From K-pop star’s bag to the streets of Milan: Everything you need to know about this Pop Mart phenomenon and the Winter Olympic pop-up event
It started on your For You Page, and now it is walking down Via Montenapoleone. If you have noticed a peculiar little monster with jagged teeth and a mischievous grin dangling from the handles of Louis Vuitton totes and Prada bags lately, you are not seeing things. You are witnessing the LABUBU takeover.
This isn’t just a plushie; it is the ultimate flex of the moment. That jagged-toothed gremlin has officially graduated from collector shelves to becoming the hottest accessory in the fashion capital. Whether it is the “Have a Seat” plush or the classic vinyl figure, LABUBU is attached to the straps of the city’s most exclusive designer bags, turning luxury fashion into a playground for pop culture.
If your algorithm hasn’t told you yet, this character from Pop Mart has officially conquered the world. What started as a niche art toy has exploded into a global craze, rivaling heavyweights like KAWS and Bearbrick. Thanks to global icons like Lisa from Blackpink spotting the plush charm on her bag, these collectibles went from “cool hobby” to “sold out everywhere” status overnight.
Now, Milan is officially on the map for the next pop-up bus tour.
What is LABUBU? (And Why is Everyone Obsessed?)
For the uninitiated, LABUBU is part of “The Monsters” series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. The character is mischievous, a little chaotic, and instantly recognizable.
Pop Mart, the giant behind the Blind Box revolution, turned Lung’s art into a collectible empire. The thrill of the Blind Box mechanism—where you buy a sealed box not knowing which design is inside—has turned buying LABUBU into a sport. Some are common, some are “Secret” rare editions that resell for hundreds (sometimes thousands) of euros on the secondary market. It is not just a toy anymore; for Gen Z and Millennials, it is an alternative investment asset class.
The Event: LABUBU x Milan Winter Olympics
Milan is proving it is the capital of cool with a massive collaboration. On February 8, the city will host a special pop-up event in collaboration with the International Skating Union (ISU) to celebrate the upcoming Winter Games.
This isn’t just a store opening. It is an experience. LABUBU is going on tour.
The Bus Tour: How to Catch the Monster
Fans can spot a custom-wrapped LABUBU bus driving through Milan’s most iconic landmarks. If you catch the bus, you aren’t just getting a photo for your feed; you have the chance to grab exclusive Italy-only pins and themed lanyards.
The route is set to hit the city’s highest traffic spots:
- The Duomo
- Piazza Castello
- Milano Centrale
From Niche Art Toy to Global Cultural Phenomenon
The rise of LABUBU represents a massive shift in pop culture. We are seeing a fusion of high art, street fashion, and collectibles. Pop Mart has successfully bridged the gap between owning art and buying a toy, making Kasing Lung a household name among hypebeasts and collectors alike.
Whether you are a serious collector hunting for the “Secret” edition or just want to see what the Lisa Blackpink effect looks like in real life, this event is the place to be.
On February 8, cancel your brunch plans. Go chase the bus, secure the exclusive merch, and see what the hype is about.
More information and updates on Pop Mart Official Italian Instagram page.