Is HBO’s The Hype Worth the Hype?

Table of Contents

What is The Hype?

Yes. Allow me to explain.

The Hype is the first show of its kind. It’s a fashion competition series devoted to one style category: streetwear. Ten streetwear designers from around the US compete in themed challenges for a grand prize of $150,000.

Each challenge (minus the first) also offers the opportunity for a piece from the winner’s look to be sold on one of the largest online streetwear marketplaces, StockX.

The designers also compete for a co-sign from a panel of trendsetting fashion influencers namely Marni Senofonte, Bephie Birkett and Offset.

The Guest Judges

The audience The Hype caters to is obvious: 20 – 30 somethings who listen to Migos and love all of Beyoncé’s Instagram posts (Surprise! I’m describing myself). Seriously, the people who will watch and love this show are the people who are immersed in, are fans of or are part of black culture. Obviously. It’s a show about streetwear after all.

Considering the subject matter, the guest judges are all people who appeal to this audience. Wiz Khalifa, Cardi B, Dapper Dan, A$AP Ferg and others make appearances as judges and mentors. Overall, it’s an impressive roster of timely celebrities. Clearly Offset’s name and HBO Max’s platform draw in the big fish. Although not all judges’ insights are of the same value.

Guests like Bobby Hundreds and Dapper Dan provide valuable, particular feedback to designers. Whereas appearances from Wiz Khalifa and Cardi B simply add a fresh element to the episode.

Don’t get me wrong I loved seeing Cardi B and Wiz Khalifa, but let’s call it like it is. They’re amusing guests not long-established fashion moguls like say Dapper Dan.

The Fashions

Speaking of fashion moguls, let’s talk about the competing designers. It’s so incredible to watch creative people work. Watching them realize their vision and seeing a tangible product of it is truly inspiring.

All the designers were clearly talented, but I was consistently impressed with Paije (Front Paije Designs), Kai Nguyen (Lumieres) and Justin Mensinger (Justin Mensinger) most.

*Honorable mention to Camila Romero (Deadblud), she made some dope pieces*

Custom look for A$AP Ferg by Kai (Lumieres)

What makes fashion art and designers artists is the message. Each of these designers had distinct, different messages that translated beautifully to clothing. Paije was all about Black Lives Matter, Kai was about a militaristic approach to being proud of your heritage and Justin’s pieces spoke of internal struggle/survival.

Each of these designers had a refreshing, original and personal take on every challenge. I think we take for granted how incredible it is to see creative people apply their skills so expertly.

This jumpsuit with the durag/cape by Paije for example is pure genius. Paije has the power to communicate immediately who she is and what she’s about in her clothes. That in itself is something brands take decades to accomplish. She as a relatively new designer, does it consistently and flawlessly for 8 weeks straight.

All the designers are in their 20s. They all have a pulse on what young people want to wear in their own distinctive styles. Kai for example makes deceptively simple garments that reflect a militaristic minimalism.

Justin’s signature patchwork has the same simple approach. His attention to fit and precision is what makes his pieces memorable.

The Final Word

The Hype is a great watch. If you’re a fan of Project Runway, Next in Fashion, Making the Cut or fashion shows in general, The Hype is a fantastic watch. My man loved this show and he’s never even seen any of the other series I just mentioned.

Every designer is worth rooting for, the challenges bring out their creative best and it’s inspiring to watch talented people be great. Stream The Hype now on HBO Max already so we can get another season!!