Labubu Doll Craze: From Childhood Toy to Global Status Symbol
Currently, a strange yet cute doll is capturing everyone's attention on social media and in the international market - 'Labubu Doll'. People are standing in line for hours for this doll, and some are even traveling abroad to purchase it. Some designs are being sold for thousands of dollars. So, what exactly is this Labubu Doll? Why has the craze behind it grown so much?
Attraction to Dolls Since Childhood
A doll is an integral part of everyone's childhood. From Barbie to 'Tatya Vinchu', many types of dolls have come to the market. However, the doll currently in discussion is completely different and somewhat strange compared to others. This doll named 'Labubu Doll' stands out with its big eyes, peculiar smile, and two tufts on its head. Some find its appearance 'cute', while others find it 'frightening' or 'ugly'.
Labubu in the Hands of Celebrities
The craze for this doll was further elevated by celebrities. After being seen with Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Lisa from the K-pop band 'Blackpink', Ananya Pandey, and Karan Johar, it became a 'style statement' among the general public as well.
How was Labubu created?
The designer of the Labubu doll, Kasing Lung, is an artist from Hong Kong. He designed this doll in 2015. Labubu was born from the series 'The Monsters', inspired by characters from European folklore. In 2019, the Chinese toy company 'Pop Mart' started producing this doll, and it became a market sensation. In 2024, 'Pop Mart's profit increased by 188%, and the Labubu doll played a significant role in this success. The company's revenue increased by a staggering 726.6%. This success has made 'Pop Mart's CEO Wang Ning one of the ten richest individuals in China.
Expensive Prices and Blind Box Strategy
Labubu dolls are sold in 'blind boxes' priced between 20 to 30 dollars. This means the customer only discovers which doll is inside upon opening the box. This surprise factor leads to a large number of viral videos on social media. The supply of these toys is limited, creating an 'artificial scarcity.' As a result, thousands of dollars are paid for dolls with the same design. For example, 'Mr. Wise Labubu' was auctioned for 28,300 dollars, while 'Sakai-Seventeen Labubu' was sold for 31,250 dollars. There is also a record of a human-sized Labubu doll being sold for 150,000 dollars.
Labubu x Vans Collaboration
After a collaboration between a Labubu doll designed in 2023 and the shoe brand Vans, bids for that design reached up to 10,000 dollars on eBay. The designs of these dolls, available in limited quantities, are considered more 'exclusive'.
Black Market and Fake Labubu
The popularity of Labubu has increased so much that a black market for it has started in China. The number of fake dolls, called 'Lafufu', has also increased. Chinese authorities seized 46,000 fake Labubu toys at once. The theft of these dolls has also increased, with some owners insuring them when taking them abroad!
How many types are there?
So far, more than 300 colors and designs of Labubu dolls have been released in the market. The price of a 3-inch doll starts at 15 dollars, while the price of a 31-inch doll goes up to approximately 960 dollars.
Facing Criticism
Many have criticized 'Pop Mart' due to the 'blind box' tactic. This model, which attracts children, is accused of promoting gambling. However, despite all these discussions, the popularity and financial success of Labubu dolls clearly demonstrate that with the right combination of marketing, creative design, and social media, any item can become a global trend. Is the Labubu doll a toy or a status symbol? It is clear today that 'Labubu' is not just a doll anymore; it has become a 'culture icon'!