ComplexCon returns to Long Beach, California next week to celebrate the unique intersection of music, food, art, and fashion. And just like the previous installments, the 2022 event will include the popular Brands to Watch installation, which showcases a handful of emerging brands that are making waves within the industry.
This year’s batch consists of four North American brands with very distinct visions and aesthetics, ranging from vintage-inspired casual-wear to minimalist staples to streetwear that celebrates all things pop culture and includes Spencer Badu’s eponymous brand, Edgar Gonzelaz’s andafterthat, Antoine Manning’s Homage Year, and Sebastian Moraga and Roe Hodgson’s No Maintenance. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each brand has to offer:
- Spencer Badu, Spencer Badu: A Toronto-based label that is redefining the idea of uniform and everyday garments.
- Edgar Gonzelaz, Andafterthat: Stationed in the Rio Grande Valley, this 27-year-old is crafting bootlegs T-shirts and cut and sew pieces based on some of his favorite movies and musicians.
- Antoine Manning, Homage Year: Created in honor of passed loved ones, Homage Year pays tribute to the soul through handbags crafted with spiritual desires in mind.
- Sebastian Moraga and Roe Hodgson, No Maintenance: A creative duo using its expertise in vintage clothing to create more accessible pieces with a contemporary twist.
The Brands to Watch installation was introduced in summer 2019 at ComplexCon Chicago, and was revived for the following ComplexCons in Long Beach as well as ComplexLand. Previously featured brands include Advisry, Curves by Sean Brown, Basketcase, and Come Back as a Flower.
ComplexCon 2022 will take place Nov. 19-20 at the Long Beach Convention Center. It will also include panel discussions, food booths, exclusive drops, and a headlining performance from NIGO® to celebrate his new album I KNOW NIGO® alongside Pusha T, Clipse, Kodak Black, Teriyaki Boyz, Ski Mask the Slump God, and more. You can learn more about this year’s event here and grab tickets here.
