During a conversation with Jordan Bentley, the founder of HYPLAND, a streetwear brand that incorporates elements of pop culture, I was able to learn about his journey in establishing the company and his vision for its future. This discussion took place after the opening of HYPLAND’s first physical store in Los Angeles.
HYPLAND has become a popular and trendy blend of nerd culture and street fashion. Its collaborations with well-known anime and video game franchises, including its latest officially licensed line of Street Fighter apparel released in Spring 2024, have contributed to its explosive rise in popularity in recent years.
HYPLAND has recently acquired numerous significant franchises and has now established its very first physical store in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. The grand opening took place on June 8 and was met with eager fans waiting in a lengthy line outside the store. Attendees were also able to get temporary tattoos inspired by popular anime and manga at a nearby tent.
HYPLAND’s grand opening was a massive success.
The interior of the store is a gamer’s paradise. It is adorned with numerous plushies from popular titles such as Pokemon and Sonic the Hedgehog. Additionally, there is a large arcade cabinet that allows for up to four players to compete against each other in games like Soul Calibur and others.
In addition, there is a large gaming lounge located in the center of the store. Jordan shared with me his vision of expanding it into a space where the community can gather for tournaments and events in the coming years.
HYPLAND’s Little Tokyo store aims to be a sanctuary for those in the anime and gaming community to come together and create memories.
Jordan Bentley, who has been recognized on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, enthusiastically interacted with customers outside of his store, posing for photos and responding to inquiries as if he were just another excited supporter of the brand rather than the center of attention.
During our conversation, I discussed with Jordan his journey with HYPLAND and his vision for the future of the brand. He founded the company at the young age of 14 in 2010.
He explained to me, “I was exposed to it at a young age.”In the eighth grade, he received a silkscreen machine as a Christmas present. Being someone who enjoyed drawing, he began printing his designs on T-shirts. This started as a fun pastime, but eventually evolved into a successful business during his high school years.
Initially, HYPLAND solely focused on streetwear. It wasn’t until 2018 when Bentley landed his first anime collaboration, which he attributes to a dream he had about working with the late Akira Toriyama on a Dragon Ball Z collection.
I dreamt that I collaborated with Dragon Ball Z. The following morning, I enthusiastically created numerous designs. However, my mom advised me to pursue the right collaborations. Although I initially resisted, she proved to be correct in the end.
HYPLAND’s initial anime release focused on BLEACH, and it marked the beginning of a successful journey. According to him, this experience revealed the potential to cater to the community and offer something fresh.
Anime fans and gamers are familiar with the dull T-shirts and hoodies that are typically produced as officially licensed merchandise for their beloved IPs. However, HYPLAND is determined to break this mold by providing fans with fashionable clothing that allows them to proudly display their love for their favorite shows and games.
Acquiring the rights to well-known anime series is not a simple task. Jordan acknowledged that Japan has specific standards and requirements. It has been a fascinating learning experience for him. Initially, it was challenging to adapt his usual creative process as he was used to having free reign. However, working with Japanese anime companies means following certain guidelines and incorporating specific elements that they deem necessary. This adjustment has actually expanded his creativity, as he can now think outside the box and work collaboratively with others to bring their visions to fruition.
Despite initial nerves, Jordan’s hard work has paid off as HYPLAND has become one of the top streetwear brands in the anime community and has even opened a physical store. The grand opening was a success, with countless fans coming out to support the brand and purchase his clothing.
“He confided in me, “I must say, it all feels quite surreal.”He admitted to feeling extremely anxious earlier in the day, uncertain if anyone would show up. However, his maintenance man eased his nerves by sending a photo of the long line forming down the street. Despite his excitement, he couldn’t help but experience pre-release jitters, unsure of what the outcome would be.”
HYPLAND is a gamer’s paradise.
Jordan’s next major goal with HYPLAND is to establish a strong connection with the community in Los Angeles. This involves providing a platform for anime enthusiasts and gamers to come together and freely express themselves.
“He expressed his appreciation for being able to connect with his community, noting that as the biggest city, it was fitting for their first store to be located in LA – the city that he hails from and the one that served as the primary inspiration for the brand.”
“To me, the store was more than just a retail space – it was a hub for the community to gather. While it was set up as a store, my main intention was to create a space for people to come and spend time together. I have fond memories of my own youth, exploring Fairfax and Melrose and meeting new people while discovering the latest trends and interests.”
“My intention was to establish a space where I could host parties, pop-ups, and gaming tournaments, as well as provide a place for kids who are fans of the brand to gather and socialize. With the prevalence of the internet, I believe we have lost the opportunity for in-person interactions and connections.”
HYPLAND is known for its collaborations with major anime series and video game titles, such as its recent officially licensed line of Street Fighter clothing.
Jordan’s vision for the future of HYPLAND includes bringing a vibrant energy to Little Tokyo, a bustling neighborhood filled with Japanese pop culture, dining options, and tourists.
“My main goal is to expand and strengthen the community within the LA store. I am determined to collaborate with other businesses and local brands in the area to revitalize the Little Tokyo community. Despite someone’s claim that it is declining, I see it as my duty to breathe new life into it.”
Additionally, Jordan mentioned to me that there are numerous new collaborations and significant events in the works to align with the store’s grand opening. Nevertheless, he emphasized that prioritizing the fans’ satisfaction is his top priority.
“I believe we have yet to reach our full potential in terms of growth and size. As such, I am fully committed to staying innovative, cultivating a strong community, and providing excellent service to our fans.”
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