Complex is probably one of the best known and most successful media outlets when it comes to pop culture. In 2016, the former magazine threw the ComplexCon(vention) for the first time.

This year, they kicked it off on November 4th and went on for over two days. In addition to heated panels and exclusive releases, collaborations and delicious Food Trucks food, there were many surprise appearances in the Booths, as well as on stage and many other extras …

Nike definitely owned the weekend, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Air Force 1. Alongside Virgil Abloh, Roc-A-Fella’s Biggs and Don C, who showed their designed AF1 to the mass to celebrate the day,  and Legends like  Kobe Bryant and Kendrick Lamar stopped by for a panel talk at the Nike Booth – followed by Rich the Kid and drop-ins like Jordan Clarkson and Eric Koston. Visitors had probably hit the jackpot and created their own forces with the help of Yoon Ambush and John Elliot…

Other highlights this year were definitely Virgil Abloh and Takashi Murakami’s Screen Printing Session. The collaborative T-shirt was personally designed and inspired by them. Pharrell probably had busy days this year as a host: In addition to numerous releases at adidas, he showed his latest collection in collaboration with G-Star RAW. This includes suits in various stripes and checkerboard patterns – inspired by the “Savile Row” processing.

Other highlights this year were definitely Virgil Abloh and Takashi Murakami’s Screen Printing Session. The collaborative T-shirt was personally designed and inspired by them. Pharrell probably had busy days this year as a host: In addition to numerous  releases at adidas, he showed his latest collection in collaboration with G-Star RAW. This includes suits in various stripes and checkerboard patterns – inspired by the “Savile Row” processing.

Undefeated probably had the best time, they were already sold out with their release of the latest Air Max 97 after only a few hours. Bodega brought with their Vans Collab a barber shop and nail salon, while the DJs next door pulled up with the vibes. And of course Andre 300’s live painting – surrounded by a crowd of people he was sitting in a classroom scribbling in a book for hours …

But also for newcomer brands such as Daily Paper, Atelier New Regime, Places Plus Faces, is ComplexCon an important and necessary platform to step into the international market. Even Parisian Grillzboss Dolly Cohen insisted on exhibiting her artwork. We all remember Rihanna’s AK, Kim Kardashian’s lower jaw Bling and Givenchy’s Hannibal Lecter – Runway Grillz …

The motto “THE INTERNET IN REAL LIFE” was not difficult to recognize and was adhered to in the second year. You could see hype over hype over hype, everyone lining up for something. So for people who just wanted to check out the convention and the booths it was pretty hard since there was no way you could have gotten in otherwise. Just like that – internet in real life. But besides that, I had a pretty great time with my people watching NERD, MIA, Young Thug and Gucci Mane beside other acts on stage during the day.

Shoutout to Toreno, Camille, Libby, Nico, LeMar and Ju for kicking it! ❤