Born X Raised is a streetwear brand rooted in the vibrant and diverse culture of Los Angeles. Founded in 2011 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, the brand has become a symbol of LA’s unique spirit, drawing inspiration from its subcultures, including skateboarding, surfing, music, and street art.
Origins and Inspiration
The name “Born X Raised” reflects the founders’ deep ties to their hometown. Spanto, who grew up in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, wanted to create a brand that honored the city’s rich cultural tapestry and his personal experiences. The “X” in the name signifies the multitude of identities and cultures in LA.
Spanto’s life journey, including overcoming significant challenges and spending time in prison, heavily influenced the brand’s vision. These experiences shaped a brand narrative centered on resilience, survival, and the celebration of local culture.
Design and Aesthetic
Born X Raised is known for its bold, unapologetic designs that often feature Gothic fonts, provocative slogans, and imagery reflecting Los Angeles’ history and urban landscape. The brand’s aesthetic is deeply connected to themes of gentrification, identity, and community. This authenticity resonates with fans who view Born X Raised as a genuine representation of their city and lifestyle.
The collections typically include staples like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, but also experiment with unique pieces such as custom jackets and accessories. The color schemes are generally muted, focusing on blacks, whites, and earth tones, but occasionally incorporate vibrant colors reflecting LA’s eclectic street art.
Community and Infl uence
A significant part of Born X Raised hoodie s identity is its commitment to the community. The brand regularly collaborates with local artists, musicians, and creatives to produce limited-edition pieces and host events, fostering a strong local following and a sense of unity and pride among LA’s diverse population.
Born X Raised is also involved in various charitable initiatives, particularly those supporting marginalized communities within Los Angeles. This philanthropic approach further endears the brand to its fans, who appreciate its dedication to giving back.
Popularity and Reach
From its local beginnings, Born X Raised has grown to attract a national and international following. The brand’s pieces have been worn by a range of celebrities and influencers, expanding its reach beyond Los Angeles. Despite its broader popularity, Born X Raised remains deeply connected to its roots, consistently producing content and designs that reflect the unique cultural landscape of LA.
Notable Pieces: Born X Raised Hoodies
Among its offerings, Born X Raised hoodies are particularly noteworthy. These hoodies epitomize the brand’s ethos, featuring standout graphics and high-quality materials designed for comfort and durability. They are popular for everyday wear and carry strong visual messages aligned with the brand’s core themes, making them statement pieces.
Conclusion
Born X Raised stands out in the streetwear market due to its authentic connection to Los Angeles culture, bold and meaningful designs, and commitment to community. As it continues to grow, the brand remains a powerful voice in streetwear, offering a unique blend of style, substance, and social consciousness.
Born X Raised is a streetwear brand deeply rooted in the culture and identity of Los Angeles. Established in 2011 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, the brand has become a defining force in the streetwear scene, known for its raw, authentic designs that pay homage to LA’s diverse communities and subcultures.
Origins and Inspiration
The name “Born X Raised” is a tribute to the founders’ deep ties to their hometown. The “X” represents the crossroads of various cultures and identities that converge in Los Angeles. Spanto’s personal history, including his tumultuous youth in Venice and his experiences with incarceration, heavily influence the brand’s narrative. These experiences are reflected in the brand’s emphasis on themes of survival, resilience, and community.
Design and Aesthetic
Born X Raised’s design aesthetic is characterized by bold graphics, Gothic fonts, and provocative slogans. Their imagery often references LA’s urban landscape and cultural history, creating pieces that are both visually striking and rich with meaning. The brand’s collections typically include streetwear staples like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, but they also experiment with unique items such as custom jackets and accessories. The color palettes are usually muted, featuring blacks, whites, and earth tones, with occasional bursts of vibrant colors that echo the city’s street art.
Community and Influence
Community is at the heart of Born X Raised. The brand frequently collaborates with local artists, musicians, and other creatives, producing limited-edition pieces and hosting events that celebrate and unite the community. These collaborations reinforce the brand’s authenticity and strengthen its connection to LA’s cultural fabric.
Born X Raised is also committed to social responsibility, supporting various charitable initiatives that benefit marginalized communities in Los Angeles. This dedication to philanthropy further endears the brand to its followers, who appreciate its efforts to make a positive impact.
Popularity and Reach
Initially a local favorite, Born X Raised has expanded its reach to a national and international audience. Celebrities and influencers have embraced the brand, helping to elevate its profile. Despite its growing popularity, Born X Raised remains committed to its roots, consistently creating designs and content that reflect the unique cultural identity of Los Angeles.
Notable Pieces: Born X Raised Hoodies
Born X Raised hoodies are particularly notable for their comfort, durability, and distinctive designs. These hoodies often feature the brand’s signature bold graphics and are crafted from high-quality materials, making them a favorite among fans. Each hoodie is designed to be more than just apparel; it’s a statement piece that embodies the brand’s core themes and pays tribute to LA culture.
Conclusion
Born X Raised stands out in the streetwear market due to its deep connection to Los Angeles, its bold and meaningful designs, and its commitment to community. As the brand continues to grow, it remains a powerful and influential voice in streetwear, offering a unique blend of style, substance, and social consciousness.