In the world of streetwear, few brands capture the essence of their hometown quite like Born X Raised. Founded on the streets of Venice, California, the brand has become a cultural staple—not just in fashion, but in identity. What started as a grassroots passion project has evolved into a movement that echoes across the world, while never losing its deep-rooted connection to the City of Angels. Born X Raised is not just a clothing line. It is a living, breathing reflection of Los Angeles life, shaped by its history, struggles, pride, and beauty.
Origins in Venice, California
Born X Raised was created by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann. The duo shared a vision to build something that spoke to the real LA—the version of the city you don’t always see on TV. The LA of lowriders, corner stores, graffitied walls, and neighborhood pride. Both founders were born and raised in Los Angeles and wanted to preserve the soul of a city that was rapidly gentrifying and changing.
They were inspired by their own experiences growing up amid the complexities of LA’s neighborhood politics, cultural intersections, and street codes. When the brand launched in 2013, it was more than a fashion statement. It was a cultural stance, and people who understood the message gravitated to it immediately.
A Voice for the Overlooked
What makes Bornxraised hoodie stand apart is its commitment to authenticity. The brand speaks for communities often pushed to the margins—whether because of race, economics, or neighborhood stigma. The message in their collections has always been unapologetically bold. From the use of gothic fonts and raw graphics to slogans like “Gentrification Is Genocide,” their clothing isn’t meant to just be worn—it’s meant to be felt.
While mainstream fashion often tries to adopt street culture without understanding it, Born X Raised is the opposite. It is street culture. The people behind it have lived the life and experienced the realities they showcase. It’s this raw honesty that builds trust with its audience and sets it apart from competitors.
Collaborations That Reflect Culture
Over the years, Born X Raised has teamed up with some of the biggest names in sports, fashion, and entertainment. But they’ve done it their way. Their collaborations with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rams, and even the Lakers show a dedication to their home city. But beyond just slapping logos on hoodies, these projects have meaning. They celebrate the history and identity of LA, its legends, its fans, and its stories.
Even when collaborating with global brands like Converse or Nike, Born X Raised stays true to its core values. Every detail—from the color palette to the typography—reflects something deeper than just trendiness. These are not just shoes or shirts; they are wearable artifacts of Los Angeles life.
Spanto’s Legacy and Influence
Chris “Spanto” Printup was more than just a co-founder. He was the heart and voice of Born X Raised. His personal story of resilience, surviving cancer, and overcoming the harsh realities of street life gave the brand its edge and purpose. Tragically, Spanto passed away in 2023, a loss that sent ripples through the fashion and LA communities.
Even in death, Spanto’s spirit continues to drive the brand. His commitment to community, creativity, and staying real has become the guiding light for Born X Raised. His memory lives on through every drop, every photoshoot, every LA event the brand puts together. Born X Raised didn’t lose its way after Spanto—it deepened its purpose.
Tapping Into Real Storytelling
Born X Raised isn’t interested in polished marketing campaigns or overly produced runway shows. What they care about is storytelling. Whether it’s a photoshoot on the streets of East LA or a short film with real neighborhood kids, their content feels like documentary, not advertisement.
This approach has helped them maintain credibility in a world where “authenticity” is often manufactured. They give a voice to real people, real pain, real joy. When you wear Born X Raised, you’re not just part of a trend. You’re joining a movement that honors memory, culture, and a shared sense of place.
A New Era Without Losing Its Soul
As Born X Raised grows, expanding its reach to cities beyond Los Angeles, it faces the challenge of keeping its soul intact. Growth can often dilute what made a brand special in the first place, but Born X Raised is determined to keep that from happening. Their drops are still limited, their designs remain rooted in storytelling, and their events are still community-first.
The next chapter is about expanding without selling out. The brand has begun to appear on celebrities and high-end retailers, but the message remains: this is still for the people who know where it started. This is still for LA.
More Than Just Fashion
In the end, Born X Raised isn’t just about clothes. It’s about identity. It’s about the feeling you get when you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about the power of culture, especially one as complex and rich as Los Angeles. It’s a brand that says: we see you, we are you, and we’re not changing for anyone.
Fashion may come and go, but culture lasts. Born X Raised is proving that you can make waves on a global stage while keeping your feet firmly planted in your roots. It’s not just a brand—it’s a reminder of where you come from, and who you’ve always been.
Conclusion
Born X Raised isn’t just another name in the streetwear game. It is a movement born from real people, real neighborhoods, and real stories. It holds a mirror to Los Angeles and asks you to look deeper than the glitz. In a time when originality can be hard to come by, Born X Raised remains a symbol of pride, pain, and perseverance.