Born X Raised is a prominent Los Angeles-based streetwear brand founded in 2013 by Chris Printup, also known as Spanto, and Alex Erdmann, known as 2Tone. The brand has gained a reputation for its distinctive aesthetic, deep connection to LA’s cultural heritage, and commitment to addressing social issues through its fashion.

Origins and Philosophy

Born X Raised hoodie emerged in response to the gentrification and cultural displacement impacting Los Angeles neighborhoods. Spanto, who grew up in the Venice area, experienced the profound effects of urban transformation on his community. This personal experience drove him to create a brand that honors and preserves the cultural identity of these areas while also addressing broader social and cultural issues.

The name “Born X Raised” captures this mission by emphasizing pride in one’s origins and a commitment to preserving and celebrating that heritage. The brand’s clothing often features bold graphics, including references to Chicano art, street culture, and local iconography. Designs include elements such as gothic fonts, vivid imagery, and powerful slogans that resonate with the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

The product lineup includes T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and accessories, each crafted to reflect the raw and authentic spirit of LA. The designs serve as both a tribute to the city’s cultural icons and a commentary on social issues, creating garments that are both visually striking and meaningful.

Cultural Impact and Collaborations

Born X Raised has made a significant cultural impact, especially within Los Angeles, where it has become a symbol of community pride and resistance. The brand’s authentic representation of local culture has resonated deeply with its audience, making it a staple among influencers, musicians, and athletes.

The brand has also engaged in various high-profile collaborations that highlight its cultural roots and expand its influence. Notable partnerships include projects with Nike, Converse, and local artists. These collaborations often feature designs that pay homage to LA’s cultural legacy and address relevant social issues, helping Born X Raised reach a broader audience while staying true to its core values.

Born X Raised is a streetwear brand that embodies the vibrant and rebellious spirit of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Chris Printup, known as Spanto, and Alex Erdmann, known as 2Tone, Born X Raised has made a significant impact on the fashion industry with its unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary design.

Origins and Philosophy

Born X Raised was established as a response to the gentrification and cultural displacement affecting Los Angeles neighborhoods, particularly those with deep personal connections to the founders. Spanto, who grew up in Venice, California, experienced the changes in his community firsthand and was driven to create a brand that would honor and preserve the cultural identity of these areas.

The name “Born X Raised” reflects the brand’s mission to celebrate and maintain the cultural heritage of the places that shaped the founders’ lives. It represents a deep pride in one’s origins and a commitment to resisting the forces of cultural erasure and displacement.

Design and Aesthetic

The design aesthetic of Born X Raised is characterized by its gritty, urban edge combined with a profound respect for Los Angeles’ cultural history. The brand’s clothing features bold graphics and imagery that often draw from Chicano art, street culture, and local iconography. This includes gothic fonts, vivid designs, and impactful slogans that resonate with the city’s diverse communities.

Born X Raised offers a range of products, including T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and accessories. Each piece is crafted to be both functional and symbolic, reflecting the raw and authentic spirit of LA. The designs serve as a tribute to the city’s cultural icons and a commentary on social issues, making each item more than just fashion—it’s a statement.

Cultural Impact and Collaborations

The brand’s authentic representation of local culture has garnered a dedicated following among influencers, musicians, and athletes.

The brand has also engaged in several high-profile collaborations that highlight its cultural roots and expand its reach. Notable partnerships include collaborations with Nike, Converse, and local artists. These projects often feature designs that pay homage to LA’s cultural legacy and address relevant social issues, helping Born X Raised to connect with a wider audience while staying true to its core values.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Born X Raised is deeply committed to community and social responsibility. Spanto and 2Tone use the brand as a platform to support local causes, raise awareness about social issues, and give back to the neighborhoods that have inspired their work. This includes organizing charity events, participating in community initiatives, and partnering with organizations that align with their mission.

The brand’s involvement in activism includes addressing issues such as gentrification and social justice. By using its platform to advocate for change, Born X Raised reinforces its role as a movement that seeks to make a positive impact beyond the realm of fashion.

Resilience and Legacy

In 2020, Spanto faced a personal battle with cancer, which added a layer of resilience to the brand’s narrative. His journey through treatment and recovery has become an inspiring part of the Born X Raised story, symbolizing strength and perseverance. Despite these challenges, the brand has continued to thrive, with Spanto’s determination and passion driving its success.

Born X Raised’s legacy is one of authenticity, cultural pride, and community engagement. The brand has successfully remained true to its roots while expanding its influence, making a meaningful impact on both the fashion industry and the communities it represents. Its ability to combine fashion with a powerful social message has established it as a brand that stands for something real and impactful.

Conclusion

Born X Raised is a prominent figure in the streetwear industry, known for its bold designs, deep connection to Los Angeles, and commitment to social issues. The brand’s authentic representation of the city’s diverse communities, combined with its focus on community engagement and activism, has made it a symbol of pride and resistance.

Through its distinctive clothing, influential collaborations, and dedication to giving back, Born X Raised continues to inspire and resonate with those who value authenticity and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the power of fashion to reflect and influence the world around it, making it more than just a brand—it’s a movement that celebrates and preserves the legacy of Los Angeles

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

At the heart of Born X Raised is a strong commitment to community and social responsibility. Spanto and 2Tone use the brand as a platform to support local causes, raise awareness about social issues, and give back to the neighborhoods that have inspired their work. This includes organizing charity events, participating in community initiatives, and collaborating with organizations aligned with their mission.

By leveraging its platform to advocate for change, the brand reinforces its role as a movement that aims to make a positive impact beyond the fashion industry.

Resilience and Legacy

In 2020, Spanto faced a significant personal challenge when he was diagnosed with cancer. His journey through treatment and recovery has become a poignant part of the brand’s narrative, symbolizing themes of resilience and perseverance. Despite these challenges, Born X Raised has continued to thrive, with Spanto’s determination driving the brand forward.

The legacy of Born X Raised is one of authenticity, cultural pride, and community engagement. The brand has successfully stayed true to its roots while expanding its reach, making a meaningful impact on both the fashion industry and the communities it represents. Its ability to blend fashion with a powerful social message has set it apart as a brand that stands for something real and impactful.

Conclusion

Born X Raised is a leading force in the streetwear industry, known for its bold designs, deep connection to Los Angeles, and commitment to social issues. The brand’s authentic representation of the city’s diverse communities, combined with its focus on community engagement and activism, has made it a symbol of pride and resistance.

Through its distinctive clothing, impactful collaborations, and dedication to giving back, Born X Raised continues to inspire and resonate with those who value authenticity and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the power of fashion to reflect and influence the world around it, making it more than just a brand but a movement that celebrates and preserves the legacy of Los Angeles