From Lisa’s Bag to the Streets of Milan: The LABUBU Craze and Pop Mart’s Winter Olympics Event
It started on your TikTok FYP, and now it’s strutting down Via Montenapoleone. If you have recently noticed a cheeky little monster with serrated teeth and a mischievous smile hanging from the handles of exclusive Louis Vuitton and Prada bags, you are not hallucinating. You are witnessing the LABUBU invasion in Milan.
This isn’t just a plush toy; it is the ultimate fashion flex of the moment. That grinning gremlin has officially transitioned from the shelves of hardcore art toy collectors to an absolute must-have accessory in the fashion capital. Whether it’s the viral “Have a Seat” plush or the classic vinyl figure, LABUBU is now inseparable from the city’s most luxurious bags, turning high fashion into a pop-culture playground.
If the algorithm hasn’t told you yet, this wildly popular character from Pop Mart has taken over the globe. What started as a niche designer toy has exploded into a global phenomenon, rivaling street-culture giants like KAWS and Bearbrick. Thanks to global icons like Blackpink’s Lisa flaunting the toy on her designer bags, these collectibles went from a “cute hobby” to “sold out worldwide” overnight.
And now, Milan is officially on the map for Pop Mart’s next highly anticipated exclusive event.
What is LABUBU? (And why is everyone obsessed?)
For the uninitiated, LABUBU is the star of “The Monsters” series created by Hong Kong-born, Belgium-based artist Kasing Lung. The character is chaotic, mischievous, yet undeniably endearing and instantly recognizable.
Pop Mart, the retail giant behind the viral Blind Box revolution, transformed Lung’s art into a collectible empire. The thrill of the blind box mechanism—buying a sealed box without knowing which specific design is inside—has turned collecting LABUBU into a competitive sport. While some designs are common, rare “Secret” editions are frequently resold for hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of euros on the secondary market. It is no longer just a toy; for Gen Z and Millennials, it has become a legitimate streetwear investment.
The Event: LABUBU x Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
Milan is cementing its status as the capital of cool with a massive new collaboration. On February 8th, the city will host a special pop-up event in partnership with the International Skating Union (ISU) to celebrate the upcoming Winter Games.
But this isn’t your average store opening. It’s an on-the-road experience. LABUBU is going on a city tour.
The Pop Mart Bus Tour: Catch the Monster
Fans will be able to spot a custom LABUBU-themed bus cruising through Milan’s most iconic landmarks. If you manage to track down the bus, you won’t just get the perfect photo for your IG Stories; you will have the chance to score exclusive LABUBU pins and themed lanyards that are only available in Italy.
The official tour route will hit the city’s main hotspots:
- Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral)
- Piazza Castello (Sforza Castle)
- Milano Centrale (Central Station)
From Niche Art Toy to Cultural Phenomenon
The rise of LABUBU represents a massive shift in pop culture, blurring the lines between contemporary art, streetwear, and collectibles. Pop Mart has successfully bridged the gap between owning exclusive art and buying a toy, turning Kasing Lung into a household name among hypebeasts and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are a hardcore collector hunting for that rare “Secret” edition or simply want to experience the Blackpink Lisa effect in real life, this is the event you need to be at.
Cancel your brunch plans on February 8th. Go hunt for the bus, secure the exclusive merch, and discover exactly why the whole internet is so hyped.
For more information and live updates, follow the official Pop Mart Italy Instagram page.