The Fascinating World of Labubu: A Trending Art Toy Craze

Labubu, an art toy designed by the talented Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, draws its unique charm from the sharp-toothed monsters of Norse mythology. This distinctive toy has recently sparked a frenzy among enthusiasts, causing a stir online and leading to widespread sell-outs. The craze has reached new heights, with dedicated fans camping out overnight and eager buyers lining up at dawn to get their hands on these coveted toys.

On Thursday, Labubu toys were once again available at a shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7, attracting a large crowd eager to purchase them at their original prices. The following Friday, nearly 500 people lined up at the venue, with some arriving as early as dawn to secure their chance to own a Labubu toy.

Among the eager buyers was Le Thi Ngoc Bich from District 7, who took her daughter to the shopping mall, hoping to purchase the trending toy. Bich’s daughter, a fifth grader, like many others, was captivated by the monster-toothed rabbit that had been creating a buzz online. Determined to make her daughter happy, Bich spent the entire Friday waiting to make the purchase.

Labubu Toys: A Craze Sweeping the Nation. Photo: POP MART

The demand for Labubu has driven up prices, with online platforms offering them for VND700,000 to over VND1 million. However, at the shopping mall, they were sold at the original price of VND380,000, much to the delight of buyers. Despite the long wait and multiple trips, Bich was happy to make her daughter smile, and they finally secured their Labubu toys when the store opened at 9:00 am.

The excitement and dedication of Labubu fans were evident, with some, like Nguyen Thi Tuyet Huong and her nephew, camping out since 6:00 pm the previous day to ensure they were among the first 20 people in line. The waiting game was exhausting, but many passed the time by chatting, playing cards, and supporting each other. The atmosphere was lively, with families and enthusiasts united by their shared passion for Labubu.

Dedicated Fans Camping Out Overnight for Labubu Toys. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The appeal of Labubu lies not only in its cute and unique design but also in the sense of community it has fostered. Fans like Le Thi Yen Nhi, who came with three relatives, were determined to buy multiple toys, seeing them as collectible items worth the hassle of queuing overnight. The demand for Labubu has led to a thriving market, with authentic toys highly sought-after due to the presence of fakes and inflated prices.

Mai Duy Minh Khang, a dedicated fan from Da Lat City, and his wife braved the discomfort and noise to secure their chance to add to their Labubu collection. Khang already owns eight Labubu toys and a few still in their boxes, showcasing the dedication and passion of collectors. The variety of designs, including the pastel-colored version and the chrysanthemum edition, adds to the allure of Labubu, making it a must-have for enthusiasts worldwide.

A Family’s Dedication: Camping Out for Labubu Toys. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The Labubu craze has swept the nation, with fans of all ages captivated by its charm. From fifth graders to adults, Labubu has created a community united by their love for these sharp-toothed monsters turned adorable toys. The dedication of fans camping out overnight and the long lines at malls showcase the impact Labubu has had on the art toy world, solidifying its place as a trending phenomenon.