GET HYPE
About
GET HYPE explores the aspects of hypebeast culture, its influences, its implications within society, and its issues.
Hypebeast culture is a sub-genre of fashion that prioritizes brand identity and trends over individual style.
cr: instagram / @justintouvor
It's (Kind of) About the Money
Some say that hypebeast culture walks the line between high fashion and accessible streetwear. But does it really?
A brand like Stüssy might be considered on the lower end of the price spectrum, but most of their clothing still doesn’t fall below $40.
And Gucci, which aligns itself more with high fashion, usually ranges from the low hundreds to the thousands.
cr: twitter / @mkizeandrew
Material World
Even though hypebeast culture technically falls within the fashion realm, it’s often criticized for its lack of a personal touch.
Fashion has been a means of self-expression for the longest time. But hypebeast culture isn’t about your look, it’s about the look. While fashion can be about status, hypebeasts take this to the extreme, and it’s not for everyone.
cr: instagram / @hype4vibe
Rarity equals praise, and praise hushes—if only for a while—that inner voice screaming that you don't fit in.
— Louise Donovan, VICE
Clothes Make the Man
For many, this materialistic attitude has latched itself onto their self-esteem. Many view the accumulation of brands as a way of fitting in or making a statement.
"I wanted clothing that spoke loudly on its own because I was too awkward to speak up myself." — Ben Fullon, racked.com
This kind of thinking especially targets teens, who use self-esteem to inform
their sense of identity.
cr: instagram / @colinwilsonnn
cr: hypebeast.com
WHAT ARE
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Besides issues of money and self-esteem, some wonder if hypebeast clothes are worthy of the hype at all.
"One brand in particular, 'Anti Social Social Club' just slaps their logo on a Gildan shirt, which costs $3 at Walmart then charge you $50 or more for it."
— Noah Roswell, cnbluegold.com
Where do we go from here?
Trends are impermanent by definition. They are constantly changing or even disappearing. It's hard to say where a subculture based on trends will go. But considering the fact that hypebeast culture feeds off capitalist society and people's own mindsets, it's probably not going away so soon.