Pop Mart isnāt just selling toys, itās curating a full-blown global style phenomenon. And at the centre of it all is one mischievous, toothy superstar: Labubu. The āugly-cuteā creature from artist Kasing Lungās The Monsters series has transcended the toy shelf to become a bona fide fashion accessory, spotted dangling from handbags, backpacks, and now, thanks to Pop Martās latest move, clipped to your phone. Yes, the cult favourite just went mini, and itās about to be everywhere.
If youāve been anywhere near Instagram, youāve probably seen Labubuās wide-eyed grin peeking out from a celebrity bag. Rihanna has one. David Beckham too. And like all It-accessories, itās not just about owning it, itās about how you wear it. Originally a playful handbag charm, Labubu has already achieved sold-out status worldwide, with collectors hunting down rare editions like theyāre HermĆØs Birkins. The mini phone version? Consider it the micro-bag trendās quirky little cousin.Pop Martās rise reads like a masterclass in building cult appeal. In the first half of the year alone, The Monsters series pulled in a jaw-dropping 4.81 billion yuan ($669 million), making up nearly 35% of Pop Martās revenue. The brand is now worth more than Barbie-maker Mattel and Hello Kittyās parent Sanrio, with share prices rocketing over 230% this year. Thatās not just toy-market success, thatās fashion-world clout.
The secret? Blind-box culture. For $10ā$20 (INR 870 – 1,700), you buy a mystery pack without knowing which character you will get, a thrill that fuels collecting, trading, and, letās be honest, a little obsession. Itās the same psychology that drives sneaker drops or luxury capsule collections: scarcity, surprise, and status.But Pop Mart isnāt stopping there. Theyāre plotting rapid store openings in the U.S., eyeing emerging markets in the Middle East, Central Europe, and Latin America, and even hinting at a Disney-esque future, think animated films and theme park attractions. And if that sounds ambitious, remember: this all started with a 6-inch grinning monster in a box.
The cult-favourite Labubu doll craze has taken a dark turn in Los Angeles after thieves targeted a storeās fresh restock, swiping boxes worth thousands. With celebrity fans and resale prices hitting the stratosphere, the adorable, toothy monsters have become hot property, not just for collectors, but for criminals too.
Labubu is no longer just a toy. Itās a conversation starter, a cultural badge, a tiny piece of joy you can carry with you. And in a world where fashion is as much about storytelling as it is about style, Pop Martās pint-sized icon proves that sometimes the biggest statement comes in the smallest (and toothiest) package.