Born X Raised: The Spirit of Los Angeles Streetwear
Born X Raised: The Spirit of Los Angeles Streetwear
Blog Article
Born X Raised is more than a fashion label—it's a movement, a cultural statement rooted deeply in the streets of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Spanto (Chris Printup) and 2Tone (Alex Erdmann), the brand has become synonymous with authenticity, loyalty, and heritage. It speaks directly to the soul of L.A., giving voice to communities often overlooked in mainstream fashion. The brand’s rise isn't about celebrity endorsements or viral marketing tricks—it's about storytelling, pride, and a deep respect for tradition.
Origins and Philosophy
The story of Born X Raised begins in Venice, California, a neighborhood historically rich in culture, diversity, and community. As the area faced rapid gentrification, the founding duo decided to push back. They used fashion as a form of resistance, creating a brand that would preserve the essence of their home and give identity to the original people of the city.
Spanto and 2Tone came from different walks of life but shared a passion for their city and its stories. Born X Raised emerged from that passion, not as a business strategy but as a necessity. The brand's name itself reflects survival and loyalty—being born and raised in a place that shaped you, with all the scars and strength that come with it.
Style That Speaks
Born X Raised isn't driven by trends. Its collections are bold and unapologetic, featuring typography-heavy designs, deep cultural references, and raw imagery. The clothes often include old English fonts, religious iconography, and political statements. These aren’t just design choices—they're deeply personal reflections of L.A. life.
The garments themselves often blend high-quality streetwear silhouettes with West Coast sensibilities. Oversized hoodies, heavyweight tees, and structured jackets serve as canvases for messages that resonate with those who understand the nuances of the streets. Every release carries the weight of history, emotion, and real stories.
Connection to Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn’t just a backdrop for Born X Raised—it’s the core of its identity. Each drop is tied to the city’s pulse, referencing everything from Chicano culture to gang history, sports, music, and the ongoing transformation of neighborhoods. The brand is fiercely protective of the city’s original culture, and that authenticity is part of what sets it apart.
For Spanto, who sadly passed away in 2023 after a battle with cancer, the mission was always clear: protect the identity of L.A.’s underrepresented communities and challenge the sanitization of urban spaces. He made it his life’s work, and that legacy continues to thrive in every design released under the Born X Raised name.
Collaborations and Recognition
While Born X Raised built its reputation on staying true to its roots, the brand has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion, sports, and music. These collaborations are never about chasing clout—they're extensions of shared values. Whether working with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Nike, or even luxury brands, the message stays consistent: community comes first.
Each partnership has helped amplify the brand’s voice, bringing its message to wider audiences without diluting its identity. Instead of shifting to appeal to mainstream markets, Born X Raised has invited mainstream culture to respect its worldview. That’s a rare power move in today’s fashion landscape.
A Brand With a Soul
What truly sets Born X Raised apart from other streetwear brands is its soul. It’s not just selling clothes—it’s preserving culture. That soul came largely from Spanto himself, whose presence and personality shaped the DNA of the brand. After his passing, tributes from celebrities, creatives, and everyday fans poured in. They didn’t just mourn a designer—they mourned a leader, an advocate, and a community warrior.
The brand continues to honor Spanto’s legacy, not just in name but in practice. Releases now carry an even deeper sense of purpose. Each design, campaign, and pop-up event reflects the original mission to uplift, defend, and celebrate communities that are too often erased.
Impact Beyond Fashion
Born X Raised has become a symbol of cultural resistance and community empowerment. It represents a new model for what streetwear can be—fashion that doesn’t just sell an aesthetic but tells a story and builds real-world relationships. The brand has hosted events in underserved areas, contributed to local causes, and always made it clear that their success is tied to the people they represent.
The power of the brand lies not in its logo but in its loyalty. People who wear Born X Raised aren’t just wearing a piece of clothing—they’re aligning themselves with a philosophy, a movement, and a memory of what Los Angeles truly is beneath the surface.
Looking Forward
Even with Spanto gone, Born X Raised shows no signs of slowing down. The brand’s commitment to authentic storytelling and community remains stronger than ever. 2Tone and the team are continuing the vision with integrity, ensuring that every new chapter adds meaning to the story already written.
As streetwear continues to evolve and grow more global, Born X Raised remains firmly grounded. It doesn't chase trends, doesn’t bow to pressure, and doesn’t compromise. In an industry often driven by hype, that kind of grounded integrity is rare—and powerful.
Conclusion
Born X Raised is not just a clothing brand; it's a living, breathing expression of cultural identity. It's about fighting for what you love, staying true to your roots, and giving voice to the streets that raised you. Its journey from local Venice neighborhoods to international runways isn’t a story of selling out—it's a story of standing firm.
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