In this article, Fallon talks about the rising popularity of Labubus.
In 2025, one of the most unexpected icons in fashion and pop culture isn’t a model– it's Labubu, a sharp-toothed creature with a mischievous yet enduring grin. Labubus have emerged as a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of collectors, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike. These characters, created by artist Kasing Lung, have taken over both social media and the world of fashion.
Kasing Lung introduced Labubu in 2015 as a part of his “The Monsters” series– drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore and his own personal childhood experiences. Labubu is characterized by pointy ears, sharp teeth, and a mischievous grin– embodying a blend of cuteness and eeriness. There are many individuals who find these creatures to be creepy or unsetting, while others absolutely adore them. In 2019, Lung partnered with the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, known for their blind box series and collectables, to help bring Labubu to a broader Audience. Nearly five years later, Labubu’s popularity and rise in the fashion scene soared when Blackpink’s Lisa shared images of herself with the plush toy on social media. According to Talter magazine, “Back in May, Lung shared how he sent Lisa a Mega Labubu Tec to thank her for her support.” Various celebrities and influencers have since incorporated Labubus into their looks– most commonly decorating their bags with a matching keychain. This endorsement sparked a frenzy, leading to campouts and long lines at Pop Mart stores– along with a surge in resale prices. Now, it is nearly impossible for someone to get their hands on a Labubu; with online restocks selling out within seconds, and fans camping outside of Pop Mart stores, getting one requires some serious dedication. And, of course, when something gains popularity, the making of fakes and duplicates is inevitable. Online fans have collectively agreed to call these fakes “Lafufus”– and if someone already thought Labubus were creepy, then definitely don't show them a Lafufu.
There are many different Labubu items that Pop Mart carries, though the most popular of them all would have to be the blind boxes– specifically the ones containing the vinyl face plush keychains. Currently displayed on the Pop Mart Website, they have four different blind box series containing these so sought-after keychains. They have the Exciting Macaron series, the Have a Seat series, the Coca-Cola series, and their newest release, the Big into Energy series. Each of Pop Marts blind box series contain a “secret” character, and those secret Labubus, which are extremely rare to unbox, sell for a pretty penny. Beyond Labubu and the blind boxes, Lung’s “The Monsters” series includes characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. Zimomo, for instance, is the leader of the Labubus, and can be distinguished by his large, spiked tail.
Labubu’s cultural significance extends beyond collecting– as they represent a global desire for comfort, nostalgia, and emotional expression. This fashion crossover is rooted in a broader movement where playfulness, vulnerability, and comfort are seen as stylish rather than childish. That being said, Labubu isn't just a toy or collectable– but an accessory, a conversation piece, and a form of fashion.