How June Ambrose Helped Jay-Z, Missy Elliott & Busta Become Style Icons | The Complex Sneakers Show

June Ambrose is a costume designer and creative director who’s spent 30 years elevating the style of hip hop icons. She was there with Jay Z since the beginning, she was there when Missy Elliott signed her deal with Adidas, and she was there when Busta Rhymes needed exaggerated visuals to match his energy. In this episode, she relives her long resume, reflects on her Puma work, and dishes out some style advice. Also, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about Jack Harlow’s New Balances, upcoming Nike SB Dunks, and the LeBron James’ potential sneaker for his last season in the NBA.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:10 - 1:33: Episode Topics
1:34 - 10:41: Remembering Dallas Penn
10:42 - 15:10: Jack Harlow x New Balance 1906R
15:11 - 22:31: Welty Meeting Andre Agassi
22:32 - 32:25: New Sneaker Leaks
32:26 - 34:09: June Ambrose Joins
34:10 39:45: Sneaker Cam
39:46 - 44:33: June Ambrose x Puma
44:34 - 1:14:45: June on Her Career
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@Complex]

Who is the best dressed rapper of all time?

[@zanemontego8090]

Ya boi…Trinidad Jame$.

[@superben790]

Trinidad James

[@dominicmayes5577]

Fabulous

[@phil2phli]

Kanye West

[@drewchisholm7198]

1-Slick Rick, 2-Raekwon, 3-Pharrell, 4-Asap Rocky, 5-Killa Cam .......but obviously open to debate

[@ThisxFate]

"Dont be a fan be a friend" might be one of the most beautiful things ive heard on this podcast

[@deec3333]

This was one of my favorite episodes. June Is a pioneer and to hear these stories makes me want to learn so much more about sneaker/fashion history

[@austinbrown7177]

1:35 @complex LOVE that topic menu layout. Very similar to the old school SportsCenter layout. Keep it going!!

[@snkrsandbeats]

Great Show. How amazing is June, so naturally cool, knowledgeable and humble 🙌 Also super happy for the Welty/Agassi moment

[@nbottino32]

Rest Easy DP

[@KingOfSwords720]

That hat looks Crazy af. Like she about to go hunt wascally wabbits 😂

[@boehbah3223]

Elmer Fudd 😅

[@BookerT69]

That bigazz hat 😂😂😂😂 I couldn’t look her straight in the face

[@dylanrupert2357]

She really looks like she's gonna race horses. Looks like a jockey hat

[@crimnvL]

it looks crazy but idk it kinda works if youre a professional creative lol, i also think of pharrell

[@JillianHardeman-Webb]

My favorite episode of all time! She's a living legend and so full of light. An absolute gem.

[@stevensuperville7241]

Great interview, all her answer were thoughtful and well placed. You can tell she is veteran in the game.

[@apenasmarcosfelipe]

I didn't like those Y3s when they were released, that "bridge' thing was weird to me, but seeing them being worn by such a stylish person made me rethink about the whole design of those shoes. Much love, thank you

[@airpsy5976]

Welty wearing some iconic Js, you love to see it. My pair still heavy on the rotation.

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Extremely rare, brings a tear to the eye.

[@Su006]

I can tell he only wore them during the airing of the show. I'm sure he was really wearing those "Keisha Blue" New Balance sitting next to him, they even match his outfit.

[@airpsy5976]

@@Su006 yeah they do that from time to time. Maybe he felt like rocking some Js for the pod, who knows

[@airpsy5976]

@@brendandunnecomplex pretty sure the last time was also this pair last year when he first got em lol

[@vincenttyler4667]

Aj3 is an amazing shoe but welty wearing this shoe is affirmation 😅 that 85 cut Aj1's and new shape AJ4's and AJ11's are the only Jordan's I need in my rotation at the age of 45.

[@luxurypipeline-tp9ht]

This was an amazing show!!! She is really a gem and you all asked some very great questions

[@huwrhysthomasesquire]

I've just watched this on my phone and now opened a tab on my computer to remember to watch it again. Heart warming perfection

[@UrBklynApprovd]

Dope interview. I remember all those pivotal culture connections & proud to see Bronx Girl Ma...turity was behind most of it! June's (been) approved w/o the approval process. B1

[@vanessaragin4377]

THIS is my fav episode so far. I’m a log time June Ambrose fan… she speaks to my fashionista heart. Amazing interview guys. 💜

[@Sneakahead555]

Kick game properrrrr ! Not a Friday without this! Loving the side screen timeline! She’s beyond dope! Really love her style Such amazing conversations! Great job, guys !

[@Dwaynesiphone]

Amazing guest and amazing interview energy thanks guys!

[@ericdiaz153]

R.I.P Dallas Penn 🙏🏼

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Always.

[@sneakerchick562]

Loved this!!!

[@khalil19888]

Matt Welty with Jordan’s on is wild af

[@ayekaloji]

this episode was lovely. shoutout to June Ambrose - so many gems!! more women on this podcast would be fire!! 🐐👩‍🎨

[@blaowskiton]

This set-up is mad nice, colors are amazing.

[@ohiorichkidbeats]

She's great!,excellent episode.. Her personality is beautiful

[@Air234evaa]

I love her 🙏🏽💙, and good job fellas , and Welty came thru today on the questions ! 👊🏽👍🏽

[@youngJstylz]

Pretty good interview. June is so inspiring.

[@SSGVB]

I love her voice

[@nathanielmwangi6572]

Wow June Ambrose ...listening to her voice its so melodic yet purposeful , this interview was amazing as she is just delivering all of these great bars of history in the spirit/ tradition of all the great Griots !

[@MetaMan09]

What’s going on with all these breaks, 2wks is lowkey kinda crazy, especially with no FSR 💯💯💯

[@icysolez23]

JOE LA PUMA LOOKS GREAT IN WHITE SNEAKERS

[@kylebyrne4911]

The Last time I came this early my girl left me 😔

[@yamamistudios]

kicking the episode off with Welty in AJ3 = immediate thumbs up

[@EgeRappa]

🔥🔥🔥💚💚nice podcast

[@AcmeRocket]

What's the white and green puma in the thumbnail?

[@ThePremiumPeteShow]

Long Live Dallas Penn 🕊️❤️🙏🏼

[@theonlynoah]

Love the pod. I am a big fan and long time listener. I have 1 point of feedback though... why do we have to always do a run through of everything welty posts on x or insta? Feels like we're just going thru his timeline every week. This is coming from someone who generally agrees with welty's takes and is a fan.

[@bern717]

Because he’s honestly the one who has the hottest takes. And whether they agree with him or not, it generates conversation

[@vsc_ww]

Nostalgic

[@rickjames2884]

Congrats to Welty for finally meeting Andre Agassi!!!

[@HereAndTher3]

Nice. Top 50

[@platanodash]

R.I.P to the internets. Truly a street legend and had the pleasure of meeting him a few times on the train back in the day.

[@kevincollins8620]

I still regard cross colours. I have been rocking the stuff since like 93

[@gfeast4518]

I have every pair of the floral janoskis so good

[@ryanclark3448]

That hat is top-tier

[@lnpinkstf]

Sneaker Fiends Unite

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Los Internetos.

[@Afropickn]

Great episode, legendary guest

[@myles.decoito]

Welty affirmed: not predictable in the WC3. Haha. Cowabanga. 🤙

[@funkonsight]

Love love her strong personality. If you’re reading this hi 👋

[@qu3nt]

i’m 40 and i got married in sneakers, my first pair of J i had it when i was 10 (in italy) we were kinda stigmatized but i only wear sneakers since 30 years

[@aryanchokshi7908]

top 5 guest no bs👍🏽🫡

[@whosahberg]

That’s a very pretty classy lady you have on there … also the Niblick Blue JOE Freshgoods are incredible

[@davidbodrick1827]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Traceghostcoasttocoast]

Bring full size run back

[@tytompkins9065]

A missy elliott episode would be great

[@MrBlown517]

I’m in Miami Brendan you didn’t talk about the ASAP ROCKY PUMA DROP The Friday and Saturday of race week COLLAB WITH CNCPTS POP UP THAT HAPPENED IN MIAMI AND SOLEFLY DROPPED 4 exclusive stadium 90 Jordan color ways

[@gfeast4518]

I would absolutely love if meyhem became a regular on the show/ fsr replacement

[@daviddownes6402]

RiP DP 🙏

[@sukimala]

it’s EDNA the incredible’s character is based on edith head .. correcting her all loud and wrong 💀😄 .

[@jcgear0069]

Got mine, sitting on show room floor, jd sports

[@dagwoodchat6350]

So no all black shoes except jordan 4?

[@dassgnar]

I do miss Welty's "getting pressed/triggered" meter, I envisioned it above his head for ~ @10:50

[@frankchan5547]

Fabulous guest. Soooo many great stories from a creator. Creators much more interesting than executives. Get more creatives on the show

[@whosahberg]

I’m I hallucinating ?? Matt welt WELTY wearing JORDAN ??

[@ashtonturner2862]

June Ambrose ...what a legend!

[@qu3nt]

she is gorgeous

[@pfunk79one]

RIP Dallas Penn❤🙏🏽

[@rockN]

her shoes are fresh

[@topsoled]

Surprised Welty didn’t call out Dunn for wearing the big bubbles after initially hating on them 🤔

[@myles.decoito]

Break of the pants. Break beats. Break yo self. Ambrose ✊

[@leamondspikes1603]

Where is James?

[@hulisespelayo8990]

Honestly this show doesn’t need guest ,

[@Pubek]

Where’s that Puma is an inferior brand energy Welty??? Chump status

[@registermysongs]

What happened to Trinidad James

[@MrDBcooper77]

If that hat had a Yankee logo…she’d be killing it…😂

[@Nickyb40]

She is cool AF! Epic episode

[@jvgcgjkckhckchckckhhc]

she seems cool

[@freshkicks8623]

oh this is the full size run ? wheres trinidad james ?

[@csn2213]

“A LA”

[@enriqueworthy4481]

BRONX IN THE FRONT.

[@shoeengine1161]

Joe asks everybody the questions that matter... nobody asks Joe the questions that matter. The curse that is being him. 💔

[@MrDjblakmagic33]

So they just re-branded Full Size Run Show without Trinidad James 🤔

[@gfeast4518]

Matt “a la” welty

[@sly13]

wearing the Gendos!!!! Sit and learn Children

[@DA-lk5np]

tell her that the Cam Newton hat thing doesn't work for anyone other than Cam

[@jessewarner5137]

Or cam

[@BurtoniousPrime]

@@jessewarner5137 Or Elmer Fudd. MAYBE Kerwin Frost.

[@dicksmashwell785]

You obviously don’t know who she is or how long she’s been styling celebrities…smh

[@canberkdemirel]

somebody needs to help her for sure. that hat is hilarious...

[@BigDefMuter82]

Big horse girl vibes

[@brutus8123]

The hat is questionable

[@F4GRAPHICS]

I personally don't count Puma or Reebok as serious brands that make sneakers. I always find the materials are just such poor quality. They both make a few pairs that do definitely *look* cool, but I just know they're super uncomfortable and will most likely fall apart :/

[@LilLou97]

You could say the same for those cheap GR dunks that people go crazy for, they’re not even comfortable, and the quality is cheap asf. Every brand makes hit or miss products

[@F4GRAPHICS]

@@LilLou97 I agree on the dunks, not really a Nike guy myself. But the difference is that yes there are misses, but as you say there are also hits. Puma is just pure misses tbh

[@1CHRIS2ZZZZZZ]

Well if you need proof of quality just check LaMelo’s history of injuries 😂

[@SouthJerseyBaitReviews]

probably just haven't bought the right kind of reeboks or pumas cause. I got both that have great materials they even make premium versions of their models like the Made in Germany Puma's and a lot of the Reebok collabs the leather is pretty good for the price.

[@C0nzilla]

Welty tryna make " a la " happen.

[@Duragforever]

ITS BUGGING ME! 😂

[@C0nzilla]

@@Duragforever worse than his surf's up dudes!

[@JSchlo401]

“Would you like the large fitted hat or the extra large fitted hat?” 🎩😅

[@h.Freeman]

Anyone else miss full size run?...this new podcast is dryer than welty's personality

[@maddmaxwiththefacts601]

So Trinidad James isn’t on the show anymore?

[@wav3gd923]

HOT DIGGITY DOGG

[@MauricioSandoval-xc9ih]

She got that horse jockey hat on 😂😂

[@SuperWhofan1]

June flirted with Matt a bit, and Matt got shy and awkward.

[@bettynuggz]

First

[@BookerT69]

Black Cat 4’s remind me of homeless people and the worst basketball player in my school 🚮

[@Conrad45]

Bruh that hat is NOT it 😭🙏

[@wp-theillest1987]

Ur under 35 FS.

[@jameshorton5395]

​@wp-theillest1987 it's the same hat ludacris had on the Cam Newton interview

[@Conrad45]

@@wp-theillest1987 Nah, I know this is what they had back then too- shi wasn't it then either

[@MrDBcooper77]

@@wp-theillest1987you must be 10 😂

[@viclion93]

Uhhhhh nah

[@Mrfkurhothemnygowhereigo]

Full size doesn’t exist no more

[@OG_BioHax]

No topic time skips today?! 👎🏻

[@BookerT69]

Joe can’t dress