I’m heading to ComplexCon in Long Beach this weekend, and after being unable to attend in 2019, then having to attend virtually in 2020 due to the pandemic, I’m excited to finally get to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience in person.
If you’ve never heard of it, ComplexCon is a two-day festival where streetwear, art, exclusive drops, live music, and bomb-ass food come together in a glorious spectacle of culture and creativity. Returning to Long Beach Nov. 6th and 7th, the event is co-hosted by J. Balvin and Kristen Noel Crawley, and includes performances by A$AP Rocky and Turnstile, more than 20 food vendors at the First We Feast Lagoon, and some of the most-coveted artists, streetwear, and luxury home good brands from around the world bringing their latest merch and limited-edition drops.
Here are my five reasons why I wouldn’t miss it for the world:
1: The Art Experience
Crystal boombox sculpture encapsulating 80’s/90’s cassettes by Rhyme Capsule.
I’m sure you guessed that my number one reason would also be my number one passion: visual arts. No doubt I’m looking forward to seeing installations and releases from creators such as Rhyme Capsule (@rhymecapsule), Matt Gondek (@gondekdraws), and Mr. Flower Fantastic (@mrflowerfantastic).
2: Hypland x Hello Kitty Carnival Pop-Up
Hypland x Hello Kitty carnival pop-up.
As a bona fide 90’s Kid™ who has many fond memories of the Sanrio store at the mall, I’d be doing 12-year-old me a disservice if I didn’t check out this Hypland (@hypland) collaboration featuring Sanrio’s Hello Kitty on a Ferris wheel, retro ice cream truck, and carnival games. Although I’d also love to see this done with my *favorite* 90’s Sanrio character: Badtz Maru.
3: Individualist d.i.y. screen-printing KIT
The screen print kit is an invitation to experiment with color and composition, and to express one’s creativity.
Print your own tees or take a full kit home and design it how you want it with an INDIVIDUALIST® (@individualist.lab) collaboration with XLARGE (@xlarge_us) DIY Screen Printing Kit. I’d love it if I could learn how to make shirts myself. I’ve previously worked in the screen printing biz as an apparel graphics designer, and although my involvement with the process was complete once we output the color separation films, I was always curious about the steps from concept design to finished, printed product.
4: First We Feast Lagoon
Lechón Asado Yuca Fries with garlic aioli and pink pickled onions from Señoreata.
I’ll be honest, I was mostly raised on Southern-style cooking, microwave dinners and fast food, and as such, my adult palette wasn’t very well developed beyond ketchup, butter, and Sweet Baby Ray’s. Thankfully, living in LA has exposed me to the world of food trucks, which allow me to experience new foods and new cultures while on a budget, as well as to foodie bloggers who capture LA’s diverse dining options in the most flattering ways, just like these dank-looking fries from Señoreata (@senoreata).
5: Friendship Exchange
Friendship Exchange guests include Nick Diamond and Trinidad James.
Friendship CLB (@friendshipclb) is sitting down with some of the most influential minds in fashion, art, music, sneakers and beyond in a series of conversations on the topics that examine a deeper understanding of each other, our culture, and the passions that inspire us.
Stay tuned to for an update on my full ComplexCon 2021 experience!
Doré Kittrell | GODDESSGRAFX 