Mike DeStefano
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Articles by Mike DeStefano
LISTED: 50 L.A. Creatives Moving Culture Forward in 2026
Key Takeaways In advance of ComplexCon, this feature celebrates 50 LA-based creatives across music, fashion, food, fine art, film, and photography who are shaping the city's culture in 2026, including filmmaker Curry Barker, who turned a $750,000 horror movie budget into a $17 million opening weekend for "Obsession." Photographer Zamar Velez built a client list including Issa Rae, Pharrell and Tyler, The Creator within two years and co-founded the Black Image Center to give Black youth access...
VandyThePink Turned His Signature Characters Into Squishmallows for ComplexCon 2026
Few streetwear brands have had as consistent of a presence at ComplexCon as VANDYTHEPINK. From his burger-themed booths to experiences inspired by Pokémon, Vandy and his immersive setups have consistently been a highlight of ComplexCon weekend since his first event back in 2021. For ComplexCon 2026 in Los Angeles, VANDYTHEPINK will be showcasing arguably his cutest collab to date. The Korean designer will be dropping his own Squishmallows.
Fragment Design, BRABUS, and DAB Are Bringing the Future of the Automotive Industry to ComplexCon
BRABUS CEO Constantin Buschmann describes the brand’s mission as the “one second wow.” At ComplexCon 2026 in Los Angeles, it hopes to elicit that exact reaction through a brand new partnership with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design. “Designing luxury products, you have to touch people's hearts within a second of people seeing them. Otherwise, we're not standing a chance,” Buschmann tells Complex. “I love to engage with other designers, especially if they're trailblazers like Hiroshi is.
Heron Preston Makes His Return to ComplexCon to Debut a New Collab With Formula E
Heron Preston is a streetwear veteran. For the past decade, he’s been a key figure in streetwear’s continuous evolution that has designed at every level of it. Bootleg sneakers and T-shirts helped put him on the map in the 2010s. He was a member of the iconic Been Trill collective around the same time. In 2016, he founded his own namesake brand, which he recently regained full control of in 2025.
The 10 Most Memorable MTV VMAs Looks of All Time
The annual MTV Video Music Awards are this Sunday. While the show doesn’t hold the same weight as it did throughout the 2000s, it does have plenty of iconic moments that are worth looking back on. Many of them are tied to the ensembles that some of music biggest stars decided to pull up to the event wearing or hit the stage in. This list isn’t strictly examining who the best dressed stars in VMAs history have been.
The Return of Wu Wear: Everything to Know About Wu-Tang Clan's Clothing Brand
There are few marks in hip-hop as ubiquitous as the Wu-Tang Clan’s “W” logo. And one of the best ways we’ve ever seen that marking utilized was through Wu Wear. Spearheaded by Oliver “Power” Grant and founded in 1995, the label was a pioneer that came onto the scene long before it was commonplace for rappers to have their own clothing lines. While its impact is everlasting, the brand has gone through many ebbs and flows over the past 30 years.
The 10 Rarest Fashion Items From the Casanova Vintage Archive: Hermès Birkins to Raf Simons Jackets
Key Takeaways Casanova Vintage's archive fashion vault showcases its 10 rarest pieces, Raf Simons, Yohji Yamamoto, Hermes, Goyard, and Louis Vuitton. The Raf Simons "Riot Riot Riot" Fall/Winter 2001 bomber jacket ranks among the most coveted archive fashion pieces, worn by Kanye West, Drake, and more recently Yeat.
Drake's 'FOMO' Short Film: All of the Insane Clothing, Cars, and Jewelry
Drake recently dropped off his latest visual, FOMO. The short film teased some new music, highlighted by multiple Don Toliver-assisted tracks including the anticipated “Choosin’ Texas” remix, but it was also rife with a ton of insane style moments. If you missed out on Drake’s FOMO short film, check out all of the notable style easter eggs below, from custom Chrome Hearts to one-of-one Rolexes to Hot Topic trips with Pinkchyu.
The 25 Best New Balance Sneakers of All Time
It’s an understatement to say New Balance is “having a moment”; the Boston-based brand become a staple with sneakerheads in the 2020s. Over the last several years, the privately held company has positioned itself as a major player in the athletic footwear space, a move spurred by a perpetual string of “it” collaborators and athlete signings. The has released countless models over the years, and now we’re ranking the best New Balance sneakers of all time.
Skate Legend and FA Founder Jason Dill Is Rebuilding His Brand's Studio at ComplexCon 2026
When you think of hot spots to open a clothing store in Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard probably isn’t your first choice. That is, unless you are Jason Dill. The skate legend isn’t interested in following the crowd. So, he opened a flagship store/studio space for his provocatively titled skate brand, Fucking Awesome, on the kind-of-dingy, tourist-laden block back in 2019. “I'm out of my fucking mind for opening a store on Hollywood Boulevard, but it sure looks good,” says Dill.
The Best ComplexCon Style Drop Every Year Since 2016
ComplexCon 2026 is fast approaching. With just a few weeks before the 10th anniversary of the event and its first installment in Los Angeles, we wanted to take a look back at all of the exclusive drops that have debuted at ComplexCon since its inception back in 2016.
KLEKT Gets Personal With New ‘Sole Stories’ Series
KLEKT, one of Europe’s leading marketplaces for authentic sneakers and streetwear, has completed the first season of Sole Stories, a new interview series hosted by renowned sneaker designer, collector and KLEKT Chief Community Curator, Sean Wotherspoon. Bringing together influential figures from sneaker culture, fashion, entertainment, art and music, the series looks beyond the hype, resale value and latest releases to explore the personal stories behind the sneakers people collect.
What to Know About A.Presse, the Japanese Brand That Just Collaborated With Supreme
What’s the next great brand to know in Japanese menswear? The answer is A.Presse. While the brand has quietly made a name for itself by building in the background for the first few years of its existence, that recently changed when an official collaboration with Supreme was announced earlier this week.
Alpinestars RSRV Is Turning Motorsports Gear Into a Modern Luxury
If you know anything about motorsports, you know Alpinestars. Its performance gear has been worn by legends like Supercross rider Jeremy McGrath and F1 driver Michael Schumacher for decades. But even if you don’t even know the difference between MotoGP and motocross, you know Alpinstars. Its flower-shaped logo is one of the most recognizable markings. The brand’s is not limited to dirt tracks and Formula 1 circuits.
Alpinestars RSRV Is Turning Motorsports Gear Into a Modern Luxury
I got a sneak peek inside the Circus Extreme big top in Cork - and it's not just for kids A family trip to the circus can be a great way to entertain the kids - and there's a circus in Cork right now that even the adults will get a thrill …
"It Feels Like Tradition": Alice Hollywood's Shane Gonzales Reflects on 10 Years of ComplexCon
Before he even turned 20, Shane Gonzales was being heralded as one of the leaders of the next generation of streetwear. His brand Midnight Studios quickly became one of the hottest new brands out of the streetwear hot bed that is Los Angeles. With its punk edge and luxury-leaning designs, Gonzales caught the attention of tastemakers like ASAP Rocky. He called Virgil Abloh a mentor.
From Fairfax to Outer Space: The Importance of the Billionaire Boys Club x Carrots Collab
When you look back on streetwear history, there are distinct eras that you can pinpoint. In the 2000s, streetwear was knocking on the door of the luxury fashion world. With the help of figures like Pharrell and NIGO, and their massively influential brand Billionaire Boys Club, streetwear items were suddenly aspirational goods being placed in the same conversations as brands like Louis Vuitton. In the 2010s, Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue became ground zero of a streetwear renaissance.
How Hellstar Became One of the Most Influential Brands in Modern Streetwear
Three years ago, Hellstar experienced its watershed moment. Its 10th capsule collection since starting in 2020 had made $2 million in just 30 minutes. Yet, co-founder Sean “Seanie” Holland was frustrated. The LA-based label had accidentally listed a T-shirt for $0 on the website, and hundreds of customers checked out with it before the team noticed the error. On top of that, Seanie kept seeing negative comments online that the brand’s sell-out was fabricated, and that Hellstar was a scam.
What to Know About Japanese Denim: History, Buying Tips, and More
Everybody loves Japanese denim. It’s treated as the holy grail of jeans. But why? If you’re embarking on your Japanese denim journey, there are some things you need to know. From its origins to pivotal movements like The Osaka Five to shopping tips to what selvedge even actually means, treat this as a starting point. Here are some things to know about Japanese denim.
10 Pieces of Vintage Kobe Bryant Merch Worth Hunting For
Aug. 24 (8/24) is Kobe Bryant Day. In celebration of the day honoring one of the greatest NBA players of all time, we decided to do a little digging and uncover some of the best vintage Kobe merch of all time. Sure, there’s a lot of sneakers, but we’re leaving those alone for this list. From parking lot bootleg T-shirts to streetwear collabs to some of the craziest leather jackets you have ever seen, there’s has been tons of incredible Kobe gear over the years too.
Why Did Fugazi End Up Selling Its Vans Collab for $5?
Why Did Fugazi End Up Selling Its Vans Collab for $5? Style The streetwear brand ended up selling its first sneaker collaboration for $5 cash. This is how it happened. What do a streetwear brand that released its first product in 2019 and a hardcore band formed in Washington DC in 1986 have in common? Well, almost nothing, except for the name.
The 10 Best Items From Supreme Fall/Winter 2026, Ranked
Supreme Fall/Winter 2026 is here. We already gave our first impressions yesterday. Now, it’s time to sort our our favorite pieces from the expansive collection. From grail-level Jeff Hamilton leather jackets to luxury furniture to amazing new takes on essential items like double knees and flannels, these are our picks for the 10 best items from Supreme Fall/Winter 2026. 10 Wildlife Camo Raglan LS Top Is it fair to call this one a sleeper? Not necessarily.
Supreme Fall/Winter 2026: Our First Impressions
It’s that time of the year again. Supreme just blessed us with the lookbook and preview for its Fall/Winter 2026 season. Supreme asserted itself as arguably the greatest brand in streetwear right now through a strong mix of viral collaborations with big names like B.B. Simon and Vanson Leathers, footwear debuts with Nike, bold statement pieces, and unmatched essentials items of the highest quality.
Will ComplexCon 2026 Be Jae Tips’ Biggest Yet?
"When my brand started to pop off in 2019, one of my biggest goals was, ‘How do we get to ComplexCon?’” Jae Tips told Complex. Two years later, Jae Tips made his ComplexCon debut at the Long Beach Convention Center. This is before the Saucony collabs gained him the reputation as one of the best collaborators in sneakers and he was showing off his purple grills on billboards in Midtown Manhattan. But the people were already taking notice.
I.AM.GIA and Renowned LA Artist REX Invite You to the “Gia-Verse” at ComplexCon 2026
I.AM.GIA and Renowned LA Artist REX Invite You to the “Gia-Verse” at ComplexCon 2026 Style I.AM.GIA founder Alana Pallister discusses the brand’s first full artist collaboration debuting in LA for ComplexCon 2026. I.AM.GIA has sold more than one million Blare tracksuits since debuting them in 2024. Its pieces have been worn by stars like Mariah The Scientist and thousands more cool, fashionable women around the world.
Why Russell Westbrook Is One of the NBA's Most Important Style Icons
Russell Westbrook, one of the NBA’s biggest style icons and a catalyst for transforming the pregame tunnel into a fixture of the modern NBA, has retired. Why not? That’s the mantra that Russell Westbrook lived by in all aspects of his NBA career. When you saw him lift off for what seems like an improbable dunk or drive to the paint through a sea of defenders, why not?
The Asian Streetwear Brands You Need to Know
It’s impossible to tell the story of streetwear without looking back at all of the incredible brands that have emerged from Asia. And while Japan typically gets all the love, that’s not the only country that’s made an impact on streetwear. China and South Korea are also breeding grounds for brands that have kept streetwear moving forward. There are hundreds and thousands of Asian fashion brands.
Fabolous Reacts to the People Crowning Him the Best Dressed NY Rapper: “I Throw Fits Like a Toddler”
Fabolous is the people’s champ. On July 30, Complex published its list of the 35 best dressed New York rappers of all time. Fabolous was originally ranked number 19. The people didn’t agree. Within days, the Complex community had re-ranked Fab all the way up to the number one spot. “I honor that more than being number one on the original list, man,” Fabolous told Complex. “I actually love that.
Why Fabolous Was Re-Ranked as the #1 Best Dressed New York Rapper by the Complex Community
Why Fabolous Was Re-Ranked as the #1 Best Dressed New York Rapper by the Complex Community Style Originally ranked 19th by Complex's editors, Loso just got his flowers from the people who love his classic NYC style. By The Complex audience just handed Fabolous his flowers, and honestly, it's overdue. After the audience re-ranked our top 35 best dressed New York rappers of all time, Fab shot all the way to the number one spot.
10 Items That Define Women's Streetwear
Key Takeaways 10 era-defining pieces from women-led streetwear labels are highlighted, arguing that creative women have shaped the culture even when brands "by women, for women" were underrepresented. From Triple 5 Soul hoodies and Walker Wear jerseys to X-Girl ringer tees and Baby Phat puffers, the list traces how women’s designs became staples for both downtown scenes and sparked mainstream fashion trends.
A Beginner's Guide to Buying the Right Pair of Jeans
A Beginner's Guide to Buying the Right Pair of Jeans Style In the market for some good denim? We asked an expert, 3sixteen's Andrew Chen, for some pointers to make sure you're finding the right pair for you. Key Takeaways Andrew Chen of 3sixteen provides some key tips and tricks for any beginner’s in the market to buy premium jeans that age well.
Ken Carson's Favorite Clothing Brands, According to His Lyrics
Ken Carson's Favorite Clothing Brands, According to His Lyrics Style From Rick Owens to Vetements, these are the labels that the Opium rapper shouts out the most in his top songs. By Key Takeaways This list digs through lyrics from Ken Carson’s Xperiment album and some of the rapper’s other big tracks to pinpoint which fashion labels he shouts out the most.
The 35 Best Dressed New York Rappers of All Time
Key Takeaways New York City, the birth place of hip-hop, has been home to plenty of stylish rappers over the years, from ’80s b-boy looks and Dapper Dan logomania to today’s stars, who mix runway fashion with streetwear. The list spotlights the 35 best dressed New York rappers of all time. Pioneers like LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Big Daddy Kane, and Slick Rick are highlighted. ‘90s legends like the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Lil Kim, and Nas are also given their props.
The 10 Best-Dressed WNBA Players Right Now
Key Takeaways Aehad of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, this is our ranking of the 10 best-dressed players in the WNBA right now, spotlighting how tunnel fits and red-carpet looks have become a major part of the league’s culture boom.
The Greatest MLB Streetwear Collaborations of All Time
Key Takeaways Baseball has influenced streetwear and modern fashion through items like fitted caps and official collaborations with the MLB and its 30 teams. Major collaborative partners have included Supreme, Kith, Bape, Born X Raised, and Aimé Leon Dore. Contemporary artists like KAWS and Takashi Murakami have also put their own spin on gear for iconic franchies like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs.
10 Streetwear Brands Doing Workwear Right
Key Takeaways Workwear has become a core pillar of modern streetwear, moving from job sites into everyday fashion with canvas jackets, double-knee pants, and chore coats as staples. A mix of heritage and newer labels—like Carhartt WIP, BRUT, Fugazi, Randy’s Garments, Human Made, Stüssy, Big Willy, Hardstone, Fried Rice, and Menace—reinterpret classic work silhouettes with premium fabrics, graphics, and modern fits.
The Perfect Jeans for Every Style and Occasion
Key Takeaways This buyers guide breaks down the best Jeans to add to your wardrobe in 2026, treating denim as a year-round wardrobe essential you can rock for any style or occasion. It spotlights specific pairs like Levi’s 501s for everyday wear, JW Anderson x Uniqlo for affordable straight legs, Stüssy’s Big ‘Ol Jean for baggy fits, and Iron Heart or 3Sixteen for premium Japanese and black selvedge options.
Everything You Need to Know About KAWS
Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, has built up a resume that few contemporary artists can match. His works have occupied museum galleries around the world, fetched millions at auctions, and floated at sea. Simultaneously, KAWS has kept creating accessible pieces of art. Think Nike sneaker collabs, Uniqlo graphic tees, and album covers. No matter the tier, expect to see cameos from his BFF and Companion characters or his signature “XX” motif.
Jay-Z's Top 10 Style Eras, Ranked
Key Takeaways Following Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium residency, this story examines the rappers most important style eras. The list traces everything from early trend-following “Young Hov” fits and the infamous striped button-up “Change Clothes” phase to influential moments like his Iceberg knits, Rocawear’s dominance, and throwback jersey era that shaped how a generation dressed.
I'm a Business, Man: The Rise and Legacy of Jay-Z's Rocawear
Jay-Z’s strong business acumen made him a billionaire. From D’usse to Tidal to the legendary 40/40 club, the rap legend has dominated various industries across his legendary career. It all started in 1999 with his clothing brand, Rocawear. With the help of his then-business partner Dame Dash, Jay-Z built one of the most recognizable clothing brands in hip-hop history.
A History of Jay-Z Wearing Insanely Expensive Watches
Key Takeaways Jay-Z is one of hip-hop’s most serious watch connoisseurs, treating timepieces with the same “only the best” mentality as his music. Ahead of his Yankee Stadium shows, we examine his history of rocking expensive luxury watches His collection includes grail-level pieces, from early Jacob & Co. Five Time Zone and a 2001 Richard Mille RM001 to collabs like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Shawn Carter by Hublot Classic Fusion.
The Best Mexico Gear to Buy for the 2026 World Cup
Key Takeaways A buyer’s guide featuring stylish Mexico gear for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aimed at fans who want something more unique than the standard jerseys. Highlights include designer collabs like Willy Chavarria x Adidas pieces, streetwear drops from Paisaboys and Born X Raised, and special sneakers, tees, and track tops from top sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas.
Who Is Mattias Gollin, the Footwear Designer Making Amazing Vans and Timberlands
Since 2024, streetwear hasn’t been able to put down the gemstones. It seems like every brand has tried their hand at embellishments to varying degrees of success. One of the leaders that has emerged as one of the frontrunners of the trend is Mattias Gollin. The Italian footwear designer has gone viral for his intricate footwear projects that have transformed classic silhouettes like Timberlands and Vans Slip-Ons into wearable art covered in pearls and crystals.
Best of Paris Fashion Week Men's Spring/Summer 2027
Key Takeaways Complex’s roundup crowns Pharrell’s surf-and-skate-themed Louis Vuitton show as the standout runway and accessories moment of Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2027, thanks to its beach set, live-score spectacle, and hit bags and sneakers. Willy Chavarria earns best collection for his intimate, non-theatrical “Comunión” show, while Jordan Clarkson’s Knicks-coded runway look and Gunna’s toned-down fits deliver the week’s sharpest celebrity style moments.
The Most Hyped Items of 2026 (So Far)
Key Takeaways These 10 streetwear and fashion items have been the most talked about throughout the first half of 2026. They sparked lines, resold for hundreds of dollars over retail, and caused nonstop social chatter. Headliners include the chaos-inducing Swatch x AP Royal Pop pocket watches, Supreme’s MM6 Box Logo zip hoodie, and NIGO’s long-awaited Nike Air Force 1 ‘LO2,’ alongside viral surprises like Adidas’ Chinese New Year jacket.
The Best Supreme Pieces You Can Buy For Near Retail Right Now
While it may not be at the insane levels of 2017 and 2018, the Supreme resale economy remains robust. When it comes to the hyped drops, if you cannot get them before they sell out in a matter of seconds on Thursday morning, you have to hit the aftermarket. Usually, that means shelling out more than retail to secure your favorite items. But not always. We took a look at StockX to try and pinpoint some great Supreme pieces that you can score right now for right around retail.
The Best Dressed Rappers of 2026 (So Far)
Key Takeaways In 2026, even in an fashion landscape fragmented by microtrends, hip-hop style remains a powerful force. From veterans like Jay-Z, ASAP Rocky, and Tyler, The Creator to new stars like Molly Santana, the piece spotlights artists whose looks are versatile, trendsetting, and influential.
New York Knicks Championship Parade, Best Style Moments
On June 18, Jalen Brunson’s New York Knicks took over New York City for a long-awaited championship parade. To mark the occasion, plenty of players and hardcore fans decided to show up in some of their best gear. From iconic Jeff Hamilton jackets to custom Chrome Hearts pieces to diamond chains, check out the best style moments from the Knicks championship parade below. Walt Frazier’s ‘Super Mario Sunshine’ Hoodie COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy.
The Best Style Moments From the New York Knicks 2026 Championship Parade
Key Takeaways The best style moments from the New York Knicks 2026 championship parade included Karl-Anthony Towns’ iconic Jeff Hamilton jacket, Josh Hart’s custom diamond Knicks chain by Alex Moss, and Timothée Chalamet’s orange-and-blue Chrome Hearts hoodie.
Hiroshi Fujiwara, Explained: The Godfather of Streetwear
Hiroshi Fujiwara sits at the intersection of music, fashion, and design and his decades of work has influenced the labels you wear and the collaborations you follow. Understanding who he is is a way of understanding contemporary streetwear. With the announcement that Fujiwara & Fragment Design will serve as artistic director for ComplexCon2026, along with Playboi Carti, now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with his storied career. And cop your ComplexCon tickets while you’re at it.
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