One of the Biggest Trends of 2025: What Is Labubu?

Labubu isn't just a toy figure – it's one of the most iconic phenomena in online culture and the streetwear world. Lately it's become a real fashion and collector sensation, thanks to its unique design, limited releases and close ties to pop culture.

Labubu's origins and its popularity in online culture

The Labubu character was designed by Superplastic and debuted on the designer vinyl figure market in the late 2010s. The figure stylishly blends the kawaii (cute, Japanese) aesthetic with modern urban street art elements.

Online communities, especially on Instagram and TikTok, played a key role in its rise: collectors shared their limited-edition figures and custom Labubu set-ups, and it went viral.

Why did it become a fashion and collector phenomenon?

1. Limited editions – many Labubu figures were made in runs of just a few hundred, which boosted their exclusivity.
2. Unique design and collabs – collaborations with famous streetwear brands and artists made it special.
3. Pop culture presence – memes, online games and social media posts turned it into an instantly recognisable icon.
4. Collector value – thanks to the limited editions and the brand's reputation, collectors often see the figures as an investment.

Labubu and the sneaker/streetwear world

The Labubu character isn't just a designer vinyl figure – it's also become an iconic phenomenon in streetwear culture and among sneaker fans. The connection shows up on several levels:

Limited collabs

Plenty of streetwear brands have released limited Labubu-themed pieces, from sweatshirts, tees and caps to sneakers. These collections carry exclusive status for collectors and fashion fans alike.

Design inspiration

Labubu's distinctive, cute and modern graphics often inspire sneaker designs and clothing prints. In some collections, the character's motifs pop up on the sides of sneakers, on tees or on sweatshirts, making it instantly recognisable to the streetwear crowd.

Community presence

Thanks to online streetwear communities on Instagram and TikTok, Labubu has become a pop culture symbol that connects vinyl figure fans with sneaker and streetwear lovers. Collectors often pair their limited figures with the latest sneakers, creating unique, visually striking fits.

So Labubu isn't just a toy – it's an icon of streetwear and sneaker culture. Thanks to its limited collections, design influence and community presence, the character enjoys top-tier status with collectors and fashion fans alike. Grab one for yourself from the OnSize range!

Image source:
https://www.popmart.com/us