The Labubu sensation continues to make headlines, and this time, for breaking the internet with its hefty price tag. If you've been online recently and spotted a quirky, wide-eyed creature in celebrity selfies or on collector shelves, chances are you've come across Labubu.
The "ugly-cute" collectible has now hit a new high, with one rare version fetching a jaw-dropping Rs 9.15 lakh ($10,500), making it the most expensive Labubu ever sold.
World's most expensive Labubu | Image Courtesy: X (@DegenJuice_)
World's most expensive Labubu
The record-breaking Labubu isn't your average doll. Dressed in full Vans streetwear, the grey-brown doll sports a cool blue-and-orange hat embroidered with "The Monsters", a reference to the limited-edition series it belongs to. It even has its own miniature skateboard sneakers designed by Vans.
According to a New York Post report, originally released in 2023 as part of a collaboration between Pop Mart and Vans, this version debuted in a blind box for just Rs 7,400 ($85).
Fast forward to now, and the same doll has been resold on eBay for over Rs 9 lakh, a resale markup of over 125 times the original price. Talk about hype culture at its peak.
What exactly is a Labubu?
For the unversed, Labubu is a fictional elf-like character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic fairy tales. The character appears in his book series, The Monsters and has been turned into a wildly popular toy by collectible giant Pop Mart. What makes Labubu especially buzzworthy is its blind-box packaging; buyers never know which version they’re getting until it’s unboxed, adding an extra thrill to the chase.
Prices for regular Labubu dolls typically range from Rs 1,744 to Rs 3,488 ($20–$40). But rare editions, like this Vans-clad version, can command serious cash in resale markets.
Labubu’s fame skyrocketed when BLACKPINK's Lisa was seen carrying one, setting off a global trend. Since then, A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa have all flaunted their own Labubu dolls, turning them into must-have collectibles.
With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning has skyrocketed into the ranks of China's wealthiest, joining names like TikTok’s Zhang Yiming and Xiaomi’s Lei Jun.
So whether you find Labubu creepy, cute, or downright bizarre, it’s clear this tiny figure has taken the world by storm, one pricey resale at a time.
