- Hypebeast was originally a negative term describing a band-wagoner focused on branding and conspicuous consumption among fashion communities. Hypebeast was most likely coined as an insult towards those who focused more on branding and costs rather than the overall aesthetic appeal of an outfit. Though “hype” and “beast” have positive connotations, hypebeast is almost a mocking term describing those who care excessively about social acceptance and popular opinion. However, hypebeast has been co-opted and ameliorated, particularly among fashion and sneaker-collecting subgroups. One prominent example of this shift is the eponymous fashion magazine Hypebeast, which covers clothing and sneaker releases from popular and often expensive brands. Hypebeast however, still often retains its negative connotation.
hypebeast
compounding; noun
A person who dresses in expensive clothing which is meant to attract attention and is often heavily branded, used particularly in urban fashion sub-groups.
Etymology : Compound formed from hype and beast.
Source : “Both are decked out in the sort of attire Bieber tours in, including a scarf from the recent, much-hyped Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration for which streetwear fanatics AKA “hypebeasts” queued for hours.” (The Guardian, From hypebeast to hypepriest: why the church is embracing streetwear, August 28, 2017)
Last modified: 27 November 2017