What is The Hypebeast Culture and Trend?

The Hypebeast Culture & Trend: A Cultural Exploration of Streetwear Obsession

The term “hypebeast” describes a distinct subculture centered around streetwear and limited-edition products. These individuals are often characterized by their unwavering devotion to the latest fashion trends and their willingness to pay exorbitant prices. They have become a driving force in the fashion industry, shaping trends and influencing consumer behavior.

The Origins of Hypebeast Culture

The roots of hypebeast culture can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. When streetwear brands like Supreme, Bape, and Stüssy began gaining popularity among urban youth. These brands often collaborated with artists, musicians, and other cultural icons. Further solidifying their status as symbols of exclusivity and cultural relevance.

Characteristics of Hypebeast Culture

Hypebeasts are passionate about streetwear, meticulously following fashion trends and eagerly anticipating the release of new items. Moreover, they often form close-knit communities, sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge on online forums and social media platforms.

A key aspect of hypebeast culture is the pursuit of limited-edition items. These releases are often produced in small quantities and accompanied by high demand. Consequently creates a sense of urgency and excitement among hypebeasts. Therefore the thrill of acquiring a coveted item and the associated bragging rights are central to this subculture.

The Hypebeast Economy

The hypebeast phenomenon has spawned a thriving secondary market, where individuals resell limited-edition items at inflated prices. Furthermore, this market is driven by the scarcity of these items and the desire of hypebeasts to possess the most sought-after pieces.

Cultural Impact of Hypebeast Culture

Hypebeasts have not only influenced fashion trends but have also permeated other aspects of popular culture. Their influence can be seen in music, art, and even technology, as streetwear brands collaborate with musicians, artists, and tech companies.

Criticisms of Hypebeast Culture

While hypebeast culture has had a significant impact on fashion and culture, it has also faced criticism. Therefore some argue that the focus on limited-edition items and the associated consumerism contribute to a materialistic culture that emphasizes status. On the other hand, others criticize the hypebeast community for its exclusivity and its tendency to ostracize those who don’t conform to it.

Is Hypebeast Trend Dying?

 Hypebeast culture is typically associated with an array of luxury streetwear brands, notably ones with a sturdy price tag or an iconic logo. It includes brands like Supreme, Stüssy, Palace, Nike, ESSENTIALS, Stone Island, and more. Back in hypebeast culture’s great days – the mid-2010s to the early 2020s. The brands were thriving through their limited collections, exclusive collaborations, and the cult following they had fostered. Supreme was as iconic for its collaborations with luxury houses as it was for its high prices. For example, the Supreme X Louis Vuitton suitcase auctioned in 2017 for £92,256, making it Supreme’s highest-selling piece.

Downhill Turn

Supreme was one of the most sought-after labels in hypebeast culture. Recognizable from its firetruck-red color scheme and bold, white logo. However, luxury insider The Robb Report confirmed that the brand suffered a $38.4 million dollar decline in revenue. Another example is FEAR OF GOD – the brand distanced itself from Hypebeast culture in the FW23 show back in May. Featuring clean tailoring, elevated outerwear, and luxurious accessories ( no hypebeast in sight)

We’ve been seeing streetwear brands infiltrate the luxury world for some time. Even before Covid from Aimé Leon Dore to Awake NY endorsed some of the elements. Plus, it’s not as though hype culture in general has totally diminished. So it’s not a funeral for hypebeast culture, because it will take on a new form within the next few years.

How To Keep Up with Fashion Trends

In the vibrant fashion industry, staying ahead of the curve can be daunting. New trends emerge and fade with seemingly every passing season, leaving fashion enthusiasts and brands scrambling to keep up. Fortunately, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology has revolutionized the way we track and embrace fashion trends, offering a plethora of tools and resources to help individuals stay at the forefront of style.

Harnessing AI for Trend Forecasting

AI algorithms are now capable of analyzing vast amounts of fashion data, including runway shows, social media trends, and consumer behavior patterns, to identify emerging trends and predict future fashion directions. These AI-powered tools can help individuals spot the next big thing before it hits the mainstream, allowing them to incorporate these trends into their wardrobes with confidence.

One such tool is Trend Hunter, a platform that utilizes AI to analyze social media data and identify emerging trends across various industries, including fashion. Trend Hunter provides users with a curated selection of the latest trends, along with insights into their potential impact on the fashion landscape.

Another AI-powered tool is Selectika’s trends and forecasting feature which employs machine learning to analyze the visual elements of fashion garments, such as patterns, colors, and silhouettes, to identify trends and predict future fashion directions. This tool provides brands and e-commerce stores with a deeper understanding of the underlying design principles behind emerging trends.

Leveraging Technology for Personalized Style Inspiration

AI and technology have also transformed the way we seek and receive personalized style inspiration. Fashion apps and online platforms now use AI algorithms to analyze individual preferences, past purchases, and lifestyle factors to curate personalized fashion recommendations. These tools can help individuals overcome decision fatigue and discover new styles that align with their unique tastes.

One such product is Smarter Shop Similar. Selectika’s visual AI analyses the details of each item and diagnoses the shoppers’ aesthetic preferences. Simultaneously, real-time behavioral data adds context to provide the most relevant recommendations on every visit. Selectika’s tech is one of a kind and fully dedicated to the fashion industry. In the quest to add value and personalize the shopping experience, Selectika developed a true AI stylist that unlocks the consumer’s sense of style and fashion. The solution presents complementary products based on the shopper’s preferences and can showcase solely items that fit his taste and budget.

Another AI-powered fashion inspiration platform is Closet, which allows users to create a virtual closet of their existing wardrobe items. Closet then uses AI to generate outfit suggestions based on the user’s preferences, weather conditions, and upcoming events.