ComplexCon has always been a spectacle, but in Hong Kong it felt different. At its core, the event still delivers the same mix of art, fashion and sneakers, but this year’s direction gave it a more regional feel. With Kasing Lung, the creator of Labubu, stepping in as artistic director, there was a noticeable shift in tone.

Across the floor, global names like Off White, CLOT and UGG sat alongside local artists and Korean brands, creating a crossover that felt more reflective of the region. “It was a really nice mix… it felt different,” Emily said. It wasn’t trying to replicate Vegas. It had its own identity.

With so much happening across the weekend, a few moments stood out. The biggest draw came from the Virgil Abloh Archive, one of the key global stops alongside London and New York. The Hong Kong installation brought together pieces from across Virgil’s career, from Louis Vuitton to Colette, with a focus on storytelling over straight product. It also gave attendees the chance to get hands on with the VAA Air Jordan 1 “Alaska”, a pair that felt even more significant seeing it in that setting.

adidas also drew serious attention with its football themed setup, where visitors could customise World Cup kits throughout the day. “I really enjoyed the adidas activation… it was super popular” says Emily.

Away from the booths, there were moments that spoke to the culture itself. We breifly chatted with Sean Wotherspoon at his SWJP for Honda Racing HRC setup, where he’d worked on a custom motorbike. On foot, he was wearing a pair of ACG Terra CLs from 2007, sitting on a sole we recently saw on the Jacquemus J Force 1, a shoe you’re unlikely to see outside of an event like this.

Fit pics told their own story too. From seeing the AVAVAV Super Finger Superstar pulled off in a clean triple black fit, to Uchida stepping out a Sean Wotherspoon x Tomo & Co boots, a cowboy boot and sneaker hybrid with a Vibram sole, it was a reminder that a lot of what’s happening across Asia still flies under the radar.

If ComplexCon Las Vegas reflects a more mature sneaker market, Hong Kong offers something earlier in its lifecycle. That’s not to discredit the city’s history, with Sneaker Street long established as a global destination since the 90s, but the current energy feels different. Less jaded, more curious, and more open.

Even small moments hint at that difference. Across our group, everyone managed to secure a pair of the VAA Air Jordan 1 over the weekend. “It showed Hong Kong was the place to cop,” Emily added.

That wouldn’t happen in the US. Not without significantly more friction. It points to a market that’s still developing, where demand is growing but hasn’t yet hit the same saturation levels.

That shift hasn’t gone unnoticed. As brands look to reduce reliance on the US, Asia is becoming a clear focus. From mainland China to Southeast Asia, a younger consumer base with increasing spending power is opening up new opportunities.

By the end of the weekend, it was clear that ComplexCon Hong Kong had delivered its own energy. In the meantime, catch us patiently waiting for CC Hong Kong 2027.