Born X Raised isn’t just a streetwear brand—it’s a voice for a culture deeply connected to place, heritage, and identity. Emerging from the heart of Los Angeles, Born X Raised has carved out a reputation not just for its unique designs but for the message it carries. The brand is a tribute to a disappearing Los Angeles, one shaped by the communities that lived and thrived there long before gentrification began reshaping its streets.

The Origin Story

The brand was founded by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann in 2013. The story of Born X Raised began not in a high-rise office or a fashion studio, but on the streets of Venice and West L.A., where Spanto and 2Tone saw firsthand how entire neighborhoods were changing. As long-standing communities were being pushed out, their culture and history were being erased. That’s when they decided to create a brand that would preserve that legacy through fashion.

Spanto’s personal story added an emotional weight to the brand. He was deeply connected to his Native American and Chicano heritage, and Born X Raised became a way to express pride in that background. He brought authenticity, while 2Tone added creative vision and a sharp understanding of street culture. Together, they formed a brand that went beyond trends—it stood for something real.

A Voice for the Marginalized

What makes Born X Raised stand out is its unapologetic stance. The brand isn’t interested in pleasing everyone; it speaks directly to those who know the streets, who’ve lived the experience. The slogans on their shirts aren’t just catchy—they carry meaning. Phrases like “Gentrification is Genocide” or “On the Turf” aren’t just graphic elements; they’re cultural statements.

This is streetwear that tells the truth. It doesn’t sanitize its message. Instead, it leans into the uncomfortable reality of displacement and cultural loss. Born X Raised uses clothing as a form of protest and storytelling, combining sharp design with deep-rooted social commentary.

Design Philosophy and Style

The visual identity of Bornxraised hoodie blends old-school L.A. style with modern streetwear flair. Think of gothic fonts, gritty photography, tattoo-inspired graphics, and references to lowrider culture, all wrapped in a silhouette that feels current yet timeless. The designs often feature images that echo the heritage of Chicano, Black, and Native communities—elements that rarely get mainstream fashion attention.

Their collections aren’t seasonal in the traditional fashion sense. They often drop limited pieces that tie into meaningful dates or collaborations. This slow, intentional approach keeps the brand grounded and keeps the hype organic.

Collaborations That Mean Something

Over the years, Born X Raised has teamed up with a range of partners—from major sports teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers to globally recognized brands like Nike. But unlike many fashion collabs that feel forced or overly commercial, each Born X Raised collaboration carries authenticity. The Dodgers capsule, for example, wasn’t just about slapping a logo on a cap. It celebrated L.A. culture, blending team spirit with street history.

These collaborations help elevate the brand's platform without compromising its message. They serve as bridges between the culture of the streets and larger audiences, showing that real stories can coexist with mainstream recognition.

Challenges and Resilience

Like many independent brands, Born X Raised has faced its share of challenges. Spanto’s personal battle with cancer added a deeply emotional layer to the brand’s journey. Throughout his treatment, he remained committed to Born X Raised, using the brand not just as a creative outlet but as a form of survival and self-expression.

Spanto’s passing in 2023 was a devastating loss, not just for the brand but for the entire streetwear and cultural community. Yet even in his absence, his vision continues to shape Born X Raised. His legacy lives in every design, every campaign, and every person who wears the brand with pride.

Cultural Impact

Born X Raised is more than a fashion label—it’s a cultural institution. It has become a symbol of resistance, pride, and remembrance. In a world where trends come and go, Born X Raised holds firm to its roots. Its influence extends beyond clothing, impacting music, film, art, and activism.

You can spot its influence in underground music scenes, local art collectives, and community initiatives throughout California and beyond. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about wearing something that means something.

Why It Resonates with Today’s Youth

In an age of fast fashion and empty branding, younger generations are increasingly drawn to authenticity. Born X Raised speaks directly to those values. It doesn’t pretend. It doesn’t over-polish. It’s raw, emotional, and connected to real stories. That honesty is rare, and it’s what keeps people coming back—not just to buy clothes but to be part of a movement.

The brand's storytelling connects across borders, even as it remains deeply tied to Los Angeles. People from all over the world, from Tokyo to London to New York, resonate with the themes of identity, home, and cultural pride. That universality, paired with a hyper-local aesthetic, is part of what makes Born X Raised truly unique.

The Future of Born X Raised

Looking ahead, the future of Born X Raised seems as bold as its past. The brand continues to evolve while honoring its origins. As new artists, designers, and community voices join the movement, the vision grows richer.

There’s talk of expanding beyond clothing into new media—film, community work, and perhaps even educational platforms. But at its core, Born X Raised will always be about protecting the stories of those who often go unheard. It's fashion with a purpose and identity with a backbone.

Conclusion

Born X Raised isn’t trying to fit into the fashion world. It’s creating its own lane, and in doing so, it’s giving a voice to the streets, communities, and cultures that shaped its founders. It proves that fashion can be more than fabric—it can be a force for cultural memory, pride, and resistance.

For those who know where they come from and aren’t afraid to stand tall in that truth, Born X Raised is more than just a brand. It’s a statement. And it’s here to stay.