🎀 What Is Labubu and How Did It Spark a Trend?

Labubu is a quirky, slightly toothy elf character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and introduced through the The Monsters illustrated series. Though born in 2015, it rose to global recognition in 2019 after collaborating with Pop Mart .

In October 2023, Pop Mart launched the first Labubu key-ring line — the "Exciting Macaron" collection — officially expanding Labubu into plush keychains and bag charms .

🚀 Why Did It Take off?

• Blind‑box thrill & scarcity: Every purchase is a surprise with rare “secret” editions, driving repeat buyers and excitement.

• Nostalgia meets kitsch: Labubu’s “ugly‑cute” aesthetic echoes collectible crazes like Beanie Babies and Jellycats, appealing to adults and kids alike.

• Social media buzz: Celebrity sightings by Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and Blackpink’s Lisa wearing Labubu keychains transformed it into a fashion accessory worldwide .

• Community & fandom: Labubu collectors share unboxings, fan art, and custom charms on social media, strengthening the obsession and cultural status .

📈 Rise of the Plush Pendant Keychain Trend

Labubu didn’t just popularize its own character — it ignited a global trend in plush charms.

• Luxury crossover: Designers and fashion weeks featured Labubu pendants on high‑end bags, which sparked heated discussions over whether they clash with luxury aesthetics .

• Sales boomed: Pop Mart’s revenue soared in 2024, largely thanks to plush keychain lines. They saw a 1,200% jump in plush toy sales, and multiple collections sold out instantly, with resale values climbing as high as $400 or more per figure .

✨ Why People Love It

• Fashion meets individuality: More than mere accessories, plush charms let users personalize bags with whimsy and playfulness .
• Emotional comfort: Many collectors describe their Labubus as therapeutic—playful, nostalgic companions amid stressful times .
• Accessible collectible culture: Blind boxes and surprise elements create accessible excitement found in treasure hunting or crafting a social identity .

🌍 The Legacy & What's Next

Labubu’s success opened the floodgates for plush pendant trends, setting a new standard in accessory fashion:

• Trendsetting plush charms: From jelly cuties to other Pop Mart lines like CryBaby and Skullpanda, the market is now saturated with designer plush pendants following Labubu’s example .
• Counterfeit dilemma: The underground market for fake Labubu plush toys (“Lafufus”) has emerged to meet demand, leading Chinese officials to crack down on unauthorized versions .
• Expansion roadmap: Pop Mart plans dozens more US stores and ongoing collaborations (e.g. Coca‑Cola, One Piece editions)—Labubu isn’t slowing down anytime soon .

🧩 Trend Summary Table

💡 Final Thoughts

Labubu didn’t just launch a cute plush keychain—it transformed plush pendants into a full-blown collectible-fashion hybrid. The result is a cultural phenomenon where tiny charms on your bag can hold emotional meaning, style statements, and even status value.

Whether Labubu is your first plush charm or part of a broader accessory strategy, its impact is clear: cute accessories now carry cultural weight. What's next? The evolving plush pendant space promises shifting fandoms and new characters, but Labubu's signature mix of charm, surprise, and style continues to define the trend