Anthony Trevino
ComplexCon Chicago brought the expected—spirited consumers, musical performances, and appearances from the likes of Jerry Lorenzo and Aleali May—and the unexpected—Nike, for example, used the SNKRS app to surprise drop the yellow Air Fear of God 1s on Sunday right outside of the McCormick Center, where ComplexCon took place.
The convention center was filled with a wide array of things to do, buy, and take pictures with, and brands like Chinatown Market, Reebok, Puma, and Joe Freshgoods brought cool concepts and product to the inaugural event. This list is a mix of some of those activations and items that garnered a lot of attention, but we've also included product that we just liked. Here are the best drops and activations at ComplexCon Chicago.
Atmos x Nike Air Max "Animal 3.0" Pack
When the show opened its doors on Saturday, most of the attendees ran straight for the Atmos booth, which was selling the Atmos x Nike Air Max "Animal 3.0" Pack designed with British artist Dave White. The drop, which was previously only released in its Tokyo stores, can be added to Atmos' growing list of ComplexCon drops that cause a little ruckus.
Girl’s Don’t Cry Tote Bag and Stuffed Heart
The Girl’s Don’t Cry jumbo heart, and designer Verdy's iced-out grill were a main attractions at the show, but so was the Girls Don't Cry tote bag and the stuffed heart, which were available at the ComplexCon Gift Shop sponsored by Zen and smartly used by multiple showgoers to hold their other purchases. The tote and stuffed heart sold out at the Gift Shop before the event was over.
Joe Freshgoods Paisley Umbrella
Chicago entrepreneur and designer Joe Freshgoods presented his interpretation of a gift shop, which was influenced by the corner store, at his booth that attracted a long line throughout the weekend. He had quite a few products available including checkered sneakers, socks and T-shirts labeled with Jover Street Goods—a play on Dover Street Market. But the multicolored paisley print umbrella was the hot item. Just ask Trinidad James. He picked up the last one on Sunday, which was a display, before leaving the show.
Bodega Rose Planters
Olivia Rose, the founder of Bodega Rose, drew attendees with her jumbo Air Force 1 covered in greenery. Customers lined up to take a picture in front of it or sit on top of it, but the mini planters made from granite, resin, and cement that resembled different Nike Air Maxes were one of our favorite things on the floor.
Basketcase
Zach Kinninger started Basketcase, a streetwear line, out if his dorm a few years ago and now runs the business out of his garage in Orange County. The line features T-shirts and vintage shorts covered in graphics he designs himself. A standout from the collection are the vintage jeans he screen prints with horse graphics.
Chinatown Market x Converse UV-Activated Sneakers
If people weren’t running towards the Atmos booth, they were more than likely making their way to Chinatown Market’s Converse booth—Chinatown also released a pair of Crocs with Urban Outfitters at a separate booth and another space was dedicated to its bootlegs that were exclusive to ComplexCon Chicago. The Converse sneakers change from a faded colorway to a more vibrant one when they hit the light and some shoppers liked them so much they wore the sneakers as soon as they purchased them.
Heritage Auctions KAWS Bus Stop
Heritage Auctions set up a bus stop featuring two pieces of KAWS artwork. One was an earlier piece that was originally posted at bus stops and the other was a sculptural piece. Consumers were able to tag the bus stop or take a picture inside of it.
Kristopher Kites Jewelry
Kristopher Kites, who was a part of Complex’s Brands to Watch space at ComplexCon Chicago, brought his new translucent Jesus Pieces and Gucci chains to the event, along with a selection of his signature designs made from toy figurines. His booth was always busy, but it was also hard to miss people wearing his pieces all over the show floor.
Rello's "Ozzy" Statue
Rello, another designer who was a part of Brands to Watch at ComplexCon Chicago, had an additional space where he released his first collectible statue, a brown Mickey Mouse with pointy ears named “Ozzy." This sat alongside “Ruby,” a stuffed Minnie Mouse with brown skin and an afro. They are produced under Paradise Design House, a platform for exhibits, collectibles and collaborations. The “Ozzy” sculpture, which retails for $250 and is made from resin, sold out on the first day.
Eric Emanuel x Reebok Allen Iverson Answer 5 Capsule and Booth
Reebok debuted its Allen Iverson x Eric Emanuel apparel and sneaker collection. The neon-hued booth encouraged consumers to shoot the basketball for a chance to purchase one of the T-shirts or shorts. According to Reebok the arm sleeves, cropped jersey and du-rags were best sellers along with the Answer 5 sneakers with neon pink details, which many fans wore out of the booth or had Iverson sign.
The Hundreds by Lena Waithe
Bobby Hundreds, who just released his new book, This Is Not a T-Shirt: A Brand, a Culture, a Community, used ComplexCon Chicago as a platform to promote the book, but to also work with natives like Joe Freshgoods, they collabed on a T-shirt, and Lena Waithe, who worked with Bobby on a capsule collection. The varsity jacket, which was covered in patches that represent Waithe's journey and influences, was the stand out as was the booth that reflected the history of The Hundreds and the people, places, and things that inspired Waithe.