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You may have heard or seen your friend flaunting this labubu doll in their social media stories and wondered what is it? The doll has become famous and attracts many due to its unique, “creepy-cute” design and mischievous grin. Sold in collectible blind boxes, Labubu dolls are quickly running out of stock. Celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink enhanced their viral spread, making Labubu a fashion accessory symbol of collectible culture.
According to Real Simple, there have been over 2 million searches for “Labubu doll” in the last 30 days. So, you can say people are going nuts over them. If you have been planning to join the trend, but in a distinct way, you can always do so in the form of a neon sign. This blog will discuss how you can go about it and which vendor to approach for custom neon signs.
What Is Labubu?
1. Origins
Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist, created the labubu. The character first appeared in his 2015 graphic novel series, “The Monsters Trilogy,” which took inspiration from Nordic mythology and folklore.
2. Design
Labubu resembles an elf-like creature with a mischievous grin, pointy ears, large eyes, and nine sharp teeth. Despite its monstrous appearance, the doll is displayed as kind-hearted and usually ends up in trouble in an attempt to assist others. The doll emerges in various sizes and materials, like plush and vinyl, themed ranges, and each is designed with unique expressions and colors.
3. The Collaboration with Pop Mart
In 2019, Kasing Lung partnered with a Chinese toy retailer, Pop Mart, which began producing Labubu figures in blind boxes. This joint initiative played a vital role in Labubu’s global recognition. What’s with the blind box strategy? It is used as a surprise element for collectors, who don’t know which labubu doll is written in their destiny until they open the box. As a result, the interested ones will keep buying to complete the entire series, including the rare secret figures.
4. A Big Phenomenon
Labubu has become a big phenomenon that appeals to children and adults, and even celebrities have been spotted carrying dolls around.
What's So Special About Labubu?
1. The Unique "Creepy-Cute" Design
The factor that keeps Labubu apart from other dolls is its creepy-cute design: you are holding an elf-like creature with playful, wide eyes, pointy ears, and an iconic grin of nine sharp teeth. This combination compels a wide demographic to invest in it.
2. The Blind Box Thrill
Another prominent factor of this craze is the blind box thrill, which was Pop Mart’s format. The excitement of being unaware of which particular design you will lay your hands on triggers your addiction and anticipation, motivating you to buy it multiple times, giving you a feeling as if you are playing a treasure hunt.
3. Collectible and Fashion Status
Labubu has drastically changed into a collectible and a fashion accessory. Moreover, its limited-edition releases, different kinds of partnerships, and the fact that celebrities attach it to their bags have elevated the fame and transformed the doll into a pop culture, whose demand is witnessing no stop in the art toy market.
4. Community
Labubu has created a strong community around it, and the significant reasons are unboxing videos and discussions amongst fans. In case of adults, the doll also taps into a sense of nostalgia for childhood collectibles, providing an escape and connection to a digital world.
How Much Is A Labubu Doll?
Standard Blind Box Figures
The standard blind box figures sold by Pop Mart typically range from $15 to $40 per single box. While a complete set of series, usually consisting of multiple figures, wears a price tag of anywhere between $100 and $300.
Larger Plush and Special Editions
Larger plush Labubu dolls or notable figures from specific series made from vinyl can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Partnerships with other brands often offer greater retail rates. For instance, some larger plush dolls might be around $80-$200.
Rare and Resale Market Prices
The price varies in the secondary market, such as resale platforms like eBay, StockX, or Depop. Here, the rare “secret” versions found in blind boxes or minimal edition releases can stun you with a higher price range, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, where some limited editions are for over $7,000.
Distinct Art Pieces
Some life-sized or unique art pieces, especially the ones for auctions, can reach jaw-dropping figures, too. For instance, recently, a human-sized Labubu doll was sold for $150,000 at auction, displaying its status as an art collectible.
Why Is Labubu So Expensive?
Limited Editions
Labubu figures are not produced on a broad scale, but are released in limited batches in the shape of “drops” or seasonal editions, making it a challenge for you to grab older models. The most sought-after dolls are the “secret” figures within blind boxes, with very low chances of being unboxed, like maybe 1 in 72, to boost their overall sales and demand.
Blind Box Fun
The “blind box” fun also makes it more expensive. The thing is that this sales model instills an element of surprise, forcing people to get the whole series. Hence, you will see collectors buying multiple boxes to complete their set or hunt a rare figure, which is adding to the overall sales and demand.
The Hype On Social Media
Blackpink’s Lisa and other celebrities were responsible for amplifying Labubu’s virality. Besides, a couple of influencers recorded live unboxing videos and posts on TikTok and Instagram, turning the mischievous nine-toothed doll into a global fashion statement, pushing it to the top of the list of “must-have” items.
Resale Market
The high demand with limited supply has led to a strong secondary marketplace. Resellers increase the prices, especially when they notice which figures are more desirable and rare. For some, Labubu dolls are a collectible investment, elevating prices as people predict their value in the near future.
Can I DIY My Own Labubu?
Tailor Existing Labubu Figures
The most common ways to DIY Labubu are to tailor existing figures as follows:
Repaint
You can use either acrylic or specialty vinyl paints to change the color scheme, add patterns, or even give it a fresh look altogether.
Add Accessories
What do you want your Labubu to wear? Clothes, accessories, or jewellery? Go for it, as many crafters sew tiny clothes and similar props to decorate the doll.
Alter Features
You can experiment with its features as well. For instance, sculpt or add details to the existing figure’s body or face using air-dry clay or epoxy putty.
Style Hair
Does your Labubu have hair like that plush type? If so, you can trim, style, or even dye it. Sounds amusing, right?
Create From Scratch
If you don’t want to touch your existing doll’s appearance, you can create from scratch as well with the following materials:
Polymer Clay
You need to sculpt the whole figure from oven-baked clay and then paint over it.
Plush Fabric
You can take some plush fabric and sew your Labubu doll. If you want, you can add patterns to capture its iconic shape truly.
Where to Find Materials?
Blank Figures
You can find the unofficial doll figures on mediums like AliExpress.
Craft Stores
Get some paints, brushes, materials, and fabrics.
Online Tutorials
Search DIY Labubu or custom Labubu on YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest, and many online tutorials will appear.
Lamomo’s Custom Labubu Neon Sign
Design
Lamomo offers you Labubu neon signs. Their version comes with the distinctive outline of the character, carrying the playful grin. You are allowed to customize various aspects such as:
Size
These are present in multiple sizes, from small-sized lights to be placed on desks to larger displays mounted on walls.
Color
In colors, you have single-shade neon lights to multicolor RGB setups, which you can control through a remote or a mobile application. You can do what is needed whenever you feel like changing the hue, brightness, or lighting mode.
Text Addition
A few of the shop’s offerings let you add text. For instance, you can tailor the Labubu doll-themed neon sign for room with a name, your favorite quote, alongside the main design, providing unique pieces and a reason for you to suggest your friends to order a Labubu doll neon sign from them only.
Materials
These neon signs are crafted from premium-quality acrylic and LED components, enhancing their durability and energy efficiency. Its main features involve:
LED Technology
The vendor uses LED lights rather than traditional neon glass, so with no heat and breaking risk, they are a safer option.
Easy To Install
The neon sign is easy to install and designed for simple wall mounting, so you won't encounter many issues when putting it up.
Plug-and-Play
The setup has a long cable and is USB-powered. So, you just need to plug-and-play the magic.
How To Build Your Pop Mart Display Setup?
Pick Your Displaying Method
You can place the Labubu doll neon sign on your shelves, acrylic display cases, or even repurposed furniture. Dust-proof options are recommended to shield your figures.
Set by Series or Theme
Set your dolls by a series or theme, creating a visual uniformity and making your collection inviting.
Add Lights
LED strip lights behind your shelf portray details. Small stands increase the height of the figures, so that all your pieces are visible to everyone.
Labubu’s popularity is fueled due to the blind box strategy, resellers, and because so many celebrities, notably Blackpink’s Lisa, are seen with it. Furthermore, for neon signs, you can get "Custom Neon Signs with Lamomoneon"
