Bought a Labubu? Learn the crucial signs that reveal if it's a genuine or a 'Lafufu'
Spotting fake Labubu: A guide for UAE collectors
Dubai: The UAE's collector scene is buzzing, and it's all thanks to Labubu. These adorable figures from Pop Mart have quickly become a sensation, turning into instant must-haves for toy enthusiasts across the Emirates. Their quirky charm has truly captured hearts, making them a fixture in many collections. However, a surging black market of counterfeit 'Lafufu' dolls is threatening the genuine artistry and value of these beloved characters. Chinese authorities are now intensifying their crackdown on these fakes, seizing tens of thousands of unauthorised replicas to protect intellectual property and the legitimate market.
This global phenomenon has a direct impact on collectors in the Emirates, who might unwittingly purchase a fake. The allure of a seemingly good deal can quickly turn into disappointment when a 'Lafufu' lands in your hands instead of the authentic Labubu you desired.
Your essential guide: How to spot a counterfeit Labubu
Don't let a fake tarnish your collection! Here’s what UAE collectors should look for to ensure their Labubu is the real deal:
The nine-tooth test: This is often the quickest giveaway. Genuine Labubu figures always have nine sharp, perfectly painted teeth. Fakes commonly have fewer (seven or eight), or their teeth may appear poorly painted, smudged, or unevenly spaced.
Packaging perfection: Authentic Labubu boxes boast a premium feel with a soft, matte finish and subtle, muted colors. Beware of shiny, overly bright, or rough-textured boxes, which are tell-tale signs of a fake. Even minor details matter – check the tiny trash-can symbol on the back; the arrow on a real box will have rounded corners, while on fakes, it's sharply squared.
Scan the QR code: Most newer Labubu releases come with a QR code on the box or tag. When scanned, this code should seamlessly lead you directly to Pop Mart's official website. If it redirects to an unfamiliar site, a shoddy look-alike, or has a noticeable delay, it’s likely a fake.
Face value: A genuine Labubu's face is a pale, peachy tone with a smooth, matte texture, delicate blush, and eyes that are glossy and neatly embedded. Counterfeits often feature unnatural, vibrant facial colors (think bright orange or hot pink), bulging or misaligned eyes, and sloppy paintwork. Some authentic figures even show a faint glow on their nose under UV light.
Quality of material and stitching: For plush Labubu dolls, feel the fur. Real ones are incredibly soft, dense, and high-quality, with stitching that is virtually invisible. Fakes, on the other hand, often feel cheap, coarse, and reveal visible, poorly done seams.
The footprint: Look for the Pop Mart logo cleanly stamped on the left foot of your Labubu. Furthermore, newer models (from 2024 onwards) include a hidden, UV-light detectable silhouette stamp on their right foot, which should depict the specific Labubu series.
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