Born X Raised: From Streets to Staples of Culture

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, few brands have managed to create a movement as authentic and resonant as Born X Raised. Rooted in the diverse and historic streets of Los Angeles, the label stands apart by telling stories that many brands shy away from. Born X Raised is more than just a clothing line—it’s a cultural voice, a love letter to a city, and a bold critique of gentrification, displacement, and erasure.

Founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born X Raised emerged at a time when LA’s streetwear scene was becoming saturated. But rather than jumping on trends, they created something rare: a brand that proudly represents the people who were there before the hype. The ones who laid the foundation. The locals who watched their neighborhoods evolve and sometimes disappear.

The DNA of the Brand

Born X Raised—stylized as “Born from the Land, Raised by the Streets”—operates with a strong sense of purpose. Its collections reflect the realities of inner-city life, heritage, and resistance. Every design has intention. Whether it’s a bold font declaring allegiance to a certain part of LA or a subtle reference to native history, nothing is random.

One of the most defining traits of Bornxraised hoodie is its deep connection to its founders’ personal experiences. Spanto, who passed away in 2023, brought raw authenticity to the brand. Growing up in Venice, he witnessed firsthand the gentrification of his neighborhood. That pain, mixed with pride, shaped the ethos of the brand. It wasn’t about exclusion—it was about recognition. About giving a voice to the communities who often get erased in the name of progress.

From Local Streets to Global Runways

While its roots are hyper-local, Born X Raised quickly gained global attention. What started as a niche LA streetwear label began appearing on influential figures, from rappers to athletes. The brand didn’t seek celebrity co-signs; they earned them. The organic rise in popularity can be traced back to how deeply the clothing resonates with people’s personal narratives.

Whether it was through LA Dodgers collaborations or capsule drops with Nike, the brand never compromised its core identity. Each partnership was done with purpose and always tied back to community.

One of the key reasons Born X Raised stands out is that it never sought mass appeal. Ironically, that’s what gave it mass appeal. In an age of over-marketed drops and artificially inflated hype, authenticity became the most valuable currency. And Born X Raised had it in abundance.

Beyond Fashion: A Cultural Statement

To say Born X Raised is just about clothes is to miss the larger point. The brand functions as a cultural document—each collection reads like a time capsule. There’s commentary on displacement, tributes to indigenous culture, references to old LA architecture, and pride for a way of life that corporate development often bulldozes over.

Through T-shirts, hoodies, and limited-edition jackets, the brand tells stories of loss, resilience, and identity. It’s clothing that confronts, challenges, and commemorates. For those who wear it, Born X Raised becomes armor. A silent protest. A visible nod to the ones who know the history.

The passing of Spanto only deepened the emotional weight of the brand. After his death, fans and fellow creatives paid tribute not just to a designer, but to a community leader. Someone who used fashion to spark dialogue and give his people something to hold onto.

The Legacy of Spanto

Spanto was never just a creative director. He was a storyteller, an activist, and a bridge between generations. Diagnosed with cancer and still pushing forward, his commitment to Born X Raised was unwavering. He didn’t just talk about community—he lived it. He showed up, gave back, and used every drop as an opportunity to uplift.

Even in his absence, his spirit continues to lead the brand. Born X Raised now carries not only a stylistic legacy, but also a spiritual one. It remains a reflection of his worldview, his pain, and his pride.

In many ways, Spanto’s journey is woven into every fabric of Born X Raised. The designs don’t just reflect a neighborhood—they reflect a life. One that struggled, fought back, and made something beautiful out of hardship.

Future of the Brand

Today, Born X Raised is at a crossroads that most streetwear brands never reach. It’s past the phase of being "cool" and well into being culturally significant. The challenge ahead lies in maintaining that authenticity while navigating a fashion landscape that’s becoming more commercialized every year.

There’s also the question of legacy: How does a brand built on personal narrative evolve when the person behind that story is no longer here? The answer may lie in community. Born X Raised has never been about one person—it’s been about many. And in that spirit, the brand is poised to continue its mission.

Future collections are expected to dive even deeper into storytelling, memory, and resistance. And with each release, Born X Raised reminds its audience that fashion can be more than style—it can be substance.

A Brand with Soul

What separates Born X Raised from others in the industry is its soul. It doesn’t chase trends or algorithms. It’s not designed to go viral—it’s designed to endure. The brand doesn’t speak at you; it speaks for you. Especially if you’re someone who grew up watching your neighborhood change without your consent.

Born X Raised remains one of the few fashion labels that honors the past while looking boldly into the future. It captures the essence of a city, the spirit of a generation, and the memory of a man who dared to stand up for his people through threads and stitches.