Complex Blog » Events

Havaianas x Complex Pool Party Re-cap

Joe — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:29:59 +0000

On Oct 29, Havaianas and Complex celebrated the Havaianas Model Search with a Brazilian Pool Party at the Hotel Shangri-La in Los Angeles. Hosted by Model Search Winner, Jessica Riccardi, the evening included a hot Brazilian funk soundtrack from DJ Ross One and live samba drummers. Guests had the chance to create their own Havaianas flip flops at a “build your own” station within the party, pick up gift bags and enjoy complimentary Veev Acai Spirit cocktails throughout the night. Check some photos from the jam, below.

Join The TAG Signature Series Charity Challenge

bfred — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:27:26 +0000

Wanna smell good while still helping a worthy cause? With the recent launch of TAG’s Signature Series—which includes official body spray from Ludacris, Rob Dyrdek and Carmelo Anthony—the company just kicked off the Charity Challenge. From now until November 2, 10% of the body spray sales will go to the celebrity’s charity of choice—Dyrdek’s Skate Plaza Foundation, Luda’s Ludacris Foundation, and ’Melo’s Carmelo Anthony Foundation. The celeb who racks up the most sales will get an additional $25,000 towards their charity. Win/win!

• CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHARITY CHALLENGE!

Kid Cudi x Boost Mobile Event Recap

Joe — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:47:14 +0000

Kid Cudi is becoming synonymous with packing out retail shops (Bape store anyone?). Last Thursday night, more than 500 guests lined up outside the grand opening of the Boost Mobile store in Brooklyn on Flatbush Avenue. Hot 97’s Funk Master Flex threw down on the 1’s and 2’s while Kid Cudi addressed a screaming crowd by signing autographs and donating $10K to the Urban Assembly School of Music and Arts.

• CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT!

Converse Conversations Portraits by Stephen K. Schuster

Bradley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:15:24 +0000

Converse is wrapping up its 1HUND(RED) ARTISTS series of sneakers in the next two months, a year-long launch of artist-collaboration sneakers under the Product (RED) umbrella that includes work by everyone from culture heroes Hiroshi Fujiwara and Terrence Koh to music icons Billy Joe Armstrong and Lupe Fiasco.

To drive forward the point that (RED) isn’t a one-off hype machine, but a continuing movement, Converse held its first “Conversations” event, a seated dinner hosted by Converse Sr. Global Director of Visual Arts Scott Patt, musician Lupe Fiasco, and Executive Chef of Aquavit, Marcus Samuelsson, last night at Aquavit in New York City. The dinner brought together 50 cultural movers and shakers, including some of the hype world’s finest, to speak about Africa and what can be done to keep the project alive. Photographer Stephen K. Schuster documented portraits of special guests—read on for images and profiles of Conversations attendees…

Ian Ginoza: Founder KICKS/HI, St. Alfreds, and collaborator on the first Converse x Product (RED) series including sneakers by DQM, KICKS/HI, and Nom de Guerre. Currently working on the upcoming Converse “First String” special projects collection, including the recently dropped Comme des Garçons collaboration and a full collection, debuting spring 2010.

Scott Patt: Sr. Global Director of Visual Arts for Converse, and the man responsible for putting together the 1HUND(RED) Artists program for the Converse brand.

Dave Ortiz: Founder Dave’s Quality Meats, collaborator on the first Converse x Product (RED) series including sneakers by DQM, KICKS/HI, and Nom de Guerre, and continuing to kill it in the footwear, streetwear, and living category, NYC.

Benjamin Liu: New York fashion and cultural organizer extraordinaire, partner to Converse Product (RED) on events.

Lupe Fiasco: Chicago rapper/musician, designer, and collaborator on the Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists program. His sneaker drops this month.

Wil Whitney: Nom de Guerre/Nike Sportswear, and collaborator on the first Converse x Product (RED) series including sneakers by DQM, KICKS/HI, and Nom de Guerre.

Chioma Nnadi: Fashion Editor, the Fader magazine

DC’s X Games Parties Were As Good As Gold

Joe — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:13:01 +0000

Photos: Ekiah Pickett

This past weekend, DC and Monster Energy took over the Standard, Downtown LA hotel where DC Athletes, X Games Athletes, and some of VIPS in the area for the games were treated to the ultimate party-fest, called The Gold Standard.

DC threw a gang of jams, and FUEL TV filmed five episodes of their show “The Daily Habit” on the Standard's rooftop. Guests also got hooked up with sick gifts, and hangover-curing brunches courtesy of New Era. Other sponsors for the event included Fatboy, Incase, Skull Candy, Activision, Sambazon, Toyota, and Fender (as well as Complex). Check out some party pics below, including one of Verne Troyer putting in work!

Inside The ESPY Pre-Party

Joe — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:50:33 +0000

Last night, honorees, ESPN broadcasters, and many, many surgically enhanced breasts surely destined to get fondled by an athlete showed up to the J Bar in Los Angeles for the ESPY Awards pre-party.

DJ Mike Relm warmed up the crowd with his visual remix kung fu until The Roots took the stage for a single set. The New York Giants were in the house including Michael Strahan, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress (wearing the ring) and a blinged-out Brandon Jacobs. We spotted Terrell Owens, Dr. J, Brady Quinn, A.J. Hawk, Ray Allen, Greg Oden (no way that guy is 19 years old, it’s just not possible) all hanging out in the crowd. The ESPN crew was also well-repped with Trey Wingo, Erin Andrews and the Schwab all attending. Check the candids after the jump.

Greg Oden

The Schwab

Erin Andrews and Complex Staff Writer D.Scott

Brandon Jacobs

Terrell Owens

Trey Wingo

Ray Allen

Tyler Hansbrough

BBQ Claims The Hamptons Ain’t Cool

Joe — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:30:03 +0000

Talib Kweli and DJ D-Nice at the Hudson Terrace

This year’s “The Hamptons Ain't Cool” party'a get together that channels old-school downtown NY steeze'was recently held at The Hudson Terrace, where partygoers enjoyed food, music and booze.

The BBQ-style jam called awareness to NYC OGs who’ve been displaced due to the increased cost of living, while poking fun at the swanky Long Island weekend getaway. Food was provided by La Esquina chefs, and drinks were served up by Tanqueray and Pepsi (other sponsors included Blacksmith, Epiphany, and Complex). In addition to solid food and drink, Pete Rock spun hits on the ones and twos and the night was capped off by a performance by the BK MC himself, Talib Kweli. Check out some flicks from the event after the jump.

Team U.S.A Basketball Takes Over NYC

Joe — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:37:45 +0000

U.S.A Basketball Day / Photos: Bradley Carbone
The NBA superstars that will represent the U.S.A this summer in Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics assembled in NYC today for a daylong Nike-sponsored event (they were showing off the gear that Nike cooked up for the summer games) that included a boat ride around the East River and their first introduction to the public at Rockefeller Center.

Joined by the league's M.V.P Kobe Bryant, basketball's best players like Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwayne Wade cracked jokes in between serious Q&As, where they stressed that they’re focused solely on bringing home Olympic gold to the United States'something that hasn't been done since 2000. Complex snapped some flicks of the squad throughout the day, and zeroed in on some of the footwear they'll be wearing this August, like the newly-introduced Jordan Olympia and Lebron's special make-up Olympic joints. See the pics after the jump.

King James

Kobe Bryant & Carmelo Anthony

Tayshaun Prince, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony

Dwayne Wade’s iron fist

Lebron’s Olympic Sneakers

Kobe, Tayshaun Prince, Chris Bosh

Carmelo Anthony’s Jordan Olympia kicks

Lebron shows love to the crowd

See you in Beijing.

Go Skateboard Day & Emericaâ€™s Wild Ride Invade NYC

Joe — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:44:45 +0000

Each year on June 21st, National Go Skateboard Day seems to get bigger and bigger. This year, close to 4,000 kids descended on the city, starting at the Brooklyn Banks, traveling to Tompkins Square Park, and then making their way to KCDC in Brooklyn for the finale, which included a concert by the band Children, the Emerica pro team fresh off from the Wild Ride motorcycle tour, and enough free stuff to keep even the craziest of the monkeys satisfied. Click the jump for photographs taken at the KCDC stop by our Lifestyle Editor Bradley Carbone.

Inside The Opening Of BAPE’s First L.A. Store

bfred — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:58:25 +0000

Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage

The sign on the building said “Go Ape,” and that's exactly what the city of West Hollywood did last night (April 23) at the Grand Opening of A Bathing Ape’s first West Coast retail location. The Japanese streetwear store, which opens to the public tomorrow (April 25), was host to some of the biggest names in hip-hop yesterday with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Rick Ross and Jermaine Dupri all stopping by. But it wasn't just a night for rap, as the event was also highlighted by the appearances of Tennis star Serena Williams, actress Dania Ramirez (X-Men 3, Heroes), actor Jonah Hill, rocker Pete Wentz, soon-to-be drafted NBA player Kevin Love (UCLA) and even Iron Mike Tyson. See some more photos from the event after the jump.

[Click on an image to view full size]

Photos by Arnold Turner/WireImage and Tim “Styles” Sanchez

Real Scary Shit Is Right!

complex — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:56:58 +0000

Is this not the female version of Rocky from Mask? Sorry to end your day with something this hideous, but it is Halloween! Good ol’ lion-face is by far the scariest creature that has ever crawled the planet and yet she’s 100% real, making this one of the best invites for a Halloween party in a long while. Oh, and if you’re still wondering what the hell you’re gonna do tonight, and happen to be in NYC, take your last-minute procrastinating ass over to 323 West Broadway and experience all the joys of ‘National Slut Day’ in the big city.

Fireman

treats — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:01:47 +0000

There are many different versions of the American dream. There's your rags-to-riches stories (P.Diddy, Nas) and then you have Kevin Federline. Call knocking up wifey, Britney Spears, promoting his burgeoning rap career, taking a body slam from pro-wrestler John Cena and modeling for Five Star Vintage clothing hard work, or key photo opps. Recently, the overnight celebrity teamed up with Complex, Bacardi Limon, and Budweiser Select to host a launch party for the fledging brand at Kitson Men in Los Angeles. Federline snapped a few photos for the swarm of paparazzi and plugged his new album Playing with Fire, set for a Halloween release. This is surely no trick, maybe a treat.

No Sleep ’til New York

treats — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:07:54 +0000

Anyway you look at it, there's nothing good about a red-eye flight. But cheapo airliner, Jetblue has changed all that (at least we thought). In a recent promotion, the company partnered with New York spa, Bliss to bring beauty rest to late night's unfriendly skies. Sadly, the refreshing kit of lip and body moisturizers and earplugs weren't passed our way during Complex's return to NYC from last weekend's etnies GvR skate competition in Lake Forest, CA. In its third year, amateurs and pro-skaters challenged their riding stance (goofy versus regular foot) with a chance to win cash prizes. Money, cash and ahem, women also followed the pack of skate rats from the park to the etnies 20-year anniversary party where the Beastie Boys also performed. After their 20-year run in rap, the Beasties alongside turntable wizard, Mixmaster Mike still got the props, well, rather the crowd's adoration, and not the giant phallic from their heyday. Check out the photos from the party while we take a nap.

Etnies founder and owner, Pierre Andre (left) and 17-year-old pro-skater, Ryan Sheckler (right).

Hey, don’t kill the messenger.

Mixmaster Mike (background) gave the illest warmup routine for the classic Beasties.

Mike D rocking a BAPE hoody with the “Jew-fro.” Nice.

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DJ Mike Relm synched his set along to some sick skate videos and movie clips.

This man needs no introduction, or maybe he does. Archbishop Don "Magic" Juan.

Um, we’re not skaters, but we flip a mean ollie. Holla!

This is not the after party for your prom. Go home!

Queens Reign Supreme

treats — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 19:07:50 +0000

All those that slept late after being wowed by the pro-skaters on Friday night, are kicking themselves for missing Saturday's etnies Girl street jam. Not to be outdone by some of GvR's all-star lineup of skaters, the ladies ripped through all three heats, for a chance to win cash prizes and advance to the finals. Judged by their best, most consistent tricks, riders like Lauren Perkins (Goofy), and Evelien Bouilliart (Regular) dazzled the crowd with back-side 50/50s, and Emerica’s Marisa Dal Santo (Regular) gave the other girls some stiff competition hitting crazy lines at both ends of the course'vertical ramp to the bank. Here's the rundown of the winners:

1. Marisa Del Santo (Regular), USA
Sponsors: Emerica (Flow), RQ Boardshop

2. Evelyn Bouilliart (Regular), USA
Sponsors: etnies Girl, Element

3. Lacey Baker (Goofy), USA
Sponsors: Billabong, Es, Bones, Venture, Utility Boardshop, Element

4. Lauren Perkins (Goofy), USA
Sponsors etnies, Volvom, Nixon, Oakley, World Industries

5. Amy Caron (Regular), USA
Sponsors: Villa Villa Cola, Popwar, Rockstar Bearings, Circa, Krux, Speed Metal

The 16-year-old, goofy footed Lorena Lima repped for the etnies team with some sick kick flips and manuals.

Marisa Dal Santo nailed this ollie over the cone and landed first place in the street jam.

Toe to Toe

treats — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 22:41:28 +0000

After enduring a grueling flight from New York, Complex finally touched down in Lake Forest, California last night for the etnies Goofy vs. Regular contest. Judged by the World Cup of Skateboarding, the three-day competition pits the world's best goofy (right foot forward) and regular (left foot forward) riders against each other to declare which stance is better. Last night, the weekend-long contest kicked off with series of bowl jams ' Omar Hassan took the top spot for the pros while Steve Caballero won the Grand Masters and Holly Lyons repped for the ladies in the etnies Girl Push Jam. See the other top winners below and check Complex.com for more daily updates.

Pro Bowl Jam Final Results

1 Omar Hassan Costa Mesa, CA (USA)

2 Rune Glifberg Copenhagen, DEN

3 Brian Patch Huntington Beach, CA (USA)

4 Bruno Passos Rio de Janiero, BRA

5 Taylor Bingaman Sacramento, CA (USA)

6 Chris Cudlipp Kehei, HI (USA)

7 Aaron Astorga San Diego, CA (USA)

8 Jimmy The Greek Clearwater, FL (USA)

9 Vince del Valle Kenmore, WA (USA)

10 Tim Johnson St. Marys, GA (USA)

Grand Masters Bowl Jam Final Results

1 Steve Caballero San Jose, CA (USA)

2 Lance Mountain Alhambra, CA (USA)

3 Lester Kasai Anaheim, CA (USA)

4 Jeff Grosso Arcadia, CA (USA)

5 Micke Alba Montclair, CA (USA)

6 Glen Charnoski Boulder, CO (USA)

7 Pat Ngoho Venice, CA (USA)

8 Mike Smith Hermosa Beach, CA (USA)

9 Steve Alba Badlands, CA (USA)

10 Jesse Martinez Venice, CA (USA)

Etnies Girl PUSH Jam Final Results

1 Holly Lyons Walnut Creek, CA (USA)

2 Cressey Rice Phoenix, AZ (USA)

3 Heidi Fitzgerald Clearwater, FL (USA)

4 Kristi Sanders Orange, CA (USA)

5 Julie Kindstrand Santa Ana, CA (USA)

6 Mandy Esch Orange, CA (USA)

7 Alize Montes Seal Beach, CA (USA)

8 Heidi Kreis San Pedro, CA (USA)

9 Melissa O’Grady Santa Monica, CA (USA)

10 Melissa Dafnos Costa Mesa, CA (USA)

Deja Vu

treats — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:08:23 +0000

Lately, here in NYC it seems like everywhere we turn, another Puma store opens. Damn, and we thought McDonald's omnipresence was bad. But this is a good look for Puma. Their new concept shop in Union Square extends their presence in hipster neighborhoods beyond their locations on Broadway and the Meatpacking District. By the way, the Union Square one is in fact next door to McDonald's. You want fries with them kicks?

UM by Puma is a pretty sick collapsable bike, especially for those that live in a closet-sized apartment.

Puma x Evisu. True Love Never Dies.

Puma’s in-store Mongolian BBQ. Customize your kicks right here.

These RS-100’s will never go stale.

Slim-Fit

treats — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 23:49:29 +0000

As our denim gets tighter, we're getting a little self-conscious of busting from our seams. Hey, there just ain't enough room in our pockets to fit a wad of dollar bills from a night of making it rain at the local gentlemen's club, much less room for our cell phones. Thankfully, T-Mobile knows what's up by going razor thin with the new Samsung Trace phone. Attendance at this week's launch party at NYC's Y Apartment guaranteed us the free slimly designed phone and one less uncomfortable bulge. That is, until Nina Sky made a guest appearance. Just peep the photos while we hang our heads in shame.

The Nina Sky appearance gave us more than we bargained for.

The last of the backpack rap dynasty, Pharoahe Monch delivers for nostalgic fans later this year with his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Desire.

Fabolous keeps it gangsta with some Samsung execs.

Photography by Soul Brother

Chain Gang

treats — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:15:34 +0000

If you're as into Entourage as much as we are, you've seen the kick-ass episode of Chase and the gang living it up in Vegas, where they end up, well, literally kicking ass. Since its airing, light has been increasingly shone on new Geffen artist Jibbs, whose catchy “Chain Hang Low” bumped during the tantalizing stripper scene. Last night, Complex showed face in the heart of Times Square for the rapper's listening party to see what all the buzz was about. Regrets? None at all. With songs on his debut album Jibbs Feat. Jibbs (set to drop October 24) featuring Lil' Wayne, Yung Joc, and Chamillionaire, Jibbs is on his way to becoming the iced-out Midwest rap artist Baby could only hope to mentor.

Jibbs lets it all hang out…his chain that is.

Spread Your Wings

treats — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 20:14:20 +0000

OK, so we have no interest in women's makeup or underwear. Well, maybe their underwear. Sadly, we didn't get a glimpse of any Victoria’s Secret unmentionables at last night's launch party at NYC's Xchange building for their new makeup line, Very Sexy. Fortunately, being in the presence of all the Victoria's Secret angels was all we needed. We'll have to make due until the fashion show this December on CBS. Stay tuned.

If this is what heaven looks like we’re happy to take a dirtnap. (From left to right) Selita Ebanks, Alessandra Ambrosia, Izabela Goulart.

(From left to right) Alessandra Ambrosia, Izbela Goulart, Giselle Bundchen, Karolina Kurkova.

Giselle, you are so close, yet so far.

Treats like cotton candy was given out to the guests. We couldn’t take this one home.

Hats Off

treats — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:52:38 +0000

DC and New Era’s baseball-themed, limited-edition, totally sick 20/94 sneaker and hat collabo was begging for a launch party, and the companies didn't disappoint. Complex was there Saturday night in a NYC gallery space, where skateboarders and the incurably stylish partied to the sounds of the Heavy Hitters. Eventually, a half-pipe was unveiled, and skaters provided additional entertainment for the packed crowd, most of whom received special invites printed on skate decks'with the DC's and New Era's histories spelled out on the board.

We’ll leave the skating to the pros and keep our deck for decorative purposes. Thanks.