Born x Raised: A Testament to Los Angeles Grit and Community
Born x Raised is far more than a streetwear label—it’s a cultural movement deeply woven into the fabric of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Spanto (Chris Printup) and 2Tone (Alex Erdmann), the brand has grown into a symbol of resilience, pride, and defiance. It carries the spirit of the overlooked and underrepresented neighborhoods of L.A., offering an authentic voice that challenges the sanitized, commercial narratives of the city.
At its core, Born x Raised is about preservation. Spanto, who grew up in Venice, Los Angeles, witnessed firsthand the sweeping changes that gentrification brought to his community. The creeping loss of identity and displacement of long-time residents fueled his desire to create something that paid homage to the original soul of the city. This vision is reflected in every Born x Raised piece, which serves as a quiet protest and a love letter to old L.A.
The brand's aesthetic is unmistakably raw. Heavy Gothic fonts, aggressive slogans, and bold graphics dominate their collections. Shirts, hoodies, and caps often feature phrases like "On the Turf" and "No One Likes Us and We Don’t Care," encapsulating a mentality born from struggle and self-reliance. This attitude resonates with those who have lived through the marginalization and transformation of their neighborhoods, making the brand feel more like a badge of identity than just fashion.
Born x Raised also taps into deep roots in Chicano culture, skateboarding, and L.A. gang history, which gives its designs a visceral authenticity. Unlike many streetwear brands that adopt urban aesthetics for trendiness, Born x Raised lives its narrative. Every graphic, every phrase, carries layers of meaning tied to real places and real people. It’s this connection to genuine street-level culture that has earned the brand a loyal following.
The founders’ backgrounds heavily inform the brand's direction. Spanto, of mixed Native American and Italian descent, channeled his experience growing up around gang culture and later surviving cancer into Born x Raised’s ethos of survival and pride. 2Tone brought his experience from L.A.'s punk and hardcore scenes, blending aggression with a do-it-yourself spirit. Together, they crafted a label that speaks unapologetically for those whose voices are often drowned out in the mainstream.
Collaborations have also played a significant role in Born x Raised's rise. Over the years, the brand has partnered with major names like Nike, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Converse, yet it has always managed to retain its gritty identity. Their limited-edition Nike SB Dunk collab in particular became a coveted item, blending Born x Raised's street credibility with Nike's global reach. Even as they step into larger platforms, the brand stays grounded in its community-first mission.
Their collaboration with the Los Angeles Dodgers stands out as a landmark moment. It wasn’t just about fashion—it was about celebrating a shared history and reclaiming a space that traditionally overlooked certain neighborhoods. The resulting capsule collection paid tribute to the city’s past while asserting the presence of those who have shaped its streets but rarely get recognized.
Born x Raised’s visual storytelling extends beyond apparel. The brand has released short films, photo essays, and music projects that document the lived realities of Los Angeles. These creative ventures offer a multidimensional look at the culture they represent, further solidifying their role as cultural archivists rather than mere fashion designers.
What also sets Born x Raised apart is its deliberate resistance to rapid commercialization. While streetwear has exploded into a billion-dollar industry with brands like Supreme and Off-White going mainstream, Born x Raised has chosen a slower, more intentional path. Limited drops, minimal marketing hype, and a focus on community events keep the brand close to its grassroots origin. Their "pop-ups" often feel more like block parties or cultural gatherings rather than typical retail events, strengthening their bond with their audience.
The tragic passing of co-founder Spanto in 2023 was a heavy blow to the Born x Raised family and the wider streetwear community. Yet, in many ways, it underscored the importance of what he built. His vision was not only about clothing but about preserving stories, neighborhoods, and identities that are constantly under threat. The continued operation of Born x Raised serves as a living tribute to his mission.
Today, Born x Raised stands as one of the few streetwear brands that has managed to grow while staying true to its founding principles. It operates at the intersection of fashion, activism, and cultural commentary. Every collection is a reminder that clothing can carry messages of resistance and pride, serving as wearable shields against cultural erasure.
For many of its fans, wearing Born x Raised is an act of defiance and belonging. It's a way to say, "We’re still here," in the face of forces that seek to erase or replace them. The brand’s enduring appeal lies not in seasonal trends but in its unwavering commitment to its community and its refusal to dilute its message for broader acceptance.
In an industry where authenticity is often commodified, Born x Raised stands as a rare example of a brand that means what it says. It’s more than just streetwear—it’s a cultural cornerstone for those who call the real Los Angeles home.
