can become the biggest icons.
