ComplexCon, the annual event that brings together the hottest artists, designers, and tastemakers, is back this year with an all-star lineup and a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This highly anticipated event is not only a celebration of culture but also a platform to promote sustainable practices that are crucial for the long-term growth and development of our economy. The brand also makes a note to include conversations surrounding art, music, fashion, and other facets of the entertainment industry that help push the culture forward. Not to mention huge brand collaborations between art, designers, and celebrities.
One of the key highlights of ComplexCon was “The Marathon Clothing” store activation. Ermias Joseph Asghedom, commonly known as Nipsey Hussle, was a pillar to his community in Los Angeles. The rapper, activist, and entrepreneur created “The Marathon Clothing” store located in South Central LA on Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, and it has been around since 2017. Subsequently, he was fatally shot in front of his store two years later. His girlfriend at the time, Lauren London, was seen at the ComplexCon activation. The actress has been vocal about how hard the passing of her beloved partner Nipsey was and how it has shifted her life. “My loyalty and devotion is to you”, she said, reciting a text message she sent him while he was asleep. She shared this message at Nipsey's funeral, holding back tears. It was an absolute pleasure seeing her smile and continue to support the “love of her life” and commemorate his memory.
We got a chance to speak to some influencers and stars about their ComplexCon experience and what “culture” meant to them. Those among many who joined the conversation included the cast of Netflix’s hit show Love is Blind. Newlywed Brent Brown, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. He states, "It's like a constant thing that can bring people from all over different backgrounds together. This feels like the epicenter of Culture."
Marshall Glaze, a strong advocate for street culture, believes that there is no better culture than street culture. This mindset reflects the power of authenticity and staying true to oneself. Kwame Appiah, another influential figure, sees culture as a reflection of one's internal state. He finds it beautiful to witness the self-expression and creativity at ComplexCon, stating, "It's like bringing Ghana with me."
Luka Sabbat
Photo courtesy of Complex
Luka Sabbat, a renowned fashion influencer, actor, and model, believes that culture is whatever people make it. He lives in his own world and does not conform to societal norms. This individualistic approach showcases the diversity and uniqueness of the cultural landscape at ComplexCon. He was there exhibiting a recreation of the living room from his hotel room in the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.
Sustainable brands like Murd333r.FM, owned by Tate M. and Bloody Osiris, are actively participating in ComplexCon once again. They prioritize sustainability by reusing old pieces and working with a women-owned operation in Turkey. Tate explains, "We source these hoodies from Turkey, it's 100% organic Turkish cotton. We don't source our stuff from China, it's all coming from Turkey and other places that have sustainable systems in place and pay a living wage." This commitment to sustainability is evident even in their pricing strategy, as they cap their prices at $333 to ensure affordability for consumers and to provide brand consistency.
ComplexCon is not just about fashion and sneakers (though anybody who knows anything about sneakers and fashion was in the building) but also a hub for art and food culture. The event showcases an array of creative and innovative artwork and installations, including cover artist Nicky Chulo, and exhibits that cater to the diverse interests of attendees. From eye-catching paintings and sculptures to interactive digital installations, ComplexCon aims to provide a platform for art that pushes boundaries and sparks conversations.
When it comes to food, ComplexCon offers a unique culinary experience by inviting some of the most sought-after eateries and food vendors. From trendy food trucks to famous restaurants, attendees can indulge in a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from gourmet burgers and tacos to exotic fusion dishes. One food highlight was Hot One's collaboration with Hot Pocket, debuting four new incredible spicy flavors. Hot Ones is a talk show hosted by Sean Evans, produced by First We Feast, and Complex Media, created by Chris Schonberger. Hot Pockets is a cultural classic.
Lauren London
Photo by @hercshotthat
Additionally, ComplexCon has become known for its brand collaborations, particularly between designers and celebrity guests. This year, renowned artists and musicians like Chris Brown and Jim Jones joined forces with notable fashion brands to create limited-edition collections exclusively available at the event. Chris Brown with The Auracles, and after 20 years, Dipset reunited with B.B. Simon. These collaborations not only demonstrate the intersection of fashion and music but also give fans and attendees the opportunity to own one-of-a-kind pieces that combine the artistic visions of their favorite celebrities and designers.
ComplexCon is not just about celebrating culture and sustainability; it also serves as a platform for influential voices to share their messages. T.I., a highly respected Grammy-nominated rapper, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and sharing one's lifestyle organically. He states, "Being authentic to how you live and sharing that lifestyle, that mindset, that perspective with others organically. Sharing it by being the example of how you live your life." T.I. has made groundbreaking moves in the music and entertainment industry and he's currently promoting his new independent film Da’Partments, which stars himself, Lil Duvall, DC Young Fly, and his son King Harris.
In a lighthearted conversation between Funny Marco and Speedy Morman, the importance of not chasing money is highlighted. Funny Marco shares the valuable lesson he learned from his former manager, Ray, stating, "Do not chase money." He believes that true success lies in waking up every day and doing what you love, rather than focusing on material possessions. He gave himself flowers during the interview but also gave fans a hint that he might be changing his name from Funny Marco to his real name Marco Summers, but he has to earn that right.
Many of your favorite celebrities were simply walking around buying and ingesting the environment, like Luh Tyler, Xzibit, YG, Swaggy P, Russell Westbrook, who was spotted with his son, social media star La’Ron Hines, Kid Cudi, who headline Sunday night, and millennial childhood favorite Barney, made an appearance.
As ComplexCon continues to grow and evolve, it remains a symbol of cultural expression, sustainability, and economic growth. Speedy Morman expresses his excitement about being a part of ComplexCon, stating, "Feels incredible, happy to be here, dream come true." He envisions an even brighter future for the event, saying, "ComplexCon 2023... movie. And if you're not here this year, come next year. It will be even more lit."
Speedy has had some of the most entertaining and informative interviews in the last few years, including his recent sit-down with Rick Ross and Meek Mill. And who can forget his hilarious moment with Ray J and his Raycon glasses? Speedy Morman is one of the voices pushing the culture as it stands and one of Complex’s star players.
In conclusion, ComplexCon 2023 promises to be a cultural phenomenon that merges art, design, sustainability, and star power. This event serves as a testament to the importance of embracing diversity, staying true to oneself, and prioritizing sustainability. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for our economy, environment, and quality of life.
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Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
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Unmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
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Okay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
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If off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
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A friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
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It’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
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I once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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1. Create a Budget. Stick to It.
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Budgets, boy. I recently read that one of the reasons why they don’t work for a lot of people is because many folks don’t have a clue about how much money they spend on a monthly basis to begin with. SMDH. That said, at the end of the day, it’s important to remember that a budget is simply setting boundaries/limits on your spending — and being intentional about moving in this fashion is always a wise move; especially when it comes to this time of the year…especially being that it’s typical for half of all Americans to take on some type of holiday season debt with 17 percent needing six (or more) months to pay it off.
Know what can prevent this kind of financial chaos? A SPENDING BUDGET. Tips for how to create one of your own this year can be found here.
2. Never Shop When You’re Stressed or Pressed
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You know how they say that it’s not a good idea to go grocery shopping when you’re hungry? Although the holiday season can be a stressful time, avoid shopping for gifts (or décor or food for recipes) when you are feeling stressed out or pressed for time. More times than not, that cultivates anxiety which could cause you to either purchase things that you don’t really want or to spend money that you don’t really have (P.S. If you’re relying on credit cards, that qualifies as money that you don’t really have. Just sayin’).
3. Don’t Keep Up with the Joneses
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Know something else that can stress you out: trying to keep up with the Joneses. And y’all, now that we have social media, the reality is that envy is at an all-time high. That’s because it can be really easy to watch holiday engagements, holiday trips and folks bragging about the things that they’ve received in times past, only for you to find yourself wishing that you were them — or putting pressure on yourself and those in your world to keep up.
Listen, it is King Solomon who once said, “So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners” (Proverbs 1:19 — NKJV) and “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30 — NKJV) and he’s considered to be the wisest man who ever lived (during his time — I Kings 4:30). Yeah, both of these verses are a spiritual reminder that whatever you are planning to do or give, do it out of the goodness of your heart — not so that you can low-key “outdo” the next guy.
4. No Need to “Tit-for-Tat”
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This one might be a bit controversial yet I’m totally okay with that. I don’t care what the occasion is, no one is OWED a present. A gift is a voluntary token of one’s appreciation or affection. That said, if you decide to give someone a present this year, don’t automatically expect something in return. If you get something, cool. If not, if you were giving for the right reasons, it really shouldn’t matter (RIGHT?). On the flip side, if someone decides to get you something and you don’t have something to offer in return, also cool.
Other than going to someone’s home for a holiday dinner or party, for anyone to feel like they should have something in hand because someone else does…that’s not giving, that’s competing — and that absolutely should not be the spirit that you are in (or around) during this time of year.
Again, a gift is not an obligatory thing. If you’ve always thought otherwise, it’s time to do some serious reprogramming.
5. Avoid the Pressure to Buy for Lots of Adults
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Last month, Newsweek published an article that said it’s wise to not spend a ton of money purchasing gifts for adults. A financial expert in the piece said that it’s best to buy for kids because, more times than not, you’re going to get adults something that they already have a lot of, they don’t really need or they’re not going to use (beyond maybe regifting) anyway.
If you’re not feeling that insight, my take would be to exchange names and set a price cap for the grown folks. I say that because, I don’t think that people ever outgrow wanting something over Christmas. It’s just that the over-the-top energy should be reserved for the kiddies — and even then, the “4-gift rule” (want, need, read, experience) is probably your best bet for them…financially and otherwise.
6. Go for Thoughtful over Expensive
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It’s kind of wild how much close-to-torture folks send themselves through to purchase gifts that, a good 6-8 months now, most folks aren’t even going to remember. That’s why it’s also a good idea to purpose in your mind to get something thoughtful over expensive.
Honestly, that’s a big part of the reason why Etsy continues to be a go-to for gifts (for every occasion) for me. It’s because you can oftentimes get things customized/personalized which ends up meaning so much more to people than something that you bought at a generic department store that might have a high price tag yet still lacks in sentimentality and deep meaning.
7. Use Coupons and Promo Codes
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Coupons (and promo codes) are a slippery slope in the sense that…they remind me of when I used to go overboard while thrift store shopping. I say that because, just because I might find several bomb dresses for under $20, what am I going to do with 50 of ‘em (over time)? It’s just as much of a waste of money as buying couture if neither option gets much use.
And that’s kind of the thing about coupons and promo codes. Some people end up overspending because they rationalize that so long as there are discounts attached, it’s all good. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that you should forego coupons and promo codes altogether. The key is to put together your shopping list (and budget) and then use discounts specifically for those items. If you do this, you could save well over $1,000 annually (at least, depending on what you decide to buy).
8. Avoid Add-Ons
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Yeah. Dodge add-on expenses. Add-ons like what? The first thing that comes to my mind is a warranty. What’s the chance that someone is actually going to need that? Another example is paying for things to be “professionally” gift wrapped. Chile, throw that stuff in a gift bag with some tissue paper and go on about your day. All good.
9. Rethink Gift Cards
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If there is any time of the year when there is a noticeable hike in gift card purchases, now would be it. And although they are a convenient approach to gift giving, at the same time, many come with hidden fees, the full amount oftentimes goes unused (which ends up being a waste of money) and they do come with expiration dates that are oftentimes forgotten.
So, if you’re someone who likes to wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping, resist the urge to impulsively pick up a handful of gift cards. Unless it’s to a place that you know someone is going to use within the next few months, they could end up in somebody’s kitchen drawer for the next couple of years. And what a waste that would be.
10. They’ll Get It When They Do. And That’s Okay.
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GiphyOne more. Although it is super thoughtful and proactive to get people their gifts in time for whatever occasion you purchased them for, if trying to reach that goal is going to require paying for rush shipping that is damn near as high as the price of gift or spending a lot of gas money that you don’t have at the moment to drive miles and miles away — take the pressure off to spend a ton of cash just to make sure that something arrives at December 25. Listen, through doing business with Etsy, I have learned that through this administration, there are all sorts of tariff issues going on and the USPS is slower than ever too, so paying more may not guarantee much.
The hack? Send a message that something special is coming…soon enough. The thought really is what counts (more times than not); plus, it builds anticipation of something good coming, even if it’s after all of the Christmas Day hoopla. And no one (with sense) is going to have a problem with that.
Now don’t you feel better? Happy Holiday Shopping, sis.
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