Taxidermied Labubu figurine fetches a staggering $10,500 on eBay's auction block, setting a new price record.
The world of collectibles has been abuzz with excitement over the past few years, thanks to the meteoric rise of Labubu toys. Originating from a collaboration between Pop Mart and Vans, these small figurines have become a viral sensation, with their limited-supply model driving up demand and prices.
Designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu toys draw inspiration from Nordic mythology, featuring unique designs that have captured the hearts of collectors worldwide. Each release sells out almost instantly due to high demand, with fans lining up for hours at Pop Mart stores to secure their latest addition.
The most expensive Labubu toy in the world was sold on eBay for a staggering $10,500 (AED 38,535). This rare grey-brown doll, wearing Vans streetwear and sporting a blue and orange hat that reads 'The Monsters', was originally priced at Rs 7,400 (~$85). The toy was sold 125 times its original price, setting a new record for the most expensive Labubu doll ever sold.
The real frenzy for Labubu toys, however, is for the super-rare 'secret' editions, with odds as slim as 1 in 144. One such pink 'secret' edition from the "Catch me if you like me" series recently sold for $2,000 (AED 7,340) on eBay.
Other record-breaking sales include the "Three Wise Labubu" collection, first released in 2017. One set sold for $25,890 at the Yongle International Auction, while another set fetched an impressive $70,900 at a Beijing auction. The most extraordinary sale to date was a mint-green Labubu plush, standing 131 cm tall, which sold for an unprecedented $150,000 at a one-of-a-kind sale at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing.
Experts believe that the unique look and general appeal of Labubu toys will make them a strong market collectible for years to come. The popularity of Labubu has created a niche market for expensive and limited-edition figures, with some rare or special editions appreciating dramatically in value, particularly at auctions.
As for the future of Labubu toys, early releases are believed to be the ones most likely to hold their value over time, according to pop culture consignment director Alex Fung. With each new release causing a frenzy among collectors, it seems that the Labubu Hunger Games will continue for the foreseeable future.
[1] Labubu Toy: The Most Expensive One Ever Sold on eBay
[2] The Rise and Fall of Labubu Toys: A Look at the Collectible Market
[3] The Labubu Craze: A Look at the Most Expensive Sales and the Future of Collecting
[4] The Labubu Phenomenon: How a Toy Became a Designer Collectible
[1] "The most expensive Labubu toy in the world, featuring a gray-brown doll wearing Vans streetwear and donning a blue and orange hat with the phrase 'The Monsters,' was sold for an astounding $10,500 (AED 38,535) on eBay, over 125 times its original price."
[2] "In the realm of collectibles, Labubu toys have made headlines with their skyrocketing prices and limited editions, forging a unique niche in the market and reflecting the ebb and flow of pop-culture interest."
[3] "From the early releases that are predicted to maintain their value over time, to the highly sought-after 'secret' editions fetching thousands of dollars at auctions, the Labubu Craze displays a captivating blend of history, culture, and entertainment that continues to captivate collectors alike."
[4] "Originated from a collaboration between Pop Mart and Vans, Labubu toys, inspired by Nordic mythology and designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have evolved from simple figurines to designer collectibles, shaping and transforming the realm of lifestyle and food trends, as well as expanding within the entertainment and pop-culture sphere."
