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Last weekend, Los Angeles-based anime-inspired streetwear brand HYPLAND opened the doors to their very first retail store in LA’s Little Tokyo. With a line stretching down the block, the opening attracted hundreds of HYPLAND fans – many of whom have been collecting founder Jordan Bentley’s capsule collections since he started HYPLAND in 2010 at just 13 years old. Those in line were greeted by Bentley as he signed gear from some of his first collections that he created in high school.

As enthusiastic fans of all ages entered the store,  they were transported into what Bentley envisioned as a “dream living room” of any anime-fan. The space reflects early Y2K nostalgia with ultramodern and space-age influences from the 60s and 70s, which can be seen in the chrome finishes and retro-futuristic aesthetics. Additionally, the store includes games galore – including chess, PS5s, GameCubes, N64s, and arcade machines to create an immersive retail environment. 

Since launching in 2010, HYPLAND has collaborated with the biggest brands across fashion, entertainment, gaming and anime including Hello Kitty, Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh, the NBA, Netflix and more. 

This marked a significant day in the brand’s journey led by LA Native Jordan Bentley, who started HYPLAND from his mother’s home at the age of 13. Before the doors opened, Bentley joined his mother Stephanie Carter in a ribbon cutting ceremony to signify their shared journey in building the brand. The grand opening festivities included live tattoos by anime tattoo pioneer Pnut of 1 Up Ink and a raffle giveaway, where Bentley awarded a Rolex watch to one lucky fan who purchased merchandise. Special guests throughout the weekend included artists Denzel Curry and Thundercat, street wear designer Vandy the Pink, and renowned streamers RDC World.

The HYPLAND store is more than just a retail space; it is a community hub for gamers, anime fans, and streetwear enthusiasts to shop, play, and connect. The store replicates the cozy ambiance of an anime and gaming fan’s home, featuring an array of vintage home accessories, gaming equipment, and clothing items. Inside, apparel and accessories from past collaborations line the shelves alongside new pieces from HYPLAND’s premium cut & sew line. Additionally, the store will carry products from similar brands, offering a comprehensive shopping experience.

HYPLAND’s new store, located at 200 S. San Pedro Street, will be open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from 11am to 6pm. Sheen spoke with Jordan about the exciting new venture.

 

When did you start the brand?

I started the brand when I was an 8th grader. It wasn’t a serious vision at the time, I was more interested in streetwear. Growing up around Diamond, Supreme, The Hundreds – they were all popular when I was in middle school. I wanted to print some t-shirts myself, and that’s how I ended up getting here.

 

HYPLAND is inspired by anime, right? 

Now, it’s heavily inspired by anime. It didn’t start off like that, but I’ve always naturally been into anime. I got the opportunity to collaborate with one show, and it did really well. At the time, there wasn’t anybody doing collaborations like that. We ended up in this bubble where we’re now the biggest brand in anime. At the end of the day, we really try to keep things streetwear, which is why I think it does so well. It’s anime stuff, but it doesn’t look like “hey, I’m a nerd. I don’t know how to talk to girls”. 

What does it mean to open this store? 

Honestly, it’s a pretty big moment. It’s necessary honestly. Growing up in LA, being in Little Tokyo, being a fan of the anime…

Do you live in Little Tokyo?

No, I don’t live here now. I live in the Crenshaw district area, but I’m about to move downtown. For me, this is a necessary thing for our community. Whenever I come over here, I see people wearing our stuff who want to be inside the space, just as a place that is culturally adjacent. At the end of the day, I’m trying to service the fans of the brand and the needs of our community. This means more for my customers than it does me. It’s not really about me.

And you’re gonna literally hit all the anime lovers that come through!

Exactly. We see people wearing our stuff literally every day. We have an office upstairs. I look out the window like “oh I know this shirt. I know that shirt.” Or people walk around like “oh man, where’d you get this shirt from?” and I’ll be wearing a sample. It’s nice. I’m happy to be in this community. I’m really excited. Not only am I excited for the store itself, but really excited for the events we have planned. For me, it’s more than just a store. I want to let people touch and feel something we’re making now. We have so much more stuff that’s coming out, I’m designing a lot more stuff.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hypland