Image via Complex Original
On November 5 and 6, ComplexCon will take over Long Beach, Calif. to deliver an unparalleled experience of art, fashion, film, music, food, and tech to you, the Complex reader. Think of it as a World's Fair, guided by the people who have the shifted our cultural landscape for the past 15 years or more. With the help of our Host Committee—the acclaimed contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, the endlessly influential producer, rapper, and collaborator Pharrell, and the hyper-successful DJ/Bieber whisperer/label head Skrillex—we're working to ensure that our festival offers you all the looks, tastes, smells, sounds, and sights that are most important to popular culture today. However, if you're still trying to find a reason to commit to the event, we've compiled the 10 best things for you to look forward to when our first-ever convention officially kicks off.
Get your ComplexCon tickets before it's too late at: ComplexCon.com.
Virtual Reality
2016 has proven that our digital future lies in virtual and augmented reality. With the help of Upload VR, ComplexCon will be at the cutting edge of this oncoming wave by providing more than 20 different VR demos for attendees to enjoy. As the "leading news, events, and education provider in the VR industry," Upload VR works to "spread the magic of VR to as many people as possible" by "connecting the community of VR pioneers to one another through unforgettable and unique experiences and events." Experience virtual reality for the first time with Upload VR's ComplexCon activation, which will feature some of the top hardware and content developers in the VR game today.
A Bathing Ape
Known for its distinctive camouflage pattern, renowned Japanese streetwear staple A Bathing Ape will be hosting a super-exclusive pop-up shop inside ComplexCon, filled with items custom-made for the convention. With a fanbase that includes celebrated cultural icons like Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, and Lil Wayne, it's safe to say that this shop will sell out fast. Don't miss your chance to cop.
Guess Jeans x Takashi Murakami
Iconic '90s denim brand Guess Jeans will unveil select pieces of their private collection of works by Japanese Pop artist Takashi Murakami. Promising to exhibit original paintings and large-scale sculptures across Murakami's decades-long career, this figures to be one of the most in-demand experiences at ComplexCon. Guess will also be partnering with the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles to create a pop-up gift shop within their space.
Exclusive Gear From Brands and Celebrities
ComplexCon will deliver the most one-of-a-kind shopping experience ever put together in a single place. How? Through meticulous curation of the top brands and retailers around the world. Over 100 different brand activations and pop-up shops, including involvement from retailers such as Union Los Angeles, Undefeated, Bait, and VFiles, will feature a wide array of exclusives only available at the event. Many of your favorite artists will also be creating stores of their own on the convention floor. Look out for Travis Scott's, Kid Cudi's, and Taylor Gang's stock of ComplexCon-specific merchandise.
The Art Zone
ComplexCon will feature an immersive art zone highlighting some of the most exciting artists and creatives working today. Included inside this district is a large-scale live mural project by fan favorite Ron English, a site-specific installation by Complex's 2012 Man of the Year Patrick Martinez, and an entire 3D world made in the vision of husband and wife duo DABS MYLA. L.A. galleries, art collectives, and curators such as TheSeventhLetter, PowWow, KnownGallery, and Roger Gastman will also be hosting spaces to feature a range of artists and installations.
The First We Feast Food Zone
To supplement your cultural consumption, ComplexCon will offer a mind-blowing menu of the tastiest gourmet food trucks that California has to offer, expertly curated by our friends at First We Feast. If you come for crowd favorites like Free Range L.A., you'd be wise to come hungry. Oh, and save some room for dessert.
The Sneaker Zone
Sneakerheads, prepare yourselves. ComplexCon will feature workshops, installations, and pop-ups from bespoke shoemakers and retailers like the Shoe Surgeon, Jason Markk, Nice Kicks, and Randy the Cobbler. Puma, which has been making waves this year thanks to its acclaimed FENTY PUMA by Rihanna collection and evoKNIT trainers, will also be making a major appearance.
On top of that, sportswear megabrand Nike is putting together a high-level experiential activation curated just for ComplexCon. At a whopping 7,500 square feet, you'll be completely immersed in their world of sneakers and apparel, the industry they've been dominating for decades.
The Pigeons & Planes Stage
On both Saturday and Sunday during the daytime expo, you'll be able to see some of the best up-and-coming acts and industry heavyweights live on the Pigeons & Planes stage. Chief Keef will performing his debut album, Finally Rich, in its entirety, while Lil Yachty will bring the Sailing Team on-stage to help make your day into a moment you won't soon forget.
Complex Talks
Each day of ComplexCon will feature more than seven, intimate keynote speeches, fireside chats, and panels from some of the sharpest minds shaping popular culture today. These sessions will feature high-profile figures like A$AP Rocky, artist and architect Daniel Arsham (of Snarkitecture), designer Jon Buscemi, producer DJ Mustard, and over a dozen other top names in the fields of music, fashion, art, film, technology, and more.
Night One
At the end of the first day, watch Skrillex, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and Virgil Abloh light it up for a once-in-a-lifetime performance that will surely feature its share of secret guest appearances and surprises. With Cudi's next album, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin', set to release on September 30, you'll have plenty of time between then and November 5 to get ready for its live debut. Don't miss your chance to see his first-ever performance of the album.