If you thought hype culture was all about sneakers and streetwear, think again. Over the past few years, collectible designer toys have stepped into the spotlight, with names like Labubu and Popmart becoming cult favorites across Europe and Asia. What started as niche collectibles has grown into a global phenomenon—fuelled by art, nostalgia, and the same sense of exclusivity that drives sneaker culture.
And guess what? The crossover is real. Stores like Shoebuya in Brescia, Italy, now offer not only sneakers from Yeezy, Jordan, Nike, and Supreme—but also collectible pieces like Labubu Popmart, bridging fashion with art culture.
What Exactly Is Labubu Popmart?
Popmart is a Chinese lifestyle brand known for producing art toys in collaboration with global designers. One of their biggest hits is Labubu, a mischievous, wide-eyed creature created by artist Kasing Lung.
Why people love Labubu:
- Unique Aesthetic – Cute but edgy, playful yet collectible.
- Limited Drops – Just like sneakers, many editions are released in small numbers.
- Blind Boxes – Fans don’t know which figure they’ll get until they open the box, creating excitement and rarity.
- Art Connection – Each design feels more like a miniature sculpture than a toy.
It’s no wonder Labubu has blown up worldwide, especially among younger collectors and streetwear fans who already understand the thrill of exclusive drops.
How Popmart Collectibles Resonate with Sneakerheads
At first glance, sneakers and vinyl toys might seem like totally different worlds. But look closer and the connection is clear:
| Sneakers | Popmart Collectibles | Shared Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Limited releases (Yeezy, Jordan) | Blind box limited series | Exclusivity & rarity |
| Strong resale market | Secondary collectible market | Value appreciation |
| Community-driven drops | Collector communities | Culture + identity |
| Collaboration hype (Travis Scott x Nike) | Artist x Popmart collabs | Creativity + collabs |
Basically, collecting sneakers and collecting Labubu figures scratch the same itch—the hunt, the hype, and the joy of owning something rare and authentic.
SHOEBUYA: Where Sneakers Meet Collectibles
Most sneaker stores stick to sneakers. Most toy shops stick to toys. But Shoebuya, Italy’s premier resell store, bridges both worlds.
Here’s why that matters:
- Authenticity: Just like with sneakers, every collectible at Shoebuya is guaranteed authentic. No bootlegs, no scams.
- Exclusive Access: Labubu and Popmart items aren’t easy to find in Italy. Having them at Shoebuya puts European fans closer to the culture.
- Curated Culture: Sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles share a lifestyle. Shoebuya embraces that by offering the full spectrum.
- Global Reach: Serving both Italian and international fans, with content in Italian and French, Shoebuya makes hype culture accessible to a wider audience.
👉 You can browse their collection right here: shoebuya.com
Why People Collect Labubu Popmart
Let’s be real: it’s not just about “cute figures.” Collecting Labubu has deeper emotional and cultural roots.
- Nostalgia – Many collectors say the toys remind them of childhood wonder, mixed with adult-level art appreciation.
- Art Value – Labubu isn’t just a toy; it’s a piece of contemporary pop art.
- Community – Fans bond over trades, unboxings, and collection showcases, much like sneaker communities.
- Investment Potential – Rare Labubu figures resell for high prices, similar to sneaker grails.
The Growing Intersection of Streetwear and Toys
In recent years, collaborations between streetwear brands and toy companies have blurred the lines even more:
- Kaws figures became iconic in sneaker/streetwear circles.
- Bearbrick x Nike/Supreme collabs turned toys into status symbols.
- Labubu Popmart now sits comfortably in sneaker stores like Shoebuya, showing how culture is evolving.
What this means: collecting isn’t one-dimensional anymore. Sneakers, streetwear, and art toys now live under the same cultural umbrella.
Why Italy Is Embracing Collectibles
Italy is best known for luxury fashion houses and craftsmanship. But in cities like Milan and Brescia, the new wave of collectors is younger, digitally connected, and culture-hungry.
They don’t just want a Gucci bag—they want a Jordan drop, a Supreme hoodie, and a Labubu figure. It’s about mixing luxury heritage with modern hype.
Shoebuya embodies this mix perfectly, showing Italy can honor tradition while embracing the new.
Visiting SHOEBUYA: Sneakers, Streetwear, and Now Labubu
If you’re in Northern Italy, a trip to Shoebuya is worth it—whether you’re a sneakerhead, a streetwear enthusiast, or a toy collector.
- Address: Corso Cavour 36, Brescia, Italy
- Atmosphere: A cultural hub, not just a shop. Sneakers displayed like art, streetwear curated for exclusivity, and now collectible toys like Labubu joining the lineup.
- Experience: It’s not just about buying—it’s about being part of a community that lives and breathes authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Sneaker and streetwear culture has always been about more than fashion. It’s about expression, exclusivity, and community. With collectibles like Labubu Popmart entering the scene, the culture is evolving into something even bigger.
And in Italy, Shoebuya is leading the charge—bringing together sneakers, streetwear, and now collectibles, all under one roof.
For collectors, this is more than shopping—it’s a chance to own a piece of culture.
