In the world of streetwear, few brands resonate as deeply with their local roots as Born X Raised. Established in Los Angeles, this label has become more than just a clothing company—it’s a movement, a cultural voice, and a tribute to a city undergoing constant transformation. With designs that are as bold as they are personal, Born X Raised has carved out a niche that reflects the grit, pride, and struggle of native Angelenos. At its core, it is a love letter to the old LA, the one that existed before gentrification began to reshape its communities.
The Origins of Born X Raised
Born X Raised was co-founded by Spanto (Chris Printup) and 2Tone (Alex Erdmann) in 2013. Both born and raised in Los Angeles, they had a clear vision: to preserve and highlight the authenticity of their hometown. Spanto, who grew up in Venice when it was far different from the trendy enclave it is today, felt a strong pull to document and protect his city’s cultural identity. Their vision stemmed from seeing their neighborhoods change rapidly, often erasing the people and stories that gave those places life.
This emotional connection to the city is embedded in every piece the brand produces. Their clothing doesn’t just display the words “Los Angeles”—it tells the story of it. From street gang influences to indigenous and Latino heritage, their work reflects the diversity and intensity of life in LA.
A Streetwear Brand With Substance
What sets Born X Raised apart from the vast sea of streetwear brands is its depth of meaning. The graphics are not just for aesthetic appeal; they are statements. Whether it’s a phrase across a T-shirt or a design that evokes a mural, each item tells a piece of a much larger story. These are stories of displacement, of pride, of pain, and of resilience.
Bornxraised hoodie captures moments and movements in the city’s timeline. It gives a platform to people who have often been ignored or pushed aside. In this way, the brand functions as a storyteller, one that uses clothing as its medium.
Telling LA’s Story Through Fashion
Los Angeles is a city of contradictions—glamour and struggle, wealth and poverty, expansion and erasure. Born X Raised captures these contrasts. Their most iconic pieces often reference local high schools, sports teams, historical photos, or neighborhood slogans. It’s all about identity—who you are, where you come from, and why that matters.
Their use of typography, for example, often mimics graffiti and gang tags, a nod to how people mark territory and express pride in where they’re from. The result is clothing that feels personal, even if you’re not from LA, because it taps into a universal desire to belong and be seen.
Collaborations That Speak Volumes
While many streetwear brands chase high-profile collaborations for attention, Born X Raised chooses its partners carefully. Every collaboration feels intentional and rooted in shared values. One of the most notable was with the Los Angeles Dodgers—a partnership that carried deep cultural weight. It was not just about fashion or sports; it was about two LA institutions coming together to represent the city in a real, honest way.
They’ve also worked with Nike, Converse, and Levi’s, but always on their own terms. These collaborations allowed the brand to reach wider audiences while still preserving their core identity. Instead of being swallowed by mainstream fashion, Born X Raised brought a raw, authentic edge into those partnerships, reminding the world what real LA culture looks like.
Spanto’s Legacy and the Power of Purpose
In 2023, Spanto passed away after a long battle with cancer. His death sent shockwaves through the community, not just because he was the face of Born X Raised, but because of what he represented. Spanto wasn’t just a designer; he was a cultural archivist, a street philosopher, and a fearless advocate for his city. His story—from surviving cancer to starting a globally recognized brand—embodied resilience and vision.
Even in the final years of his life, Spanto continued to push the brand forward, always with purpose. His legacy lives on not only in the clothing but in the way Born X Raised operates. The brand has stayed true to its roots, never straying from its original mission to honor the past and fight for the future of its community.
More Than Fashion: A Voice for the Voiceless
Born X Raised functions on multiple levels. It’s a fashion label, yes, but also a form of protest, a cry of resistance against the forces of gentrification, cultural appropriation, and systemic erasure. The brand amplifies the voices of those often left out of the conversation. It provides a sense of visibility and pride to communities that have been pushed aside.
Through limited releases, pop-up events, and local partnerships, the brand stays connected to its base. There is a conscious rejection of mass production and fast fashion. Born X Raised focuses instead on intentionality, storytelling, and impact.
A Future Rooted in Tradition
As Born X Raised moves into the future, its direction remains guided by the principles on which it was founded. The brand continues to be a mirror for Los Angeles—reflecting both its beauty and its struggles. In a world where many brands chase trends, Born X Raised chases truth. That’s what keeps it relevant, respected, and real.
Looking ahead, Born X Raised is expected to expand while preserving its cultural foundation. The next generation of LA youth sees themselves in the brand, which is exactly what Spanto and 2Tone intended. It’s not just about style; it’s about substance. And as long as there are stories to be told from the streets of Los Angeles, Born X Raised will be there to tell them.
Conclusion: Clothing With a Conscience
Born X Raised is more than a brand—it’s a movement that gives voice to the unheard and dignity to the overlooked. With roots deep in Los Angeles soil and a vision that transcends fashion, it stands as a powerful reminder that identity matters. In every design, in every drop, and in every story told through fabric, Born X Raised proves that real style comes from knowing who you are and where you’re from.
