In the heart of Los Angeles, where culture clashes and communities collide in the most dynamic ways, a brand emerged that wasn’t just about fashion—it was about identity, struggle, pride, and home. Born X Raised isn’t your average streetwear label. It’s a movement, a statement, and most importantly, a mirror of a city’s soul. What started as a grassroots effort to tell the untold stories of the streets has now become an internationally recognized brand. But its roots, style, and voice remain unapologetically local.
The Origins: More Than a Clothing Brand
Born X Raised was founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann. At a time when many fashion startups were chasing viral moments or celebrity endorsements, Born X Raised took a different approach. It looked inward. Drawing from the founders’ personal histories, the brand became a tribute to the Los Angeles they knew—gritty, diverse, raw, and real.
Spanto, raised in Venice, L.A., came from a background that was far removed from luxury fashion. But his vision was clear: tell the story of real Los Angeles, not the one seen in tourist guides or on movie screens. Born X Raised was his way of giving voice to communities that were often erased by gentrification and overlooked by mainstream media.
Design Philosophy: Culture First
Every design released by Born X Raised feels like a snapshot from a neighborhood mural, a block party, or a protest. It’s layered with meaning. The typography often resembles gang graffiti. The phrases are bold, sometimes provocative. Slogans like “Gentrification Is Genocide” or “On the Turf” are not just design elements—they’re declarations.
There’s a Bornxraised hoodie sense of nostalgia in their collections, too. Many of the pieces reference the 1990s, old-school L.A. gang culture, West Coast hip-hop, and Latino traditions. The brand has always been rooted in storytelling through style, making each drop a piece of cultural commentary. You’re not just wearing a shirt—you’re wearing a statement.
Community Impact and Authenticity
Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword for Born X Raised. From day one, the brand has committed itself to giving back to the neighborhoods that inspired it. Whether it’s through pop-ups in local parks, collaborating with local artists, or organizing community giveaways, Born X Raised keeps its focus on the people.
This loyalty to their roots has made the brand a symbol of pride for many in L.A. It represents not just style but resistance—against displacement, cultural appropriation, and the sanitization of street culture. In a world where brands often lose their identity chasing bigger markets, Born X Raised has doubled down on staying true to where it came from.
Collaborations That Make Sense
In the world of fashion, collaborations are often more about clout than creativity. But Born X Raised chooses its partners carefully. Whether teaming up with the Los Angeles Dodgers or Nike, the collaborations are never random. Each one makes cultural sense.
When they partnered with the Dodgers, it wasn’t just about slapping a logo on a cap. It was about bridging the gap between L.A.’s street culture and its beloved baseball team. The result was a limited edition release that sold out quickly but more importantly, felt deeply rooted in the city's spirit.
Challenges and Loss
Every story of success has its share of hardship, and Born X Raised is no different. In 2023, the brand lost its co-founder, Spanto, to cancer. His passing was a heavy blow—not just to the team, but to the entire community that rallied around his vision.
But even in grief, Born X Raised continued to thrive, honoring Spanto’s legacy with every new piece. His presence is still felt in the designs, in the messaging, and in the community work the brand continues to do. The brand's continued success is a testament to his vision and the strength of what he built.
Why Born X Raised Resonates
Streetwear is saturated. Every week, a new brand emerges, trying to capture the youth’s attention. But what sets Born X Raised apart is its soul. This isn’t a trend-chasing label. It’s a time capsule, a protest, and a love letter all in one.
People connect with authenticity. They want stories, heritage, something that feels real in an industry that often feels manufactured. Born X Raised gives them that. It gives them something to believe in and something to belong to. It doesn’t ask for approval—it demands recognition.
Global Reach With Local Roots
Despite its very L.A. identity, Born X Raised has reached audiences around the globe. From Tokyo to London, people wear the brand because it speaks to urban struggles that are universal. Whether it’s gentrification, cultural pride, or street justice, the themes that Born X Raised explores resonate far beyond the streets of Los Angeles.
The irony is that by staying hyper-local, Born X Raised became global. That level of cultural specificity is exactly what makes it special. It’s not trying to be for everyone—and that’s precisely why it matters.
A Legacy Still in Motion
The future for Born X Raised looks both promising and grounded. The brand shows no signs of selling out or diluting its voice. Instead, it's evolving while staying deeply connected to the communities that birthed it.
New drops continue to sell out. The brand’s Instagram is a mix of fashion, memorials to Spanto, and raw glimpses of Los Angeles life. There’s an unfiltered quality to everything Born X Raised does, and that realness keeps the loyalty strong.
As the streetwear landscape continues to shift, Born X Raised stands as a reminder that the most powerful brands are those that start with purpose. In the case of Born X Raised, it’s not just about what you wear—it’s about where you’re from, what you’ve been through, and what you stand for.
Conclusion
Born X Raised isn’t just a brand—it’s a cultural force. Rooted in Los Angeles but resonating far beyond it, the brand has built something rare in today’s fashion world: a label with heart, history, and a mission. As long as there are stories to tell and communities to represent, Born X Raised will remain at the forefront of meaningful streetwear.
