In recent years, Gucci has become one of the most popular luxury brands in the world. With its iconic double G logo and signature prints, it’s hard not to recognize a Gucci piece. However, with the rise of streetwear culture and the term “hypebeast,” many fashion enthusiasts have begun to question whether or not Gucci is a hypebeast brand.
What is a Hypebeast?
Before we dive into whether or not Gucci is a hypebeast brand, let’s first define what a “hypebeast” actually is. A hypebeast is someone who obsessively follows trends and buys into popular brands solely for their perceived status or prestige rather than for their own personal style. Hypebeasts are often associated with streetwear and sneaker culture and are known for waiting in long lines and paying exorbitant prices for limited edition items.
Gucci’s History
Gucci was founded in Florence, Italy in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. Initially focused on leather goods, the brand eventually expanded into clothing, accessories, and fragrance. Over the years, Gucci has become synonymous with luxury and high-end fashion.
In recent years, under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, Gucci has undergone a major transformation. Michele has brought a quirky and playful aesthetic to the brand that has resonated with younger consumers. From embroidered denim jackets to crystal-encrusted bags, Michele’s designs have become some of the most coveted items in fashion.
Gucci as a Hypebeast Brand
So now that we have established what a hypebeast is and reviewed Gucci’s history, let’s answer the question: Is Gucci a hypebeast brand?
The answer? It depends on who you ask.
On one hand, there are certainly elements of Gucci’s current aesthetic that could be seen as catering to the hypebeast crowd. From logo-heavy pieces to collaborations with streetwear brands like Dapper Dan and even a recent collaboration with Disney, Gucci is certainly tapping into the current cultural moment.
However, it could also be argued that Gucci’s status as a luxury brand sets it apart from other hypebeast brands. While hypebeasts are often criticized for buying into trends solely for their perceived status, Gucci has an established history of luxury and craftsmanship that goes beyond any one trend.
The Bottom Line
So, is Gucci a hypebeast brand? Ultimately, it’s up to interpretation. While there are certainly elements of the brand’s current aesthetic that could appeal to the hypebeast crowd, Gucci’s long-standing history of luxury and craftsmanship sets it apart from other brands that are solely focused on catering to trends.
At the end of the day, fashion is subjective and personal style is what matters most. Whether you’re a fan of Gucci or not, there’s no denying the impact that the brand has had on both fashion and popular culture.