Labubu Kardion Series Goes Global: The Designer Toy Taking Over Tokyo, Paris, and NYC
| Juno Tan — Pop Culture Analyst & Toy Trends Writer
Global Pop Toy Craze Reaches New Heights
In an unexpected twist for the designer toy world, the Labubu Kardion blind box series has skyrocketed to global fame, sparking street-style art movements and viral online trends across major cities like Tokyo, Paris, and New York. Originally launched as a boutique collectible in Asia, Kardion is now showing up in fashion week showrooms, Gen Z influencer feeds, and even high-end concept stores.
Tokyo: Pop-Up Pandemonium in Harajuku
Earlier this month, a flash pop-up in Harajuku drew over 5,000 visitors within two hours. Shoppers lined up to snag rare “Heartbeat Bunny” variants—one of which resold for over $1,200 on Japanese resale platforms. Streetwear icons began pairing the toys with pastel puffer jackets and acrylic bags, turning Labubu into a walking accessory.
Paris: Art Meets Toy Culture at Palais de Tokyo
In Paris, the Labubu Kardion series was featured at a surprise installation during the Palais de Tokyo’s summer exhibition on “Neo-Cute Aesthetics.” Curators highlighted how the heartbeat-themed figures reflect modern emotional minimalism, blending toy art with emotional design.
NYC: Kardion Figures Hit Times Square Screens
Just last week, POP Mart launched a digital billboard campaign in Times Square, New York, marking the first time a blind box toy series has taken over the iconic location. Paired with AR Instagram filters, the campaign reached 2.3 million views within 48 hours. Local resellers saw Kardion box sales spike by 400% following the ad.
Labubu Goes Global: What’s Behind the Craze?
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Collectible Culture Meets Fashion: Influencers are treating Labubu like wearable art.
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Mystery Unboxing: The blind box concept keeps anticipation high, especially with rare “secret” figures.
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Global Distribution: Thanks to Shopify-powered sites, international buyers can now order directly.
What’s Next? A Europe Tour and NFT Integration?
Insider reports suggest POP Mart is in talks to launch a European tour and release limited-edition digital Labubu NFTs tied to physical Kardion figures. The collectibles industry is watching closely.
Final Thought
From Tokyo streets to Paris galleries and NYC billboards, the Kardion series is redefining what a designer toy can be—emotional, fashionable, and truly global. It’s more than a blind box—it’s a cultural movement.