Labubu Dolls: A Collector's Craze Takes Over Los Angeles

In 2023, the adorable "Monsters" created by Kasing Lung are now a global sensation, shipping off the shelves within minutes of release, creating engaged communities both online and in-person.

A line hundreds deep formed in front of the Pop Mart store in Los Angeles early in the morning on April 27, 2025. Korin Reese, a dedicated collector, found herself shocked to see other enthusiasts had arrived hours earlier, with some reporting they had camped out since 10 p.m. the night before. The motivation? To snag the latest release of the Labubu key-ring dolls, exclusive to Pop Mart, a Chinese collectibles giant.

The Labubu dolls, known collectively as The Monsters, resonate deeply in the realm of collectible culture, joining the likes of iconic figures such as Hello Kitty and Gudetama. With their fuzzy appearance, snaggletoothed grins, and mischievous features, these all-female Nordic elves embody kindness, albeit sometimes finding themselves in playful mischief as they spread happiness.

The character's journey began in 2015 when artist Kasing Lung, hailing from Hong Kong, introduced the Labubu characters in a children’s book series. A pivotal partnership with Pop Mart in 2019 transformed these book figures into coveted designer toys. Their inaugural series, Exciting Macaron, hit the market in October 2023.

Since then, Labubu dolls have become incredibly popular, consistently selling out within minutes of each drop. Priced around $30, with exclusive models fetching higher prices, the dolls have fostered vibrant communities. Collectors chat online about strategies to acquire new releases, showcase their diverse outfits, and share their collections online, cementing Labubu as a cultural phenomenon that even crosses the fashion industry, appearing as accessories alongside high-end handbags.