Bringing Whimsy to Modularity: Labubu's Furniture Debut
The Fusion of Art and Design: Kasing Lung's Labubu Meets USM Haller
At the prestigious Milan Design Week, Swiss furniture innovator USM unveiled a distinctive collaboration with artist Kasing Lung. This partnership introduces a new collection that features Lung's celebrated character, Labubu, prominently displayed on USM's iconic white Haller cabinets. The collection, aptly named "Beautiful Thing!", comprises two exclusive furniture items—a elegant sideboard and a functional shelving unit—alongside a charming Labubu figurine perched on a miniature USM chair.
Labubu's Journey: From Illustrated Pages to Global Phenomenon
Labubu, a mischievous, toothy gremlin, first appeared in Lung's "The Monsters" illustrated book series in 2015. The character quickly gained widespread popularity, evolving into highly sought-after plush toys and figurines. This surge in demand led to a global buying frenzy, inspiring internet memes, market battles, and even counterfeit "Lafufus." Notably, a life-sized Labubu once fetched over $150,000 at auction, underscoring its immense cultural and commercial impact.
An Artist's Foray into Furnishings: Expanding the Monsters Universe
Building on this success, Lung has now extended his artistic vision to furniture. He has adorned the facade of USM's renowned Haller storage units with illustrations of Labubu and other characters from the expansive Monsters universe. This venture represents Lung's first foray into furniture design, blending his unique artistic style with USM's functional aesthetic.
A Partnership Rooted in Mutual Admiration: Highlighting Artistic Depth
Jon Thorson, CEO of USM North America, noted Lung's long-standing admiration for USM, a sentiment shared by Lee Howard of How2Work, who represents Lung. This mutual respect fostered an enthusiastic collaboration, marking a significant milestone for Lung's artistic career. Beyond the furniture, the partnership also introduced a limited-edition Labubu character named Bob, featuring a striking orange fringe and a striped red top, holding a USM ball joint—a piece that sold out within a day. Thorson emphasizes that a primary goal of this collaboration is to draw attention to Lung's profound work as an illustrator, transcending his viral toy creations.
The Illustrator's Narrative: Discovering the World of The Monsters
Thorson shared insights into Lung's background, detailing his move from Hong Kong to the Netherlands as a child, where he spent his time drawing in his parents' Chinese restaurant, cultivating the intricate world of "The Monsters." Despite the global recognition of his toys, Lung's artistic depth as an illustrator remains lesser known. USM recognized an opportunity to shed light on this compelling narrative, giving Lung the credit he richly deserves for his artistic contributions.
USM's Presence at Milan Design Week: Beyond the Collaboration
In addition to the "Beautiful Thing!" collection, USM's presence at Milan Design Week also included an immersive installation developed in collaboration with architecture firm Snøhetta. The event showcased numerous other design innovations, such as a modular building system inspired by the Eames House, Aesop's inaugural lighting design, and inventive paper furniture from Issey Miyake, further solidifying Milan Design Week's status as a hub for cutting-edge design.