In the high-stakes world of designer toys and streetwear collectibles, one figure has emerged as an unlikely icon: Labubu, the mischievous, wide-eyed creature born from the imaginative mind of Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung. What started as a character from a niche childrens book series has become a global art toy phenomenonone thats now commanding six-figure price tags at some of the most prestigious auction houses in Asia.But what exactly makes Labubu worth as much as a luxury caror even a house? Why are collectors around the world shelling out tens of thousands (and in some cases, hundreds of thousands) of dollars for a plush toy with a jagged grin?Heres a breakdown of the seven most expensive Labubu figures ever sold, why theyre fetching record prices, and whats behind the massive hype around these collectible creatures. 1. Life-Sized Mint-Green Labubu $150,000Sold by: Yongle International Auction, BeijingHeight: 131 cm (approx. 43)Date: June 2025In what is currently the most expensive Labubu ever sold, a life-sized, mint-green vinyl Labubu sold for over $150,000blowing past all expectations. Originally released as part of a very limited batch, this 131cm-tall figure became the centerpiece of Yongles designer toy auction in Beijing. The winning bidder reportedly entered the auction planning to spend just $2,800, only to watch the final price balloon into six figures in a matter of minutes.So why the insane price tag? According to collectors, its rarity, size, and whimsical appeal make it a holy grail item. And at over 4 feet tall, it blurs the line between toy and sculpturemaking it a legitimate piece of collectible pop art.2. Tall Brown Labubu $140,000Sold by: Yongle International Auction, BeijingHeight: Unknown (but over 1m tall)Date: June 2025Another standout from the same auction, this towering brown Labubu figure drew fierce bidding from collectors across Asia. Estimated to sell for under $50,000, the figure ultimately reached a final price of $140,000.Its muted palette and minimal aesthetic made it particularly desirable to high-end collectors who often display their figures as part of larger art collections. The tall format also contributed to its sculptural presence, further elevating it from toy to art object.3. Sacai x Seventeen x Labubu $31,250 (per figure)Sold by: JOOPITER (Pharrell Williams auction platform)Collection total: $337,600Date: June 2025This 14-piece collaboration between Japanese fashion house Sacai, K-pop powerhouse Seventeen, and Labubu creator Kasing Lung was perhaps the years most ambitious toy launch. Housed in a special-edition blind box, the set was auctioned online through Pharrell Williams JOOPITER platformand blew away estimates.One individual doll fetched $31,250, with others selling for $22,500 or more. The entire set raked in $337,600, cementing Labubus place in the luxury collectible world. The price was driven not only by rarity but by the sheer fandom power of Seventeens global audience and Sacais fashion-forward cachet.4. Three Wise Labubu $28,300 to $70,900Sold by: Sothebys (Hong Kong and Beijing)First released: 2017Versions sold: Dont Hear, Dont See, Dont Speak trioLabubus Three Wise Monkeys editiontitled Dont Hear, Dont See, Dont Speakis one of the most recognizable sets in the franchise. Originally launched in 2017, the trio features three Labubus covering their ears, eyes, and mouths, evoking the famous proverb.This set has sold for varying prices over the years: $28,300 at Sothebys Hong Kong, and a stunning $70,900 at Beijings Yongle Auction, showing just how high demand can push pricing. The piece is highly symbolic and was limited to very few units, making it one of the most emotionally resonant and collectible Labubu editions.5. Labubu x Vans Old Skool $10,585Sold by: eBayBids: 96Date: July 2025Blending collectible culture with streetwear appeal, the Labubu x Vans Old Skool Vinyl Plush Doll is one of the most desirable and visually striking Labubus to date. Featuring Labubu dressed in a Vans sweatshirt, Sk8-Mid sneakers, and a The Monsters cap, this figure went viral on social media and quickly became a must-have for both toy collectors and sneakerheads.After an intense 96-bid eBay war, the doll sold for $10,585a benchmark price for a collaborative art toy of this size and nature. Limited quantities and the crossover with Vans iconic skate culture helped drive demand.6. Labubu Best of Luck Vinyl Plush ~$980Sold by: StockX (average resale)Released: 2024While not a six-figure Labubu (yet), the Best of Luck edition is notable for how quickly its value appreciated. Initially priced under $100 at retail, the figure now resells for nearly $1,000 on StockX, a leading platform for collectible streetwear and designer toys.Its popular thanks to its intricate detailing, whimsical facial expression, and symbolic title. As prices continue to climb, collectors see this as a prime mid-tier investment Labubu.7. Labubu Walk by Fortune Figure ~$600Sold by: StockX, eBay, collector sitesResale range: $500$650This cheerful, golden-tinged Labubu figure with a walking pose may not hit record highs, but it represents a critical trend: entry-level investors now treat designer toys as speculative assets. Its relatively affordable price and limited availability make it an attractive piece for newer collectors looking to get in before the next surge.So Why the Hype?Several factors have contributed to Labubus explosive popularity and high valuations:Scarcity and ExclusivityMany Labubu figures are limited to fewer than 100 units, and several editions are distributed only through lotteries, art shows, or pop-up events. That artificial scarcity drives intense FOMO among collectors and pushes resale prices through the roof.Designer CredentialsLabubu isnt mass-market fluffits art. Kasing Lung, its creator, is a respected illustrator whose work is rooted in European fairy tales and Nordic folklore. Each Labubu design carries narrative depth, making the toys as much about storytelling as aesthetics.Cross-Cultural AppealLabubu is an international success, with fan bases in China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and rapidly growing markets in North America and Europe. Collaborations with global brands like Vans, Sacai, and Seventeen have expanded its reach across different cultural spacesfashion, music, toys, and fine art.Auction House ValidationOnce Sothebys and Pharrell Williams JOOPITER got involved, Labubu gained a whole new level of prestige. Collectors who might normally invest in paintings or rare sneakers now see Labubu as a legitimate alternative asset.Community and IdentityAt its core, the Labubu craze isnt just about flipping toysits about belonging. The global community of Labubu fans shares an emotional connection to the character and the world it inhabits. Social media, unboxing videos, and art toy conventions have helped build a deeply loyal collector base.Is BLACKPINKs Lisa the Reason for the Labubu Boom?While these record-breaking sales are impressive on their own, the mainstream explosion of Labubus popularity owes much to a surprising pop culture ambassador: BLACKPINKs Lisa.The K-pop idol has become something of an unofficial face of the franchise. Spotted carrying Labubu plushies and accessories in public, wearing them as keychains, and featuring them on social media, Lisas personal collection has driven interest worldwide, especially among Gen Z and younger millennials.According to Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue, Lisas appearances with Labubu have sparked surges in search volume, resale value, and fan-created merchandise. The influence is so strong that some fans refer to the phenomenon as the Lisa Labubu Effect.She reportedly owns several Labubu dolls and has expressed interest in a version of Labubu inspired by her own style and personality. That would blow up the internet, she joked during a fan meet.The Bottom LineLabubu has officially crossed over from cute designer toy to global collectible icon. With sales rivaling contemporary art and fashion grails, its clear that these mischievous monsters have become more than a trendtheyre a cultural force and a serious market player.Whether youre a longtime collector or a curious newcomer, one thing is certain: Labubus smile might be jagged, but the future of this franchise is looking very sharp indeed.Source