Since its inception in 2016, ComplexCon has tapped some of crucial artists and creators on the planet to assist craft the general aesthetic of the large two-day celebration.
Along with creating the visible language of annually’s festivities, these people have additionally supplied up unique merch and even invited some of their closest pals and collaborators to unveil particular tasks.
From legendary artists like Takashi Murakami to probably the most marketable musicians on the planet like Travis Scott, right here is A Complete Timeline of ComplexCon’s Artistic Directors.
The first-ever ComplexCon inventive director was Japanese up to date artist Takashi Murakami. He lent his signature flower and eye motifs to the official signage and flyers. His artwork was even featured on a commemorative challenge of Complex alongside Kylie Jenner. Of course, there was additionally a variety of unique merch annually. Some of probably the most notable tasks got here in 2019. They had been a collab with Mitchell & Ness that consisted of Los Angeles Lakers gear and a multicolored pair of Crocs that dropped just a few years forward of the rubber clogs’ huge resurgence.
Murakami was assisted by Pharrell, who served because the Cultural Director and Host Committee Chair. The Japanese artist and multi-hyphenate helped outline ComplexCon for its first two years in Long Beach. Along the way in which, they had been aided by shut pals like Virgil Abloh, Sarah Andelman, and Marc Ecko, who additionally sat on the host committee.
After COVID-19 compelled ComplexCon to go digital in 2020 and hosts J Balvin and 2021 was inns by J Balvin and Kristen Noel Crawley in place of a creative director, ComplexCon determined to faucet a brand new creator to assist with the occasion’s visuals in 2022. Japanese creator Verdy was the decide.
In addition to restricted version merch designs and banners that integrated his whimsical characters like Vick and Visty, Verdy additionally invited some of his closest pals and friends to man their very own cubicles on the conference ground. Emerging labels included Car Service, Youth Loser, and See You Yesterday. Not solely did Verdy create some of probably the most enjoyable ComplexCon visuals up to now, he made certain to make use of his platform to placed on the following era of streetwear and artwork. The communal vibe of the occasion that 12 months was palpable for anybody in attendance.
One of the largest and most constant streetwear collaborators of the previous decade has been Cactus Plant Flea Market. In 2023, the nameless designer’s greatest challenge was ComplexCon. A large yellow spider was CPFM’s mascot of selection. It was plastered throughout tees, hoodies, and an enormous inflatable model even hung from the outside of the Long Beach Convention Center. In addition to ComplexCon merch, CPFM additionally tapped a handful of shut pals like Marc Jacobs and Levi’s to run their very own cubicles that offered unique collabs. This ended up being the final 12 months that ComplexCon was hosted in Long Beach. Safe to say, it went out with a bang.
To introduce ComplexCon to its new dwelling in Las Vegas, it was time to go larger than the occasion had ever gone earlier than. They tapped music’s most marketable artist to construct his personal world inside of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not solely did Travis Scott headline the weekend-long festivities, he additionally constructed CactusCon. His part of the conference ground was dwelling to a bazaar that includes first-time ComplexCon company like Vetements, Rick Owens, and plenty of extra. Hip-hop’s biggest collaborator additionally made certain to drop off some unique merch with dozens of manufacturers together with the WWE, Nike, IRAK, Fox Racing, and Mowalola. The formidable output made ComplexCon 2024 probably the most memorable installment up to now.
For its second 12 months within the desert, Daniel Arsham helps convey ComplexCon into the long run. One of the largest artists on the planet shall be lending his signature eroded design language to the house. Along with an array of nice merch, Arsham can also be erecting a fuel station, internet hosting a automobile meetup exterior of the Las Vegas Convention Center on Sunday morning, and collaborating together with his pals like Hidden NY, Hublot, and Sushi Club for unique merchandise. You may count on some surprises from Arsham and firm that we are able to’t reveal simply but.
Secure your tickets to ComplexCon 2025 now to be sure to don’t miss it.