What is Hypebeast Culture and Why is it So Popular?
How Hypebeasts Define and Dominate the Fashion Culture
You may have seen them on social media, wearing the latest and most exclusive streetwear items from brands like Supreme, Off-White, BAPE, Yeezy, and more. You may have also heard them talking about sneaker drops, collaborations, or reselling. They are the hypebeasts, and they are a growing subculture of streetwear enthusiasts who are obsessed with fashion and trends. But what is hypebeast culture and how did it start? And why is it so appealing to many people, especially young men, in today’s culture? In this article, we will explore the origin, characteristics, popularity, and future of hypebeast culture.
The Origin of Hypebeast
The term ‘hypebeast’ was coined by Kevin Ma, who founded the website hypebeast.com in 2005. The website was a personal blog where Ma shared his passion for sneakers, streetwear, and hip-hop culture. It soon became a global online platform that covers news, features, and editorials on various aspects of fashion, art, music, design, and lifestyle. Today, hypebeast.com is one of the leading online destinations for men’s contemporary fashion and streetwear.
The Characteristics of Hypebeast Culture
Hypebeasts are not only interested in buying clothes and shoes; they also want to show them off to their peers and online communities. They often post pictures or videos of their outfits or collections on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Reddit. They also follow influencers or celebrities who are known for their hypebeast style, such as Kanye West, Travis Scott, Pharrell Williams, Virgil Abloh, ASAP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and more.
Hypebeasts are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing in fashion. They follow online forums, blogs, magazines, podcasts, or newsletters that provide information on upcoming releases or collaborations. They also participate in online raffles or queues to secure their chance to buy the most coveted items. Sometimes they even camp outside physical stores for hours or days to be the first in line.
The Popularity of Hypebeast Culture
Hypebeast culture has become very popular in recent years for several reasons. One of them is the rise of social media and digital platforms that enable hypebeasts to connect with each other and share their passion. Social media also creates a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among hypebeasts who want to keep up with the latest trends and avoid being left behind.
Another reason is the influence of celebrities and influencers who endorse or collaborate with streetwear brands. These celebrities and influencers have a huge fan base and can generate a lot of buzz and demand for their products. For example, Kanye West’s Yeezy line with Adidas has become one of the most successful sneaker brands in history. Similarly, Virgil Abloh’s Off-White label has become one of the most sought-after streetwear brands in the world.
A third reason is the appeal of streetwear as a form of self-expression and identity. Streetwear allows hypebeasts to express their personality, style, and taste through their clothing choices. Streetwear also reflects their cultural values, interests, and preferences.
The Future of Hypebeast Culture
Hypebeast culture shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. As long as there are new releases, collaborations, or innovations in streetwear, hypebeasts will continue to chase them and flaunt them. However, hypebeast culture may also face some challenges or changes in the future. For instance, some hypebeasts may become more conscious of the environmental or social impact of their consumption habits and seek more sustainable or ethical alternatives. Others may become more creative or experimental with their style and mix and match different brands, genres, or eras of fashion. And some may even move on from hypebeast culture and explore other forms of fashion or culture.
Whatever the future holds, hypebeast culture will remain a fascinating and influential phenomenon in today’s culture.
