Big, toothy, monstrous, adorable—they’re all words you can use to describe the newest it-collectible Labubu that we bet your inner anik-anik girlie is itching to check out.
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These days, you might be wondering—what are those fluffy, monstrous dolls hanging off of people’s bags right beside the rest of their keychains, Sonny Angels, and other anik-aniks?
Meet Labubu, the clear superstar from Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” line of collectible toys. Popular with celebrities, influencers, and idols, as well as titas of Manila and anik-anik Gen Z kids alike, Labubu is the newest trendy figure to make waves in the collectible and anik-anik scene. Featuring long ears, big eyes, and pointy teeth, Labubu is a toy collectible that comes as toy figures, keychains, or as figures that can be attached to anything. But who is this little monster taking over the world?
WHO ARE YOU, LABUBU?
Labubu is an elf created by artist Kasing Lung back in 2015. Hailing from Hong Kong, Lung was raised in the Netherlands and grew fascinated with Nordic folklore. He eventually published his Nordic Fairy Tale books, and in 2015, created The Monsters characters—Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato, and the standout Labubu.
The Pop Mart description for Labubu describes her (yes, her) as “a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth.” We’re sure you’ve seen the famous Labubu dressed up in fluffy onesies, as keychains, figures, phone cases, and more. This little monster actually reminds us of the Domo character that was all the rage back in the 2000s and 2010s.
Labubu Lazy Yoga Series Popmart 11 figures
— Labubu (@LabubuOfficial) September 9, 2024
Which one is your favorite?#Labubu #LabubuMacaron pic.twitter.com/jtsCMZrw9k
“Despite a mischievous first impression,” the description continues. “Labubu is very kind-hearted and always wants to help others while accidentally doing bad things. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we should grin like Labubu, and naturally we will become happy.”
ANIK-ANIK FOR EVERYBODY
@ohmytoys.official LALISA UNBOXING HER LABUBU HAVE A SEAT V2 😱😍 We have it INSTOCK! 🧺🧺 100% ORIGINAL!
♬ MONEY – 리사 (LISA)
The toy collectible grew more popular when Lisa of BLACKPINK was seen unboxing one (and collecting a dozen more or so), and celebrities like Vice Ganda, Bretman Rock, and Marian Rivera were known to collect Labubus in all her colorful fuzzy outfits themselves.
The toy in its many forms (enamel keychains to almost two-foot tall figures) costs anywhere from P450-P11,000 on the Pop Mart website. The Monsters also come in blind boxes which you can buy without seeing what you’re getting.
Opinions on Labubu vary from millennials and older people thinking it’s adorable, to young people on the Internet calling it “gentrified tiyanak.” To each their own! But make no mistake—people of all ages are hopping on the trend and grabbing their own Labubu. These little toothy monsters sit on collectors shelves or dangle off of tote bags, accompanying their owner like a little friend.
Have you seen this kind of Labubu before?
— Labubu (@LabubuOfficial) September 14, 2024
Labubu x Pop Mart City Garden Version.
Part 1#Labubu #LabubuMacaron pic.twitter.com/VeLrhLj0C7
From Sonny Angels to Smiskis, Labubus to Care Bears, collectibles have been taking over the trends lately. Like the trend of anik-anik, it can be attributed to (and perceived as a sign of) the rise of maximalism in fashion and culture lately, as well our penchant for nostalgia (collecting was also huge back in the 90s).
Want to hop on these trends and have your own Labubu? Check them out online—but also, Pop Mart is also coming to the Philippines on November 2, with all their toys and collectibles available for purchase at their pop-up store in SM Mall of Asia. Will you be getting your own Labubu?
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