In the past few decades, China has established itself as one of the most powerful countries. Its economy has exploded, and technological innovation is off the charts, possibly even surpassing the United States. Now, thanks in part to social media and entertainment in China, like the sensational reality show “The Rap of China,” hip-hop inspired streetwear has unleashed a generation of Chinese hypebeast millennials.
Firstly, what is a hypebeast? According to bustle.com, a hypebeast is “a person who follows a trend to be cool or in style. A person who wears what is hyped up.” Hypebeast culture in China has sparked a positive feedback mechanism where certain brands or articles of clothing worn by a select few, possibly celebrities, causes widespread popularity of certain brands or articles of clothing among young hypebeasts. These young hypebeasts will wear these certain brands or articles of clothing out in public, which garners ever more wonder and curiosity over the popularity of these items.
China’s population is characteristic of people who are willing to do things just because other people around them are doing it and also its large size. This is the perfect environment for hypebeast culture to proliferate. Most importantly, the people who are the biggest influencers for hypebeast culture in China are its celebrities, notable rappers like Kris Wu, the Higher Brothers, Al Rocco, Jackson Wang, Rich Brian, and Bohan Phoenix. These rappers are broadcasted on shows on television, promoting hypebeast culture by wearing unique and distinctive articles of clothing.
The western hypebeast culture that’s endorsed by American rappers has also made its wave in China. Many companies and malls in China have manufactured “fake” versions of many popular clothing, shoes, and accessory items. Some notable examples of this are the fake Yeezy’s, which has been so popular in China that a whole store that sells these knockoffs has popped up in Wenzhou, China. If you want to take a look inside China’s market for knockoff goods, I recommend watching Collin Abroadcast’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.c
Clearly, it’s no secret that China is obsessed with hypebeast clothing, and these items are projected to only become more popular in the future. Due to free endorsement by popular rap icons and celebrities in China, hypebeast culture is a widely growing market that is not to be underestimated.
this is so interesting!
Nice article Jennifer. It was so interesting to learn about the hypebeast culture in China given its profound effects on American social life. I was not aware of the extent that this trend had overseas and it’s quite surprising to see that it has become so popular. It was also very interesting to learn about the “fake” stores across China selling these high-end products. I don’t see the allure of buying knock-off products at a cheaper price for a product that is probably made at a lower quality and obviously isn’t as genuine. Otherwise, it was great to learn more about modern Chinese culture!
Your article was very nice. I genuinely love Kris Wu and Rich Brian so glad you included that. I already knew that China was selling fufu items of clothing for unreal prices, but I did not know it was to that extent. China’s street culture has expanded widely too. I personally don’t believe in buying fake clothing, but in China, they don’t really care as long as it looks like it.
Nice article, Jennifer. It’s so interesting to view the roots of an ultra-popular trend in America right now. Famous people in China flaunt the Hypebeast culture by wearing and owning unique commodities, and it’s so cool to see how this trend has hit America, In addition to China’s hypebeasts in America, American hypebeasts end up in China. Ultimately, this proves to culminate two vastly different cultures in a weird, but cool way.
Nice article! It’s interesting to learn about the lengths that rich chinese people are willing to go just to look cool in front of their friends, it’s kind of pathetic that people have to use materialistic things to make themselves more popular with their friends. This summer when I went back to Shanghai I spotted many more “hypebeasts” then when I was there last year although many of them wear fakes it’s still cool to see this culture which started in America is starting to take it’s roots in China as well.
Jennifer, as much as I like your article, I positively loathe hype-beast clothing. I am very sad to hear that rap influencers in China are encouraging the youth of China to wear hype-beast clothing which only encourages more people to wear the clothing beginning a vicious cycle where everybody is constantly obsessed with clothing. I think it important that China develop its modern culture, but I think that by everyone wearing hip-hop street clothes, a herd mentality culture is created where everyone will wear ugly clothes just because it is popular. That being said, I can completely relate with the last paragraph of the article about a store that sells fake Yeezy’s exclusively. When I went to Beijing’s markets, I noticed many fake-brand products being sold like luggage, handbags, and even T-shirts; I even took some pictures to show my parents the more obvious “fakes” like luggage brands with the wrong spelling of the brand-name. I wonder how different the discounted fakes are from the really expensive actual brand-name products? Anyway, thanks Jennifer for this thought-provoking article.
Your article was stellar, Jennifer! Really amazing job. I’m not sure why, but the hypebeast culture has always been funny to me. I think the idea of bragging or flaunting how much money you have is extremely materialistic. Don’t get me wrong – I love Jackson Wang, Rich Brian, and Kris Wu -, but I think their influence has really created an impact on China’s youth. Streets in China are lined with shops selling fake Gucci, Supreme, any hypebeast brand. Honestly, it takes individuality away from people if everyone is wearing the same brand. Nonetheless, you did a terrific job with your article. I can’t wait to read your future ones!
This is a great article. I never knew the actual definition of hypebeast until now. Wow, I didn’t realize these expensive brands were that popular in China. It’s interesting how people buy fake clothing/shoes. Those rappers are really impacting millennials.
Huh, I hadn’t known about hypebeast until today. I am kind of worried that this kind of culture could inspire a somewhat toxic atmosphere as materialism and following the trend is emphasized. There’s also something about brands that baffle me-brands like Supreme and Yeezys, and how they’re incredibly expensive and even have knockoffs. I don’t get their luxury at all. Also, I can’t tell the difference between a real one and a fake one anyways, so I suppose it shouldn’t make a difference to me.
Thank you for sharing Jennifer! I have noticed the style for a few months now but I never really understood it. Especially because the clothing is not only expensive, but other people wear the same thing. It’s crazy how technology and the entertainment industry has created a worldwide phenomenon as well. I’m curious to see how long this “culture” will last as it is very popular in many different parts of the world.
This article was so interesting! I didn’t know what a hypebeast truly was before reading this article. I’ve always wondered why people wear such expensive clothing when they look exactly the same as other clothing. I listen to some of the rappers listen such as Kris Wu and Jackson Wang. They are both very influential people and wear very expensive clothing. My family has told me that a lot of small stores in China sell fake brand clothing and bags, but most people can’t tell the difference.