When Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink's Lisa carry the same $30 toy, you know it is officially a trend. The toy is Labubu, the mischievous, sharp-toothed, elf-like creature from Pop Mart's 'The Monsters' collection. Originally inspired by artist Kasing Lung's storybooks, Labubu has quickly evolved from a niche designer figure to a full-blown global fashion accessory.
Dangling from luxury bags, showcased in unboxing videos, Labubu is now everywhere. But with popularity comes imitation. Enter the Lafufu, a counterfeit version of the toy that has become so common (and oddly beloved) it now has its cult following.
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What Makes Labubu So Desirable?
Each authentic Labubu figure is sold in a blind box, meaning you don't know which version you will get until you open it. That element of surprise, combined with limited-edition releases, fuels excitement and skyrockets resale prices. What starts at $20 to $30 can easily fetch hundreds on collector platforms. In May, a life-size Labubu even sold at auction for over $150,000 in Beijing.
But it is not only collectors buying in. From Cher to Emma Roberts, celebrities across the board have been spotted with these pocket-sized monsters.
The 'Lafufu'
As demand surges and supply remains limited, knockoffs have exploded. Known online as "Lafufu," these lookalike figures are sold for a fraction of the price on Shein and Alibaba, or even from street vendors in places like Canal Street in New York City.
How To Tell If You Have A Lafufu
While some fakes are obvious, others come dangerously close to the real thing. Here is how to separate your Labubu from a Lafufu:
- Tooth Count: A real Labubu has exactly nine teeth. Lafufus often have extra or uneven ones.
- Face Colour: Genuine dolls have a peach-pink hue and a matte finish. Fakes are often shinier or paler.
- Packaging: Real Labubus come in matte blind boxes with an official QR code. Counterfeits may have glossy boxes or blurred printing.
- Foot Seal: Authentic toys feature a seal on the right foot that glows under UV light, a security detail that Lafufus lack.
- Accessories And Stitching: The real deal has clean lines and quality fabric. Lafufu accessories can look rushed or poorly stitched.
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