A Hypebeast is mostly a derogatory term used for someone, who follows trend in fashion especially streetwear, here the main purpose is to make a social statement. A “sneakerhead” is a shoe enthusiast that not only collects shoes, but is very knowledgeable about the history of the sneaker and its meaning. A “hypebeast” is something of an insult, referring to a person who only buys shoes that are popular and cool.
Hypebeast finds its roots in streetwear culture, although there are no hard and fast definitions on what constitutes one. The term was first popularized in 2012 by rapper Trinidad James in his song, “All Gold Everything,” which goes: “Hypebeasts we know aboutchea’ / Don’t buy shoes unless they popular.”
But it’s been around far longer than that. Founded in 2005, the popular online magazine HYPEBEAST, with 5.5 million followers, presented insight into the so-called hypebeast lifestyle and aesthetic. The generally accepted definition is that it’s slang for someone who is a “beast” (or obsessed) about hyped-up fashion brands, and will thus undertake whatever means to achieve that hype.
Urban Dictionary defines the term as: “A kid that collects clothing, shoes, and accessories for the sole purpose of impressing others. Although the individual may not have a dime to their name, they like to front like they are making far more than everybody else.
The term has been ascribed to usually well-off youths, who are hell-bent on purchasing popular and high-end streetwear brands such as Supreme, Stussy, and Billionaire Boys Club, as well as expensive kicks coveted by sneakerheads. They camp out overnight to await the next sneaker release by Yeezy or Drake, turn their nose away from brands that haven’t been hyped up online, and constantly show off their sneaker and snapback collections.
These hypebeasts also spend much of their time curating their social media image by projecting a certain lifestyle, counting the likes from every OOTD posted. It’s commonly considered as an insult to be called a hypebeast—generally the urban version of a “social climber.”
How the term reached a different audience and was redefined is anyone’s guess. Our best hunch is that it’s simply the natural progression in the trickle-down nature of fashion. So, hypebeast: rambunctious teens with a desire for self-expression or urban designer brand wannabes? Take your pick.
The Indian hypebeast 