Hypebeasts

“A hypebeast is a slang for someone who is a beast (obsessed) about the hype (in fashion), and will do whatever it takes to obtain that desired hype. The term is meant to be derogatory by ridiculing of such with a lack of style. Hyped up brands sell their products for a price more than the average clothing company and can be seen re-sold along the internet for a price much greater than retail due to the fact that it is either exclusive, or somewhat limited. Yes, even when it was worn.” – Urbandictionary.com

In comparison to the hipster subculture, hypebeast culture is somewhat of the opposite of what it means to be a part of the hipster culture. While hipsters immerse themselves in individuality by making it know that that they do not belong to any trend (how ironic) hypebeasts make it poignant with their obsession in name branded clothing such as Nike, Adidas, Undefeated, Obey etc. It is primarily the obsession of wanting to fit in with what is currently trending at the moment

Hypebeast culture primarily began with the rise of sneakerhead culture which is the fascination with shoes from based brands like Nike Air, Jordan. As the years have passed the sneakerhead culture has begun to encompass much more than just sneaker-wear but has begun to include clothing and collaborations with artists and designers. The sneakerhead culture has evolved into the hyped culture known as hypebeast taking a forward influence in streetwear and trends.

The culture has become very monotonized with the increasing trend in purchasing overpriced clothing which are then used to resell to potential buyers at 300% mark up depending on the demand of the product.

For example with his recent album drop The Life of Pablo, Kanye West has been infamously known for his influence in streetwear. With his collaboration with Adidas on his own clothing line and debuting his latest Yeezy Season 3, his clothing can be considered very basic with washed out earthy colors while drawing inspiration from militaristic design.

The basic tees go for hundreds of dollars while sweaters and jackets retail for almost $1000. Clothing that can be purchased at a significantly lesser cost. It goes to show that it’s not the clothing that makes it sell, rather, who wears the clothing. Kanye West being very popular in social media is an celebrity that is highly sought after to be replicated. Thus his clothing line are in high demand while at low supply offering a more exclusive purchasing experience for these buyers making them seem to be at the higher end of the spectrum.

The common portrayal of the hypebeast was originally a derogatory term used to poke fun at individuals for their obsession in fitting in with the common trend. However it has grown to become a universal world that encompasses different interests in the arts, fashion, culture, news, and music.