Born X Raised A Streetwear Brand Rooted in Culture and Community

Born X Raised has become a defining name in the streetwear landscape, known for its deep connection to Los Angeles culture and its unapologetically raw aesthetic. With roots firmly planted in the city’s history and neighborhoods, the brand tells a story of resilience, change, and community, making it more than just a clothing line. Born X Raised embodies a movement—one that celebrates the gritty, unfiltered reality of life in L.A.

Origins and Founding

Born X Raised was founded in 2013 by Spanto (Chris Printup) and his friend 2Tone, two Los Angeles natives who sought to create a brand that honored their city’s authentic culture. Both founders grew up during a period of significant social and economic shifts in Los Angeles, particularly in the Venice neighborhood. This time of gentrification and transformation inspired them to start a brand that would highlight and preserve the unique, raw culture of L.A. neighborhoods that were being pushed to the margins.

The name “Born X Raised” reflects a core message of the brand: staying true to where you come from, even in the face of changing times. Spanto’s experiences with the rapid gentrification of Venice motivated him to use fashion as a form of resistance, documenting the displacement and cultural erasure that was affecting long-standing communities in the area.

Aesthetic and Design

Born X Raised is known for its bold graphics, sharp typography, and strong visual references to L.A. street culture. The brand’s aesthetic merges the traditional look of gang-related streetwear with modern, high-fashion sensibilities. Oversized hoodies, graphic tees, and jackets emblazoned with striking slogans and iconography form the backbone of its collections.

Much of Born X Raised’s visual identity is rooted in nostalgia, drawing heavily on old English fonts and graffiti styles, which are symbolic of West Coast street culture. Their pieces often feature bold, declarative messages like “On the Turf” or “City of Angels,” evoking a sense of pride and belonging in their wearers. The designs also often tap into the art of tattoo culture, with sharp lines and intricate details.

Beyond aesthetics, the brand’s pieces tell a story—one of survival, community, and the tension between the old and the new. Whether it’s through a hoodie with a graphic of a traditional lowrider or a T-shirt with the brand’s name in Gothic script, each piece is a nod to the culture and history of Los Angeles’ underrepresented communities.

The Streetwear Appeal

Born X Raised represents more than just fashion; it’s a lifestyle brand that has tapped into the core of what streetwear is all about—community and identity. Unlike many streetwear brands that are driven by trends or hype, Born X Raised remains focused on the culture it represents. The brand’s deep connection to Los Angeles gives it an authenticity that resonates with a diverse audience, from skaters to artists and creatives, to people who grew up in the neighborhoods the brand celebrates.

The brand’s designs are often released in limited-edition drops, adding to the exclusivity and appeal of their products. Like other streetwear giants, Born X Raised embraces the drop culture, where pieces are available for a short time, creating excitement and demand among its loyal fanbase.

Community and Collaboration

Community is at the heart of everything Born X Raised does. From the beginning, the brand has focused on giving back and supporting the neighborhoods and people who have influenced its design ethos. Spanto and his team have always been vocal about their desire to uplift their community, using the brand as a platform to highlight local issues, including gentrification, displacement, and cultural preservation.

One of the ways Born X Raised has expanded its influence is through high-profile collaborations. The brand has partnered with major names in fashion, sports, and entertainment, including Nike, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and even major music festivals like Coachella. These collaborations help broaden the reach of the brand while still keeping its authentic connection to L.A. culture intact.

In particular, the collaboration with Nike in 2022 marked a significant milestone for Born X Raised. The partnership featured a collection of sneakers and apparel that honored the brand’s connection to Los Angeles while blending the iconic look of Nike’s streetwear heritage. This collaboration highlighted how Born X Raised was becoming not just a local brand, but a global name in the fashion industry.

Cultural Significance

Born X Raised represents a deeper cultural movement within the world of streetwear. It’s a brand that speaks for the marginalized communities of Los Angeles, using clothing as a medium for storytelling. The brand’s success is not just in its ability to create cool clothes, but in its ability to resonate with people who have seen their neighborhoods and cultures change around them.

Spanto has been clear about the brand’s mission to honor the city’s original culture, one that was shaped by the people who built and lived in these neighborhoods long before gentrification took hold. Born X Raised is a reminder of the importance of remembering one’s roots, no matter how much the world around you changes.

The Future of Born X Raised

As Born X Raised continues to grow, its impact on the fashion world and streetwear culture is undeniable. The brand’s ability to stay true to its mission while evolving within the fashion landscape has set it apart from other streetwear labels. Born X Raised isn’t just about clothes—it’s about preserving culture, making a statement, and celebrating the uniqueness of Los Angeles.

In a time when many streetwear brands focus purely on hype, Born X Raised continues to champion authenticity. As the brand looks toward the future, it’s clear that its connection to the culture and community of Los Angeles will remain at the core of everything it does. For fans of streetwear who value meaning and depth in their clothing, Born X Raised offers more than just fashion—it offers a way to wear a piece of L.A. history.

Conclusion

Born X Raised is a brand that goes beyond fashion, telling the stories of Los Angeles’ forgotten neighborhoods and people. By blending streetwear aesthetics with cultural preservation, the brand has created a loyal following that appreciates its dedication to authenticity. As it continues to collaborate with major players and evolve in the streetwear scene, Born X Raised remains a beacon of resilience, pride, and community in a rapidly changing world.