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- From Toy to Trophy: Why Labubus Are a Lesson in Modern Brand Power
From Toy to Trophy: Why Labubus Are a Lesson in Modern Brand Power
Plus: The One Thing Every First Time Founder Should Know
Notable Daily
July 17, 2025
What’s In This Email
From Toy to Trophy: Why Labubus Are a Lesson in Modern Brand Power
The One Thing Every First-Time Founder Should Know
Knowing What You’re Good at Can Change Everything
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From Toy to Trophy: Why Labubus Are a Lesson in Modern Brand Power
If you’ve never heard of Labubu, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But you might want to pay attention. What started as a niche art toy from a Hong Kong illustrator has become the latest collector obsession. Think Beanie Babies... but cooler, weirder, and worth a lot more.
Right now, a limited-edition Labubu x Vans plush is being auctioned online for almost $9,000 and it might hit $10K before the bidding ends!!
Some of these funky little monsters have already sold for five and even six figures. Yup, actual house down payment money.
So what’s the deal? Why are people lining up, fighting in stores, and even insuring these things like they’re Rolexes? Here’s the breakdown.
Key Takeaways
This plush collab is going viral (and expensive)
A rare 2023 Labubu wearing a Vans hoodie and mini sneakers is about to break $10K in a bidding war. It’s not even new—but scarcity and hype are everything.Labubu is part art toy, part pop culture icon
Originally designed by artist Kasing Lung and based on Nordic fairy tales, Labubu has evolved into a collectible phenomenon. It’s like the Beanie Baby craze but TikTok-fueled and fashion-forward.Pop Mart is cashing in, big time
The company behind Labubu expects a 350% profit jump this year. Their founder is now worth over $21 billion and the brand pulled in $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024 alone.Celebs and chaos are fueling the hype
From Rihanna to Blackpink’s Lisa, celebs are carrying Labubu. Meanwhile, fans are fighting over them in stores, launching GoFundMes after theirs got stolen, and even having their plushies insured while traveling.
Why It Matters
The Labubu craze might seem random, but it’s a perfect case study in what modern consumer culture looks like: limited drops, strong storytelling, social media buzz, and a dash of nostalgia. If you’re building a brand, watching trends, or just trying to stay in the loop, Labubu’s rise is worth clocking.
This isn’t just a toy—it’s a lesson in how pop culture, hype, and scarcity can turn a $30 plush into a five-figure flex. Welcome to the new age of collectibles.
🌐 AROUND THE INTERWEBS
Emma Grede and Mark Cuban dive into the one thing that first time founders should keep in mind.
Knowing this one simple trait about yourself might just be the key to unlocking success in your career.
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Lavazza Inclucity Cine
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A SHOWCASE OF THE LATEST FILMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS CELEBRATING CANADA’S MULTICULTURAL IDENTITY.
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🎙️ Get Into It: Fluently Forward. Mentioned by Reddit users as a feel-good, banter-filled option, perfect for laughs and light culture chat. Listen on Apple and Spotify.
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