ComplexCon 2018 held its 3rd annual festival which brought together the worlds of culture, music, art, fashion, style, innovation and conversation.
This year’s focus during the festival was the enlightenment and empowerment of the individual.
Taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center last weekend, it was hosted and curated by Pharrell Williams and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Pharrell’s relationships and influence within the Hip Hop community helped secure a diverse ComplexCon Lineup for the performances to end the festival.
The entire festival was decorated by Takashi’s trademark Superflat artwork which set the arenas feel and aesthetic.
View this post on Instagram
#ComplexCon 2018 happening right now! See what you’re missing out on. 🎫 get tix at the door.
Best way to describe the festival? It’s a physical manifestation of the culture and keeping a finger on the pulse of the youth while encouraging social/political conversation, Hence the term Complex(Conversation)
Both DAYS included panel discussions, music performances, and marketplace booths.
Each day was broken into 2 parts. The daytime portion of the festival was centered around shopping as there was a marketplace, food vendors and panel discussions, while night-time events saw exclusively featured music and live performances from a range of artists such as Future, Rae sremmurd, Vince Staple, A boogie and more.
Without a Doubt some of the most highlighted/anticipated cultural moments during the festival were
- OVO x Takashi Murakami collaboration
- GaryVee’s New K-Swiss Sneaker #DarkClouds 003s
- Snoop Dog surprise appearance during Vince Staples conversation session
Plus his first complex con music performance - Pusha T’s Adidas Originals EQT Exclusive sneakers and booth
- Takashi Murakami Custom Sneaker Art Installation
- Billionaire BOYS CLUB 15th anniversary celebration
- Vince Staples merchandise kiosk while promoting his new album FM
- And even more Exclusive drops including (Chinatown Market, AAPE by A Bathing Ape and Bait plus more )
COMPLEX CON ATTENDEES
The great thing about the festival is the fact that attendees, performers, buyers, and vendors are all merged together creating a non-exclusive feeling. You’re bound to see your favourite artists and rappers shopping at booths while Gary Vee is taking pictures, spitting game to kids about the hustle, grind, and patience.
So to wrap it up I do feel moving forward complex con should introduce more affordable vendors as the event mostly consisted of pricey merchandise.
As a whole, the festival provided an intimate gathering for the hip-hop fans with a seamless integration between fashion, music, art and pop culture. Something I believe will continue to grow and expand in the following years.
ABOUT Complex Con
As described by complex media themselves
ComplexCon is an expertly curated convention and festival bringing the world of Complex to life. The ground-breaking festival and exhibition that brings together pop culture, music, art, food, style, sports, innovation, activism, and education. This is our generation’s world fair. The minds behind Complex have come together with Cultural Director/Executive Chair Pharrell Williams and legendary artist Takashi Murakami to imagine a place where creators, curators and YOU converge to celebrate and shape our culture.
To stay updated for Complex Con 2019 Updates CLICK HERE