Meet Mini Labubu: The cutest new arrival in the Labubuverse

Pop Mart isn’t just selling toys, it’s curating a full-blown global style phenomenon. And at the centre of it all is one mischievous, toothy superstar: Labubu. The “ugly-cute” creature from artist Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series has transcended the toy shelf to become a bona fide fashion accessory, spotted dangling from handbags, backpacks, and now, thanks to Pop Mart’s latest move, clipped to your phone.

Yes, the cult favourite just went mini, and it’s about to be everywhere.

If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram, you’ve probably seen Labubu’s wide-eyed grin peeking out from a celebrity bag. Rihanna has one. David Beckham too. And like all It-accessories, it’s not just about owning it, it’s about how you wear it. Originally a playful handbag charm, Labubu has already achieved sold-out status worldwide, with collectors hunting down rare editions like they’re Hermès Birkins.

The mini phone version? Consider it the micro-bag trend’s quirky little cousin.Pop Mart’s rise reads like a masterclass in building cult appeal. In the first half of the year alone, The Monsters series pulled in a jaw-dropping 4.81 billion yuan ($669 million), making up nearly 35% of Pop Mart’s revenue. The brand is now worth more than Barbie-maker Mattel and Hello Kitty’s parent Sanrio, with share prices rocketing over 230% this year.

That’s not just toy-market success, that’s fashion-world clout.

The secret? Blind-box culture. For $10–$20 (INR 870 - 1,700), you buy a mystery pack without knowing which character you will get, a thrill that fuels collecting, trading, and, let’s be honest, a little obsession. It’s the same psychology that drives sneaker drops or luxury capsule collections: scarcity, surprise, and status.But Pop Mart isn’t stopping there. They’re plotting rapid store openings in the U.S.,

eyeing emerging markets in the Middle East, Central Europe, and Latin America, and even hinting at a Disney-esque future, think animated films and theme park attractions. And if that sounds ambitious, remember: this all started with a 6-inch grinning monster in a box.

Labubu is no longer just a toy. It’s a conversation starter, a cultural badge, a tiny piece of joy you can carry with you. And in a world where fashion is as much about storytelling as it is about style, Pop Mart’s pint-sized icon proves that sometimes the biggest statement comes in the smallest (and toothiest) package.