Born X Raised, an LA-based streetwear brand, has become a cultural phenomenon that seamlessly blends street style, activism, and personal identity into a unique narrative. From its humble beginnings to its position as one of the most influential brands in the streetwear world, Born X Raised represents a distinctive voice, speaking to the everyday struggles, dreams, and the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. With its eye-catching designs and unapologetically bold aesthetic, Born X Raised is not just about fashion—it is a celebration of the city’s culture, history, and social dynamics.
Origins and Founding
Born X Raised was founded in 2013 by graphic designer and artist, Spanto, alongside his co-founder, 2tone. The duo, hailing from Los Angeles, sought to create a brand that could connect with the youth in a meaningful way while honoring the rich history of their hometown. The name “Born X Raised” reflects the ethos of the brand: a celebration of where one comes from and the experiences that shape them. It speaks directly to the people who identify with the energy and authenticity of Los Angeles, a city known for its cultural diversity and creativity.
The brand was born out of a desire to create a label that wasn’t just another clothing line, but rather a brand that tells a story, one rooted in the spirit of LA. Through their designs, the founders wanted to convey the beauty, grit, and raw energy of the city, while also addressing the realities of living in an urban environment. The brand’s aesthetic is unapologetically LA—gritty, bold, and filled with local references that resonate with its community.
The Aesthetic: A Fusion of Street and High Fashion
Born X Raised is known for its bold, in-your-face designs that merge street culture with high fashion sensibilities. From graphic tees and hoodies to jackets and hats, the brand incorporates distinctive elements from LA’s skate, hip-hop, and gang cultures, while also drawing inspiration from art, music, and politics. The brand’s designs are often characterized by a mix of vintage typography, graffiti-inspired artwork, and satirical imagery.
The use of typography is one of the most recognizable aspects of Born X Raised’s aesthetic. Their logo, which features a simple yet effective design with bold fonts, often appears alongside phrases and slogans that capture the rebellious and fearless spirit of their city. For instance, slogans like “Los Angeles” or “Family Over Everything” are common motifs in the brand’s collections, reflecting a sense of pride, loyalty, and community.
Born X Raised is also known for its use of vibrant colors and graphic-heavy designs, often featuring references to LA’s iconic landmarks, street signs, and neighborhoods. Whether it’s the unmistakable palm trees of the West Coast or the blue hues that represent the ocean, the designs are heavily influenced by the landscape of Southern California. This use of color and imagery plays an important role in solidifying Born X Raised’s connection to the streets of Los Angeles.
Community and Culture
Beyond its distinctive aesthetic, Born X Raised is a brand that prides itself on its connection to community. Born out of the heart of LA, the brand has always emphasized the importance of staying true to its roots. The founders have often said that their aim was to create something for the people, something that reflected their personal experiences and the culture of the streets.
The brand has become a powerful symbol of local pride. Through their designs, Born X Raised tells stories about Los Angeles’ rich history and the people who live there. The brand often incorporates references to the city’s gang culture, paying homage to the resilient communities that call LA home. It also celebrates the city’s role in shaping modern hip-hop, skateboarding, and street culture. This deep connection to LA’s history has allowed Born X Raised to build an incredibly loyal fanbase that identifies with the authenticity and realness of the brand.
In addition to honoring LA’s past, Born X Raised also serves as a platform for social commentary. The brand has been outspoken about issues such as police brutality, racial inequality, and gentrification in Los Angeles. This willingness to speak out on social and political issues has garnered the brand both praise and controversy, but it has undeniably solidified its role as more than just a fashion label—it is a cultural voice.
Collaborations and Growth
As Born X Raised gained traction, its appeal spread far beyond Los Angeles. The brand’s collaborations with larger, more established names in the fashion world have played a significant role in its growth. One of the most notable collaborations was with Nike, which helped propel Born X Raised into the international spotlight. This collaboration blended the brand’s signature street aesthetic with Nike’s iconic sportswear, resulting in a limited-edition collection that quickly became a collector’s item.
In addition to Nike, Born X Raised has partnered with brands like New Era, Converse, and Stüssy. Each of these collaborations has allowed the brand to push its creative boundaries, while still staying true to its LA roots. The brand has always been selective about who it partners with, ensuring that any collaboration stays aligned with its core values of authenticity, creativity, and cultural relevance.
The success of these partnerships has expanded Born X Raised’s presence in the global streetwear scene, making it one of the most respected and sought-after brands in the market today. However, despite its growth, the brand has remained deeply connected to its Los Angeles roots, ensuring that it never loses sight of its origins.
The Impact on Streetwear and Fashion
Born x raised dunk success represents a larger shift in the fashion industry, where streetwear has increasingly become a dominant force. In an era where brands like Supreme, Off-White, and A Bathing Ape have blurred the lines between streetwear and luxury fashion, Born X Raised has emerged as a quintessential example of how street culture can be embraced by high fashion while remaining grounded in its origins.
The brand’s influence can be seen in the way that other streetwear labels now incorporate elements of social activism, community engagement, and local pride into their collections. Born X Raised has helped to redefine what it means to be a “streetwear brand,” showing that fashion can be a platform for self-expression, political commentary, and cultural celebration.
Furthermore, Born X Raised’s success has paved the way for other small, independent brands from Los Angeles to gain recognition. The brand’s rise proves that authenticity, creativity, and staying true to one’s roots are key to building a lasting legacy in the fashion world.
Conclusion
Born X Raised is more than just a streetwear brand—it is a cultural movement that represents the soul of Los Angeles. With its unapologetic designs, deep connection to community, and bold approach to fashion and activism, Born X Raised has carved out a unique space for itself in the world of streetwear. What started as a small project by two friends from Los Angeles has grown into a global brand that continues to make waves in the fashion industry.
Through its designs, collaborations, and commitment to social issues, Born X Raised has proven that streetwear is not just about clothes—it is a way to express identity, make a statement, and celebrate culture. As the brand continues to evolve, its legacy will undoubtedly remain intertwined with the ever-changing landscape of street fashion, and it will continue to inspire the next generation of creators, activists, and dreamers.
