Labubu — the toy that became a fashion symbol of 2025: who is behind the phenomenon

Labubu — a somewhat strange creature with sharp ears, a “predatory” smile, and sad eyes — unexpectedly stepped beyond the world of collectors in 2025 and became a notable element of pop culture and fashion. Behind the image is artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, born in Hong Kong in 1972 and later moving to Europe: in the late 1990s he settled in Belgium and began working on children’s books, where he developed his recognizable “fairytale-dark” style.

The Labubu character first appeared in illustrated stories and later became a 3D figurine — largely thanks to collaboration with the Chinese company Pop Mart and the blind box format. Labubu series consistently rank among the brand’s bestsellers, while rare versions are actively resold on the secondary market at prices above the original retail.

It is also noted that in 2025 Labubu finally established itself as a fashion accessory: the figurines began appearing on bags and in street style shots in cities around the world — as a personal “mood symbol” rather than a display of status.