ComplexCon handbook

You must have heard the name ComplexCon dozens of times, and these days you must have seen it on Instagram more than usual, but to avoid looking bad in front of your sneakerhead and streetwear enthusiat friends you nodded in silence, trying to disguise your ignorance on the matter.
Since the sneakers and streetwear event is coming back this weekend, here's a couple of things you need to know about it that will make you look good.

What

First things first. ComplexCon is a festival that brings together different worlds, organized by the media giant Complex in collaboration with Pharrell Williams, singer, producer, designer, everything, and the legendary artist Takashi Murakami, an incredibly influential personality in the fashion world as well. The convention represents the union of different realities, pop culture, music, art, food, style, sports, innovation, and activism, through panels, pop-up stores, live performances and more.

When&Where

The event will take place this weekend, November 3 and 4, in Long Beach, California, in a 200.00 m² space. Already checking last-minute flights?

Talks

One of the highlights of the festival are definitely the conversations, where the most important and influential names of the fashion world discuss the hottest topics of the moment. Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God will be one of the protagonists of the panel dedicated to Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson's influence on the sneaker game, Tommy Hilfiger and his brother Andy will recount the relationship between their namesake brand and the hip-hop culture, while the undisputed king of this world, Virgil Abloh, will share his views on the future of design. Female perspective is particularly important this year, with many women discussing not only the sneaker and streetwear world, but also the film and TV industry, with the likes of Issa Rae and Lena Waithe, two women who left a mark on this year's entertainment industry. Finally, the quintessential ComplexCon panel, Sneaker of the Year.

Music

Many the artists protagonists of talks and panels, but even more anticipated for their performances. This year the Pigeons & Planes Arena will see the gigs of Vince Staples, Rae Sremmurd, Tinashe, Lil Baby, T-Pain, Action Bronson and Future.

Marketplace

The biggest brands in the world will have their own booth where visitors will have the chance to buy pieces and see the latest collection, from adidas Originals, Champion, Chinatown Market, FILA and IUTER, to Ovo, PUMA, Reebok and Vans. But what makes ComplexCon even more prestigious are the special limited edition releases, launched specifically for this event. For this year's edition Takashi Murakami will present his collaboration with OVO, Drake's brand, Diamond Supply Co. will unveil its Nike SB Dunk for the first time ever, while the new collections of Chinatown Market, atmos and AAPE by A Bathing Ape will be released. It's adidas Originals who will surprise the most. This year, the brand is bringing a number of limited releases, including never-before-seen Pusha T EQT Cushion 2s, Pharrell Hu P.O.D. Systems, N*E*R*D Hu NMDs, and a special collaboration with Snoop Dogg celebrating the 25th anniversary of the rapper’s iconic album Doggystyle. But that’s not all. You’ll also have a chance to buy the complete Dragon Ball Z collection.