• Thu. Nov 21st, 2024

ComplexCon 2023: A Dynamic Intersection of Fashion, Music, Art, and Technology (RECAP)

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

Couldn’t make it to ComplexCon 2023? Don’t worry, Home Grown Radio got you covered. We’re giving you an exclusive inside look at the two-day event, featuring highlights from music performances, guest appearances, and some of the coolest booths on the grounds.

ComplexCon 2023, held on November 18-19 at the Long Beach Convention Center, was a vibrant showcase of streetwear, pop culture, music, and art. Artistically directed by Cactus Plant Flea Market, the event transformed into a hub of creativity, featuring exclusive brand collaborations, limited-edition releases, and live performances. With its blend of fashion and hip-hop, ComplexCon set new standards in cultural expression, attracting enthusiasts eager to experience the latest in trendsetting style.

Scroll down below and check out our exclusive coverage from ComplexCon from brand booths, standout fashionistas, and unforgettable moments from music performers and special guest appearances.

The Marathon Clothing, the late Nipsey Hussle’s brand, made a standout appearance at ComplexCon with their booth, drawing attention with the unique “All Money In” Brinks truck at its center. The exclusive Marathon x ComplexCon collaboration was a highlight, showcasing a one-of-a-kind blend of exclusive merchandise, embodying the spirit of innovation and legacy.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

Two popular LA brands, Dead Homie$ and Asaali, joined forces at ComplexCon, featuring a unique collaboration that captured our attention. Highlighting their booth was an intricate map of Los Angeles, spotlighting the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Head over to our Twitter to tell us which part of LA you’re from and check out this creative showcase.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio
Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

Science Project, in a display of innovative presentation, featured models showcasing the brand’s collection inside a transparent, glass-like installation, creating an immersive and visually captivating experience.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

LA based brand The Gallery Dept. collabed with ASICS for one of this year’s most highly anticipated sneaker drops, which was sold exclusively at ComplexCon, drawing significant attention and excitement.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

Barney’s Back, Stirring Nostalgia! The beloved purple dinosaur, a cherished part of many childhoods, made a culturally impactful appearance with Emotionally Unavailable at ComplexCon, reconnecting generations of fans for a memorable photo-op.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

The Good Quality Human booth stood out not just for its style but also for its positive impact: for every hat sold, a tree was planted, blending fashion with environmental consciousness.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

Equihua’s collaboration with Santee Alley was inspired by a childhood memory of shopping at Los Callejones, a place known for affordable clothing, makeup, toys, and apparel. This partnership highlighted the shift towards recognizing and valuing community-driven retail spaces, changing the narrative around local shopping experiences.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio
Photo Credit: ComplexCon Instagram | @franceleslia on IG
Video Credit : Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio | @mugzymcfly on IG

The two-button up shirt-skirt emerged as one of the trendiest fashion statements at ComplexCon this year, widely popular among the stylish attendees.

Photo Credit: @xxfendi on IG
Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

Rello showcased his Still Trippin’ exhibit renowned for his unique figurative art, where he infuses nostalgia by depicting cartoons and pop culture icons. Setting himself apart, Rello reimagines these well-known characters with a distinct perspective, portraying them as Black subjects, adding depth and new context to familiar figures.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio
Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

At the First We Feast Lagoon, another major attraction of ComplexCon, the atmosphere was lively and interactive. Special DJ sets throughout the weekend kept the energy high and the mood festive.

Video Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

The Hot Ones x Hot Pockets x Carrots collaboration was a standout, drawing crowds with its spicy offerings and exclusive Carrots merch.

Photo Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

An oversized Jordan 1 shoe, meticulously crafted from Legos, drew attention amongst attendees.

Kid Cudi
Video Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio
Lil’ Yachty
Video Credit: Enzo Luna for Home Grown Radio
BLXST
Video Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

At ComplexCon 2023, the array of musical performances truly captivated the audience. Lil Yachty demonstrated his versatility with a lively DJ set, while Luh Tyler energized the crowd with his unique musical style. Kalan.frfr, representing Los Angeles, delivered an engaging performance and upped the ante by bringing out 03 Greedo and BLXST for a standout LA collaboration. The excitement continued as Zack Bia’s set included surprise appearances from artists like SoFaygo, YG, OhGeesy, and Don Toliver, adding an element of unpredictability and star power. The event reached a crescendo on day 2, with Kid Cudi closing out ComplexCon. His performance, marking the end of the festival, perfectly captured the spirit of ComplexCon, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the diverse and vibrant culture celebrated at the event.

Kalan.frfr & BLXST
Video Credit: Shivonne Peart for Home Grown Radio

ComplexCon 2023 was a dynamic showcase of modern culture, skillfully intertwining the worlds of fashion, music, art, and culinary experiences. The event stood as a vivid testament to the pulsating and evolving sphere of creativity, marked by exclusive brand collaborations, electrifying live performances, and engaging installations. It offered attendees a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise and, more importantly, memorable experiences that celebrated the rich tapestry of pop culture.

If you enjoyed our coverage of ComplexCon 2023 and are eager for more, keep an eye on the ComplexCon website for updates and exclusive content about ComplexCon 2024. Stay connected for all the latest news and be the first to know about next year’s exciting developments!

Check out ComplexCon full recap below:

Video Credit: ComplexCon Twitter