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Born X Raised is more than just a clothing brand — it’s a voice, a message, and a movement rooted deeply in Los Angeles. Created by two native Angelenos, the brand quickly became a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and hometown pride. From its gritty beginnings to its current global influence, Born X Raised has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, revered by streetwear aficionados, celebrities, and the youth who see themselves reflected in its unapologetic authenticity.
Founded by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born X Raised emerged in 2013 out of a desire to represent the real, unfiltered Los Angeles — not the glossy, Hollywood-portrayed version. Spanto, hailing from Venice, brought a raw, emotional connection to the city’s often-overlooked neighborhoods and histories. 2Tone added his creative direction and voice, shaping the brand’s bold, eye-catching designs and storytelling.
Their shared vision was clear from the start: to preserve the culture of L.A. amidst rapid gentrification and changing identities. Born X Raised became a medium for storytelling, rebellion, and pride.
What separates Born X Raised from many other streetwear labels is its unwavering dedication to authenticity. Every collection speaks to the streets it was born from — Venice, Inglewood, South Central, and East L.A. The brand never tried to fit in with mainstream fashion; instead, it demanded that the mainstream come to them.
Bornxraised hoodie shirts, hoodies, and jackets often carry statements that are personal and political, reflecting the struggles and resilience of local communities. They blend hard-hitting typography, lowrider culture, gang-influenced aesthetics, and traditional Chicano art, creating designs that are simultaneously stylish and deeply meaningful.
Born X Raised has never been just about clothing; it’s about community. The brand frequently engages with local artists, musicians, and activists. From collaborating with neighborhood barbershops to organizing events in Venice and beyond, they’ve kept their roots firmly planted in the people who inspired their message.
The late Spanto, who passed away in 2023, was known not just as a designer but as a leader and voice for his community. His legacy continues through the brand’s commitment to highlighting the stories of underrepresented groups in Los Angeles. Born X Raised garments have become wearable tributes to neighborhood heroes, lost histories, and the resilience of communities surviving change.
Though its heart remains in the streets, Born X Raised has attracted major attention from the fashion and entertainment industries. The brand has collaborated with Nike, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Lakers, and even the NFL. These partnerships brought mainstream exposure without compromising its core identity.
Perhaps the most impactful collaboration was with Nike, a project that paid tribute to Venice and the culture of L.A. with an emotional launch. Unlike other streetwear collaborations, these weren't just about hype — they were about storytelling. Each shoe and garment in these collections carries layers of meaning and significance, capturing the spirit of the brand’s mission.
Celebrities such as Kendrick Lamar, LeBron James, YG, and ASAP Rocky have been seen wearing Born X Raised, but it's never felt like a marketing ploy. The brand resonates with people who understand its message, and that includes artists who also use their platforms to represent their cities and communities.
This organic connection with high-profile figures has helped Born X Raised gain international recognition, but its credibility comes from the streets first. It earned its respect the hard way — through consistency, heart, and raw honesty.
Born X Raised’s visual identity is rooted in nostalgia, defiance, and pride. Their collections are filled with bold fonts, aggressive slogans, and symbols that resonate with anyone familiar with West Coast culture. You’ll often see references to Chicano pride, L.A. gang culture, skateboarding, and the religious undertones that run deep in the city's Latinx communities.
But the brand also incorporates modern design, blending old-school aesthetics with current streetwear trends. It’s both timeless and contemporary — a difficult balance that Born X Raised manages with remarkable skill.
One of the brand’s core themes is resistance to gentrification. Los Angeles, like many urban centers, has seen rapid development that often displaces longtime residents and changes the cultural landscape. Born X Raised has been vocal about this, using their platform to critique these shifts and advocate for the preservation of native culture.
They don’t just sell clothes — they sell a message. A statement against erasure, against displacement, and in support of the communities that built the real L.A. Their designs often speak directly to these issues, forcing their audience to confront the complexities of modern urban life.
The passing of co-founder Spanto in 2023 sent shockwaves through the streetwear and Los Angeles communities. He was more than just a designer — he was a cultural pillar. His influence can still be felt in every new collection and every community event the brand participates in.
Born X Raised continues to honor his memory by staying true to the values he held dear: authenticity, loyalty, and community. His presence remains in the brand’s DNA, and his story continues to inspire thousands.
As Born X Raised looks to the future, the brand shows no signs of slowing down. New collections drop with regular excitement, and collaborations continue to push the boundaries of streetwear. But at its core, Born X Raised remains exactly what it has always been — a love letter to Los Angeles and a declaration of cultural pride.
With new leadership, a growing global fanbase, and the continued resonance of its message, Born X Raised is positioned not only as a fashion label but as a cultural institution. It’s a brand built on purpose, rooted in struggle, and carried forward by the stories of a city that refuses to be forgotten.
Born X Raised is not just a brand — it's a cultural landmark. It represents the soul of a city and the people who give it life. Through its unapologetic message, raw aesthetic, and heartfelt community work, it has cemented itself as one of the most important voices in modern streetwear. For those who wear it, it’s more than just fashion — it’s a symbol of identity, resistance, and pride.
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