Skip to Content
Art

‘Our Generation’s World Fair’: Photos from ComplexCon 2018 Hosted by Pharrell Williams and Takashi Murakami

[dropcap size=big]M[/dropcap]ore than 60,000 people packed in the Long Beach Convention Center early this month for ComplexCon, a celebration of street fashion and the world and economy around built around it.  The two-day event billed as "our generation's world fair" is in its third installmen, and once again featured input from the event's cultural director Pharrell Williams and artist Takashi Murakami.

The convention featured a collection of stars from the world of music, art, food, and fashion.

Murakami told WWD that the event is getting bigger each year and attracting brands looking to change it up a bit. “I feel like it’s an experimental ground for streetwear," Murakami told the fashion magazine. "I saw Cadillac and I was like, ‘Oh, Cadillac is here.’ Maybe they are looking to see what kind of reaction they get here to let that influence what kind of direction they’re going to go with the design.”

New York based rapper and chef Action Bronson.

Artist Trav (bottom) x KKADE (top) on display at The Seventh Letter x Tree Base Klear x Fresh Baked booth.

Rapper A$ton Matthews from Los Angeles, California.

Contemporary artist Takashi Murakami returns to the ComplexCon host committee to oversee the brand's identity and help direct the overall design and aesthetic experience of the two day event.

Free tattoo station of pre-selected flash art specifically for ComplexCon.

New York floral artist Mr. Flower Fantastic and his installation at Sole Collector booth.At the McDonald's booth you could create a custom tee and have some fries or nuggets while you wait.

Artist Keith Harrington signing at the BAPE booth for a special limited capsule collab drop.

Rapper and songwriter Sean Kingston wearing his customized Champion Jacket. Boxing demo at the Creed II booth.

Local artists were given wall space to create custom murals inside ComplexCon.

RELATED: A New Mural For Boyle Heights Commemorates the Past and Comments on Gentrification of Today

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

DAILY MEMO: Border Patrol Has Left Los Angeles, ICE Carries On Taking Around 25 People This Week

The Harbor Area Peace Patrollers, who for 8 months stood watch every single morning outside of Terminal Island, today confirmed that ICE and CBP have demobilized from the Coast Guard base. While we’ve seen a decrease in activity with Border Patrol gone, around 25 people were still taken between Monday and Friday from Home Depots, cars, courthouses, and mostly targeted attacks. 

History Teacher Fired After Opening Gate for Students During Anti-ICE Walkout

“Me being the closest adult and trying to prevent other students from jumping the gate, I opened the gate for them,” said Ricardo Lopez. “Within an hour, I was let go.”

February 13, 2026

Weekend Eats: Ice Cream Against ICE and a New Street Branzino From Brooklyn

Plus new a Korean restaurant, a taqueria where the taquero may go shirtless, and a New York pop-up dealing in nothing but grilled whole branzino.

February 13, 2026

The Secrets That Kept These L.A. Couples Together For Half a Century

How does love endure after two people spend 50 years together? We asked three eternal lovebirds. Here is their love-filled wisdom.

February 12, 2026

L.A.’s 15 Best Tacos, According to Adult Film Stars and Sex Workers

“After the most hardcore scenes of my life–especially anal–I would break my fast and celebrate at Tacos L.A. 26," says Kazumi.

February 11, 2026
See all posts