Hypebeast is a term describing someone who obsessively follows streetwear and sneaker trends, purchasing items primarily for their perceived status, brand recognition, or resale value rather than personal style or cultural understanding. The term combines 'hype' (the excitement around coveted releases) with 'beast' (suggesting insatiable appetite). Originally used pejoratively within streetwear communities to mock those who bought whatever celebrities wore without developing their own taste, the term was later reclaimed when Kevin Ma named his fashion blog Hypebeast in 2005. That site grew into a major media platform, somewhat neutralizing the negative connotation. However, in many communities the term remains derogatory, implying someone who consumes streetwear without contributing to or understanding its culture—prioritizing logos over fit, hype over quality, and following over leading.
Hypebeast
A person who chases trends and logos over genuine style, buying based on perceived status rather than personal taste.
Origin & Etymology
The term emerged in the mid-2000s from sneakerhead and streetwear forums, combining 'hype' (marketing excitement) with 'beast' (an obsessive person). Kevin Ma founded the Hypebeast website in 2005 in Hong Kong, popularizing and partially rehabilitating the term.
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Related Terms
Hype
The collective anticipation and excitement surrounding a brand, release, or collaboration.
Grail
A highly coveted, often rare piece that represents a personal holy grail for a collector.
Resale
The practice of buying streetwear items to sell at markup on the secondary market.
Drop
A scheduled, often limited product release that creates urgency and community ritual around new pieces.
Streetwear
Casual fashion rooted in skateboarding, hip-hop, and youth culture that emerged in the 1980s and 90s.
Sneakerhead
A person passionate about collecting, trading, and understanding the history of sneakers.