In the world of collectible art toys, Labubu and Lafufu have taken center stage, captivating enthusiasts with their unique designs and whimsical charm. Both are popular characters from the collectible vinyl figure market, often sold in blind boxes or limited-edition releases. However, their rising demand has also led to a flood of counterfeits. Spotting the difference between an authentic piece and a fake is crucial—not only to protect your investment but also to ensure you’re supporting the original creators.
Labubu is a mischievous creature with an instantly recognizable grin and sharp teeth, originally created by Kasing Lung in collaboration with POP MART. Its quirky appearance and imaginative themes make it a must-have for many collectors.
Lafufu, on the other hand, is known for its cuter and softer features—large round eyes, pastel colors, and an overall adorable aesthetic. It’s also part of the designer toy scene, often produced in limited runs.
While they have distinct personalities, both characters share a similar size and collectible style, making it easier for counterfeiters to replicate them and trick unsuspecting buyers.
Authentic Labubu and Lafufu figures come in high-quality, glossy packaging with sharp printing and vibrant colors. Counterfeit boxes often have dull colors, pixelated images, or off-centered prints. Real boxes will also carry the brand’s official logo and copyright information.
Check the bottom of the figure or inside the box—real figures feature crisp, clear logos and proper spelling. Fakes often have blurry or missing trademarks, sometimes even incorrect character names.
Original dolls are made from smooth, premium vinyl with consistent texture. The paint job is precise, with no smudges or uneven patches. Fake versions may feel lighter, have a chemical smell, or show obvious painting flaws.
For Labubu, the grin should be perfectly symmetrical, and the eyes well-defined. Fakes may have crooked smiles or irregular eye placement.
For Lafufu, authentic pieces maintain perfect eye alignment and soft color gradients—cheap imitations often have flat, lifeless paintwork.
Some authentic figures come with small accessories or display stands. These extras are accurately molded and match the character’s theme. Counterfeit accessories often look oversized, poorly painted, or entirely missing.
If the price is too good to be true, it usually is. Official Labubu and Lafufu figures are sold at consistent retail prices, and limited editions can be significantly higher on resale markets.
Buying authentic Labubu and Lafufu dolls supports the artists and brands that create them. Counterfeit production not only undermines their hard work but also results in lower-quality collectibles that lose value quickly.
Labubu and Lafufu may seem easy to duplicate, but a trained eye can quickly spot the difference between a genuine treasure and a cheap knockoff. By paying attention to packaging quality, paint details, and where you buy from, you can ensure your collection remains authentic and valuable.
Image Credits: Created by ChatGPT with DALL·E, OpenAI
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