While Long Beach, framed by iconic palm trees, and a breezy, local charm, provided the perfect backdrop for a streetwear haven, the success of ComplexCon called for an expansion beyond the West Coast. After a celebrated run in L.A., the media powerhouse, Complex took a gamble and made the bold decision to relocate their convention to Las Vegas. They doubled down on Sin City, and the results were a winning hand, as over 60,000 attendees enjoyed the best of hip-hop, streetwear and pop culture at the November 16-17 event. Though headlining performances from Playboi Carti and 2024 Artistic Director Travis Scott captivated audiences, the heart of the event was the bustling marketplace. Showcasing over 300 of the hottest global brands, including a strong number of L.A.-based innovators, the marketplace became a shining example of how the cultural essence of Los Angeles seamlessly transitioned to the Strip. L.A. brands, with their distinct flair and creativity, proved that while the location may have changed, their impact on ComplexCon's legacy remains undeniable.
In 2016, the media company launched the groundbreaking convention with Pharrell Williams as the ComplexCon Cultural Director/Executive Chair, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami as the Creative Lead, and Travis Scott as one of the opening performers. Long Beach, one of the many homes of hip-hop culture, looks and lingo, was the perfect destination for the two-day event. It allowed L.A. creators to showcase their projects to a larger audience and for consumers to connect in shared experiences with fashion, food, music and even technology. Eight years later, ComplexCon has become a cultural institution, evolving into a must-attend event for streetwear enthusiasts, music lovers, and innovators worldwide. With its move to Las Vegas, the convention has expanded its reach, bringing together even more brands, artists, and experiences to a new audience. It was even a full-circle moment, as Travis Scott took on the role of this year's Creative Director and headliner, carrying the torch forward.
"Travis Scott helped inaugurate the first ComplexCon, and we are excited to welcome him back with an expanded role and as the Sunday night headliner," Complex CEO Aaron Levant says in a statement.
"Travis Scott defines this generation of Complex fans, and we are excited to be working with him in our new home in Las Vegas."
The move to Las Vegas was a strategic one, opening the door to an even larger audience and allowing more brands and fans to immerse themselves in the ComplexCon experience. This expansion provided new opportunities for debuting brands to make a lasting impression while offering returning L.A.-based brands a chance to further elevate their presence and stand out in the global marketplace. Among them, Black-owned, high-tech footwear disruptor FCTRY LAb made a memorable debut at ComplexCon. Co-founder and Creative Director Omar Bailey showcased the brand's latest release, the Black Duck Boot, a reimagined take on the classic silhouette crafted in collaboration with rap artist NLE Choppa.
"We were introduced through a mutual friend about a year ago," Bailey explained. "He came by the lab, and there was this instant energy between us. Both our families come from Jamaica, and we met each other at the right time. He was looking to expand his brand and take it to the next level, and I had the infrastructure to make shoes at the highest level. The rest was history."
Bailey, a veteran of the footwear industry for over 20 years, saw the collaboration as an opportunity to push boundaries and introduce this product to the fashion-forward crowd of ComplexCon. With plans for monthly shoe releases and new collaborations next year, FCTRY LAb is poised to make an even greater impact on the industry.
"The duck boot has been around for like 50 years, and I wanted to reimagine that silhouette—our FCTRY LAb version—where we apply our way of thinking about innovation and pushing boundaries in footwear."
Other L.A. brands at ComplexCon brought the heat with their own signature style, adding to the festival's electric vibe. Kids of Immigrants took over the space with their "Together Gallery" collab with Nike, giving fans a sneak peek at their upcoming partnership and the story behind it. Bricks & Woods teamed up with Blue Paws Denim for a drop that blended laid-back luxury with a touch of street, while Uzumaki Gallery, with artist Uzumaki Cepeda on-site, showed off her next-level furniture pieces that were as stylish as they were functional. And let's not forget Zushi—the cannabis activation that truly took the weekend to new heights.
The weekend wasn't just about the bold brands—ComplexCon's musical lineup was just as epic. With performances from the likes of Playboi Carti, Destroy Lonely, Don Toliver, Sheck Wes and Travis Scott, the energy was non-stop, creating a seamless fusion of culture, creativity, and rhythm. The crowd roared as the biggest names in hip-hop and beyond took to the stage, turning the Las Vegas strip into the ultimate party.
As ComplexCon wrapped up, it was clear that the move to Vegas was a huge success, bringing together fans, brands, and artists for an unforgettable weekend. From the innovative booths to the electrifying performances, it was a celebration of culture that no one could ignore. But as the dust settles, the question remains: What's next for ComplexCon? One thing is for sure—L.A.-based brands proved they're ready to take on the world, and with the festival's growing global presence, the future looks even brighter for the city's creative scene.
