The Hype Season 1 Contestants- Where Are They Now?

The Hype Season 1 Eliminated Contestants, Where Are They Now?

This HBOMax Series that brought streetwear to the main stage brought together fashion designers, photographers, and music industry powerhouses and ended its first season last year in August. Nine contestants competed for the co-sign of 3 streetwear sages and the cash prize of $150,000. Guest judges like Cardi B, Dapper Dan, and A$AP Ferg also made appearances to weigh in on who could be the next big name in streetwear. Justin Mensinger, a designer from Chicago, IL took home the co-sign and the cash for his namesake brand and has since created collections with Reebok and The Hundreds. He continues to create upcycled garments out of Chicago, IL.

But what happened to all the other contestants who didn’t take home the prize? I tracked down the other 8 contestants to see what they are up to today.

Jolleson

Jolleson was sadly the first eliminated contestant of the season though the judges were impressed with a rack of more formal streetwear. Since his time on the show, he has created garments for Ari Lennox, Cardi B, and Halle Bailey. And has recently gained major attention by tailoring one of Beyonce’s signature pieces in her collection for Renaissance. He certainly has become a household name in celebrity fashion (which shows he took the judges’ advice) and continues to also make consumer streetwear garments out of Los Angeles. Interested customers can purchase both streetwear garments and gowns from his website.

Murph

Timeekah Murphy, also known as Murph, captured our attention early on in the season with her voice for unisex fashion. She also captured our hearts, as she faced stress and heartbreak due to her divorce. You might remember the scene of her meeting with the judge and her now ex-wife on faceTime during one of the show’s challenges. While the stars did not align for her to thrive on The Hype, the Brooklyn native has since been featured in Forbes, Essence, and the LA Times among others for her intention to elevate unisex streetwear clothing through her brand, Alani Taylor. Customers can purchase high fashion and streetwear collections by visiting the Alani Taylor website.

Caroline

Caroline Bentley Noble was the 3rd contestant to leave The Hype season 1 after creating her controversial all-red jacket. While the altercation certainly made the judges, other contestants, and us watching at home feel super awkward, the situation has not stopped Noble from continuing her fashion pursuits. Caroline is the owner of her brand Avenue C. The Kentucky native owns and operates the brand from New York City. You can check out her products for sale, including vintage tees, some of which drew the attention of the Kardashians, on the Avenue C website.

Alan

Alan Cheung, also known as Alan King is the founder and CEO of AKINGS, his fashion brand that operates out of New York City. Since leaving the show, he has since also become a member of the Forbes Council. Through his designs for AKINGS he translates the slogan “a cut above the rest” into his creations. A slogan he believes is a message of excellence that he aspires to achieve. He is also the founder of the Alan King Group which helps new designers grow their brands by studying trends in the fashion industry. Interested customers can purchase AKINGS clothing here.

Wole

Late arrival to the show, Wole Olusunde’s brand Against Medical Advice (AMA) continues to grow out of New York, which Wole calls home. The Registered Nurse and Fashion Designer recently deputed his brand to New York Fashion week. The collection was entitled “Cesarean Section” and 40 pieces walked the runway. The designer also teaches a course for individuals interested in breaking into the fashion design industry called “How to Make it in the Garment District” and is the first of AMA Masterclasses. Interested customers or those interested in learning more about the Masterclass can find Wole’s work here.

Blu

The passionate artist turned designer with perhaps too much to say, continues to make a name for himself as a designer creating within the intersection of art and fashion design. In the past, celebrities like Jack Harlow, Kanye West, and 2Chainz have worn his pieces. His sixth collection through his brand WNTD Apparel drops on October 31st, 2022. Interested customers can find the collection once it’s dropped on his website.

Camila

Camila Romero was among the top 5 contestants in season 1 of the show and the top 2 female designers. The Colombian-born designer passionate about women’s empowerment co-owns the sustainable fashion Deadblud with fellow designer Marina Mendes. Based in Los Angeles, the brand has caught the attention of Lady Gaga and Saweetie in the past and continues to manifest empowering women and non-binary individuals through clothing. Customers can browse and purchase Deadblud designs on their website.

Paije

The last woman standing, Paije Speights came in 3rd on the show and is the owner of Front Paije Designs. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Jade Cheeves have worn pieces from Front Paije Designs. Customers can purchase pieces, including the Drippy Season hoodie (as seen in her Black Lives Matter collection on the show) and more by visiting the FPD website. Paije also appears as a guest on season 2 of The Hype, so be sure to keep an eye out for her if you are streaming it now on HBOMax!

Kai

The Runner-up for Season 1, Kai Nguyen, owner of Lumières continues to thrive in Los Angeles. Though he received praise throughout the season, especially from Offset, for his edgy screen-printed logos and use of leather, he was just short of winning the title. Since the show, Kai has created a collection with Hypebeast (HBX) and Adobe and continues to regularly host pop-ups throughout LA. Kai operates as a one-man show, his clothing is available for purchase on his brand’s website. Kai is a guest early on in The Hype season 2 along with other notable fashion icons. If you have not already, hit up season 2 of The Hype on HBOMax!