The Rise of Labubu & Zimomo: Why Collectors in the U.S. & Europe Are Paying Attention
Labubu is one of the most talked-about collectible toy brands of the last few years. Created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu first gained attention from his The Monsters picture books, then hit mainstream with collaborations via Pop Mart starting around 2019. The character is instantly recognizable with pointed ears, toothy grin, mischievous personality, and often whimsical / streetwear / fantasy outfit themes.
Collectors in the U.S. & Europe are drawn to Labubu & its larger sibling line Zimomo because of several factors:
- Scarcity & Limited Drops: Many editions are limited, and some are labeled “no restock”, making them more exclusive.
- Unique Design / Collaborations: Collaborations like with Vans or “secret” variants make certain figures stand out.
- Size Variants: Some figures are small (~4-6 in), others are large / big vinyl (“big dolls”) — collectors often prefer the “big” versions with good packaging.
- Resale Value: Rare editions have seen huge markups; social media and collector forums give visibility to those price surges.
Key Editions to Know & Their Features + Western Market Snapshot
Below are some of the most talked-about Labubu / Zimomo editions from 2023-2025, their distinguishing features, and what they're selling for (new/sealed or mint condition) in U.S./EU / resale markets.
| Edition | Key Features / Look | Approx Size | Western Resale Price Estimate (USD) | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labubu × Vans Collab (“Oldskool Monsters Forever x Vans”) | Streetwear stylings: Vans cap, sweatshirt, overalls, plus skateboard accessory; deluxe outfit and packaging. Very limited. | ~15 in (38 cm) | US$3,000 – US$5,000+; record sale ~$10,500 for one mint, boxed seller. (Labubu Collectors) | Highest resale value among Labubu; condition & box matter a lot. |
| Pilot / Aviator Theme (Pilot edition) | Aviator / flight jacket style; goggles / hat; vintage / aviation motif. Limited drops. | Varied (could be smaller or “big” depending on the drop) | Some listings reach US$1,500 – US$2,000 for rare exclusives; more typical ones lower. Not many stable data. (eBay) | For true collectors, early Pilot versions are prized. |
| Latte Edition | Warm / earthy tones, latte-color outfit; softer themes; less aggressive / more cozy styling. | Medium to large (depending on version) | Limited info in U.S./EU resale; some communities list these in hundreds USD, not thousands. | Variant & packaging condition crucial. |
| Blue Rice / “Dami Blue” | Distinctive blue colorway; clean, stand-out color that collectors like; often part of “color variant” drops. | Varies | Estimate ~ US$200-$400+ for certain size / variant; high if sealed. | Depends heavily on variant rarity. |
| Da Chunye (“Spring Field” 大春野) | Nature / outdoors themes; earth tones, green, floral or field designs; more decorative, less collab-heavy. | Some big editions (~15 in) | ~ US$150-$300 in many resale listings; special variants higher. | Because of restocks, less extreme pricing. |
| Big Summer / “Summer Ride” / 大夏日 | Summer styling: shirt + denim + canvas shoes; sometimes glasses, playful accessories; eyes with multiple modes in some big versions. | Big (around 15 in / larger) | Many restocked ones: US$50-$200; sealed rare variants higher. | Good entry point for many collectors. |
| New Year / Lunar New Year Limiteds | Festive color schemes (red, gold etc.), special box art; sometimes exclusive geographic variants. | Medium-large | US$200-$800+ depending on rarity, sealed or not. | Variant (“overseas limited” vs “China exclusive”) influences price. |
| Valentine’s Day Variants (Regular + Rare) | Hidden / chase variants; packaging that conceals which variant; variant color tends to be rarer. | Medium | US$100-$600+ for rare color version; regular ones much lower. | Again depends on buyer demand & supply. |
| Zimomo Big Editions | Much larger than standard Labubu; tall vinyl figures (~22-23 in / 55-60 cm), often elaborate outfit or accessory bundles. | ~22-23 in (58 cm) | US$300-$600+ for many sealed / new ones; ultra rare variants more. | Because size & cost of shipping/import, resale can swing a lot. |
About “Generations” / Size vs Version Clarification
- In Western collector discussions, Labubu “generations” aren’t always clearly defined; often “1st gen / 2nd gen / 3rd gen” refers to size series or material changes, not always official “generations.”
- So far, big editions like Zimomo are seen more as size variants rather than a formal generation label.
- What matters more is edition name / theme / variant / packaging / condition / whether sealed — those drive value more than whether it’s officially “generation 3” or “first gen.”
Record-Setting Prices & What They Tell Us
- The Labubu × Vans collab is documented as selling for US$10,503.54 on one auction / resale listing.
- On StockX, the same Vans collab has historical price range US$3,000 - US$5,060, average around US$4,152. StockX
- Pilot editions with exclusive partnerships (e.g. DCON / MAK exclusives) have been seen listed for around US$1,999 (new condition) for a rarely available variant. eBay
Why Western Collectors Should Care & Tips for Collecting Smart
- Always buy sealed or mint condition if possible — especially box, accessories, certificate.
- Be aware of shipping & import costs: heavy / large figures (15 in +) cost more to ship, which eats into resale margin.
- Use reliable platforms: StockX, verified eBay sellers, specialty toy shops with authenticity guarantees.
- Watch for drops / restock notices; certain editions (like Summer Ride, common seasonal ones) restock often and therefore their resale premium is lower.
- Join collector groups: Reddit’s r/PopMartCollectors, Facebook groups etc., for early info & trustworthy sellers.
🌟 Summary
Labubu & Zimomo are no longer niche — their designs, limited drops, and collaboration pieces have pushed them into serious collectible territory, in the U.S. & Europe. The Vans collab is the poster child of what can happen when design + scarcity + hype meet. But many of the other editions are also strong investment pieces, especially variants that are sealed, rare, or in large size.
Western Market Reference Price Table (USD)
| Edition | Approx Size | Typical Resale Price (Sealed / Mint) |
|---|---|---|
| Labubu × Vans Collab (Oldskool x Vans) | ~15 in (38 cm) | US$3,000 – US$5,000+; record ~$10,500 (Labubu Collectors) |
| Pilot Edition (rare exclusives) | Medium / Large | ~ US$1,500 – US$2,000+ for rare variants; lower for more common ones (eBay) |
| Zimomo (big vinyl editions like “I Found You”) | ~22-23 in (58 cm) | US$300 – US$600+ depending on variant & sealed condition |
| Angel in Clouds variant | ~22-23 in | US$236 – $666 historical range; average resale ~ US$350-$400 sealed |
| Summer Hide Seasonal / Big Summer | ~15 in | US$50 – $200 for many; rare sealed ones more |
| New Year / Festive Limiteds | Medium / Large | US$200 – $800+ depending on rarity & condition |
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