Born X Raised is more than a clothing brand — it is a cultural movement that represents the raw spirit of Los Angeles and the pride of being deeply connected to one’s roots. Founded in 2013 by Spanto (Chris Printup) and 2Tone (Alex Erdmann), Born X Raised has emerged as a powerful voice for marginalized communities, giving them a platform to express themselves through fashion, storytelling, and activism. What sets this brand apart is its unapologetic loyalty to its origin and the way it captures the essence of neighborhoods that are often overlooked or misrepresented.
The Origins: A Deep Connection to Los Angeles
Born X Raised was born out of a deep love and reverence for Los Angeles, particularly its often-forgotten communities. Spanto, who was raised in Venice, grew up during a time of intense gentrification and cultural displacement. He saw firsthand how entire neighborhoods were being erased, and he decided to push back through a brand that would preserve their legacy. The name “Born X Raised” itself represents authenticity — being born into a culture, a neighborhood, and a way of life, and being shaped by those experiences.
Unlike many streetwear brands that chase trends, Born X Raised has always prioritized authenticity. It reflects the stories of people who live in LA’s inner-city neighborhoods — their struggles, celebrations, identities, and dreams. From its first drop to its most recent collection, the brand has never lost sight of its mission: to represent the unfiltered truth of the streets and the communities that built them.
Aesthetic That Speaks Volumes
The aesthetic of Born X Raised is a direct reflection of its mission. The designs often incorporate bold lettering, old English fonts, and powerful imagery that speak to both pride and resistance. Their pieces frequently reference local culture, including Chicano heritage, gang-influenced street art, and the spirit of rebellion that defined many parts of LA during the ’80s and ’90s.
Each collection feels like a love letter to a specific part of the city. There are tributes to Venice, Boyle Heights, South Central, and other communities that helped shape the brand’s identity. The clothes tell stories — not in an abstract or commercial sense, but in a way that feels personal and lived-in. When someone wears Bornxraised hoodie, they’re not just wearing a shirt or a hoodie — they’re wearing history, pride, and resilience.
Built on Respect, Not Appropriation
What makes Born X Raised stand apart in an increasingly saturated streetwear market is its unwavering respect for the communities it draws inspiration from. Many fashion brands have been accused of cultural appropriation — borrowing aesthetics and symbols from cultures they have no connection to. Born X Raised is different. It was built by people who are part of the culture. The founders didn’t need to study the streets from the outside; they lived it, survived it, and built something powerful from it.
This respect is also reflected in how the brand engages with its community. Whether it’s hosting events, collaborating with local artists, or honoring fallen community members, Born X Raised remains deeply embedded in the lives of those it represents. It doesn’t just speak to the streets — it listens to them.
Spanto’s Legacy: A Vision Beyond Fashion
The heart and soul of Born X Raised was Spanto, who passed away in 2023 after a long battle with cancer. His story is one of strength, survival, and vision. Even during his illness, Spanto continued to work on the brand, bringing new ideas to life and expanding its reach while staying true to its roots. His impact was enormous — not just in fashion, but in the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.
Spanto’s passing was felt deeply across the city and beyond. He left behind a legacy that transcends clothing. He showed that it’s possible to stay authentic in a world obsessed with superficial success. He created something that gave people a sense of belonging and pride. And most importantly, he used fashion as a means to tell stories that mattered.
Collaborations That Mean Something
While Born X Raised has collaborated with major names like the NFL, Nike, and the Dodgers, these partnerships were never about hype alone. Every collaboration has been carefully crafted to reflect the brand’s values. When Born X Raised worked with Nike, the result was a project that paid tribute to Spanto’s father and the city that raised him. Their collaborations with sports teams, especially the Dodgers, became symbols of local pride and unity.
Unlike other brands that often treat collaborations as business moves, Born X Raised uses them to elevate its message and give its community a larger stage. These projects help bridge the gap between mainstream audiences and the stories of inner-city life that rarely get told on national platforms.
A Community First Brand
Born X Raised doesn’t just sell clothes — it builds community. From pop-up shops to charity drives, the brand has consistently invested in giving back. It’s common to see Born X Raised hosting events in LA that bring people together, celebrate culture, and support local causes. The brand has donated to schools, organized drives for underserved families, and used its platform to highlight issues affecting its neighborhoods.
This sense of responsibility isn’t an afterthought — it’s foundational. Born X Raised operates with the understanding that a brand’s success means nothing if it isn’t rooted in service to its people. This community-first approach has earned it not just a loyal customer base but a movement of people who believe in what the brand stands for.
A Movement That Continues
Even after the passing of Spanto, Born X Raised remains a vibrant and vital force. His vision continues through the work of 2Tone and the team he left behind, who are committed to honoring his legacy. The brand’s message is more relevant than ever — in a world where many are searching for connection, identity, and truth, Born X Raised offers a powerful reminder that where you come from matters.
As it continues to grow, the brand is also reaching new audiences. But no matter how far its message travels, Born X Raised stays rooted in its origins. It’s a reminder that fashion can be a tool for storytelling, for preservation, and for resistance. It proves that realness cannot be manufactured — it has to be lived.
Conclusion
Born X Raised is not just a clothing line. It’s a voice for the unheard, a platform for the overlooked, and a celebration of culture in its purest form. Rooted in Los Angeles but resonating far beyond it, the brand represents everything that fashion should strive to be — honest, impactful, and unafraid. In a world that often forgets where it came from, Born X Raised reminds us that our roots are our greatest strength.
