From Concept to Collectible: The Evolution of Sisi Labubu's Iconic Look

In the ever-evolving world of art toys and collectibles, few characters have captured the global imagination quite like Sisi Labubu. With its mischievous grin, pointed ears, and undeniable charm, Labubu has transformed from a simple sketch to a cultural icon, captivating collectors of all ages. This blog post delves into the fascinating journey of Sisi Labubu, tracing its origins, design evolution, and rise to collectible stardom.

The Birth of a Monster: Kasing Lung and the Nordic Influence

The story of Labubu begins with Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist who spent his formative years in the Netherlands. Immersed in European folklore and Nordic mythology, Lung developed a passion for storytelling and character design. This fascination led to the creation of The Monsters, a whimsical world populated by unique and endearing creatures.

Labubu, an elf-like character with a playful yet slightly fierce look, emerged as one of the central figures in this fantastical tribe. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, Labubu was designed with round, furry bodies, wide eyes, pointed ears, and nine sharp teeth that form a mischievous smile. According to the original books, Labubu is actually a girl. First introduced in 2015, Labubu quickly gained a following for its distinctive appearance and mischievous personality. Other figures in the “The Monsters” series include Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, Tycoco (Labubu's boyfriend), and Zimomo.

The Pop Mart Partnership: From Obscurity to Global Phenomenon

While Labubu had already garnered a dedicated fan base, its popularity exploded in 2019 when Kasing Lung partnered with Pop Mart, a leading Chinese toy company known for its blind box collectibles. This collaboration marked a turning point for Labubu, transforming it from a niche art toy into a global phenomenon.

Pop Mart's blind box format, where the specific character inside each box remains a mystery until opened, added an element of surprise and collectibility that resonated with enthusiasts. This innovative approach, combined with Labubu's already established appeal, fueled a frenzy among collectors eager to acquire the various designs and rare editions. The blind box format also taps into a dopamine-driven anticipation, enhancing the emotional satisfaction of acquiring one.

The Evolution of Sisi Labubu's Look

Since its initial release, Labubu has undergone several transformations, each adding to its allure and collectibility. Some of the popular series include:

• The Monsters – Exciting Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box (V1): Launched in October 2023, this initial series featured Labubu in a standing position, adorned in pastel-colored furs inspired by macaron flavors. These 17-cm dolls came with a gold-tone ring clasp, allowing collectors to display them on their bags. Flavors included Lychee Berry, Green Grape, Soymilk, Sea Salt Coconut, Sesame Bean, Toffee, and the rarest, Chestnut Cocoa.
• The Monsters – Have a Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box (V2): Released in July 2024, this series presented Labubu in a seated posture, crafted from softer, furrier materials. The ring clasps and tags matched the doll's color, and the expressions varied from eyes open to blinking or closed. Characters in this series include SiSi (yellow), HeHe (grey), BaBa (light brown), ZiZi (purple), QuWu (green) and DaDa (pink), with a secret version called DuoDuo.

With each new series, Labubu's design evolves, introducing new colors, textures, and accessories that keep collectors engaged and eager to expand their collections. As of 2025, over 300 different Labubu figurines have been released.

Sisi Labubu: A Collectible Sensation

Labubu's popularity has transcended the art toy community, capturing the attention of celebrities and influencers worldwide. K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink and singer Rihanna are among those who have been spotted showcasing Labubu as luxury companions on their designer bags, further boosting its appeal.

The appeal of Labubu lies in its unique combination of cuteness, mischievousness, and the thrill of the blind box experience. Its odd yet endearing appearance resonates with collectors, while the limited availability and rare designs drive up demand and resale value. Some Labubu editions are extremely limited, with rare designs fetching hundreds of dollars on resale platforms.

More Than Just a Toy

Labubu's impact extends beyond the realm of collectibles. In Thailand, the character's image has been embraced as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, leading to its incorporation into Buddhist amulets and sacred tattoos. This cultural phenomenon highlights the power of art toys to connect with people on a deeper level, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural norms.

Conclusion

The evolution of Sisi Labubu from a humble sketch to a global collectible sensation is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring appeal of art toys. With its unique design, mischievous personality, and the thrill of the blind box experience, Labubu has captured the hearts of collectors worldwide and solidified its place as a true icon in the world of art toys. As Labubu continues to evolve and surprise, its legacy as a beloved and highly sought-after collectible is sure to endure.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of art toys, Sisi Labubu offers a captivating glimpse into the magic and wonder of collectible design. So, embrace the mischief, join the hunt, and discover the charm of Sisi Labubu for yourself!