Born X Raised: A Deep Dive Into the LA-Based Streetwear Brand
Born X Raised is a distinctive streetwear brand born out of Los Angeles, California. Since its inception, it has built a reputation for blending the cultural influences of LA with bold designs that reflect both personal and social narratives. It represents more than just clothing; it’s a lifestyle, an attitude, and a symbol of pride for its local community. Let’s explore how Born X Raised became a cultural force, its unique aesthetic, and its continued impact on fashion and street culture.
Origins and Foundation: A Love Letter to Los Angeles
Born X Raised was founded in 2013 by Los Angeles natives Spanto and 2Tone, two lifelong friends with deep ties to their hometown. They both shared a passion for street culture, and their brand became a creative expression of their upbringing in Los Angeles, mixing their personal histories with the rich cultural fabric of the city. From the start, the brand was designed to cater to the local community, with a deep appreciation for the neighborhoods and the lifestyle that had shaped them.
Los Angeles itself is a sprawling, diverse, and ever-evolving city, known for its vast array of subcultures, including skate culture, hip-hop, and gang culture. Born X Raised pulls from these influences, capturing the vibrancy of LA’s streets and translating that energy into its apparel. While the brand may have started as a small, grassroots operation, it quickly garnered attention for its distinct voice and powerful aesthetic.
The Aesthetic: Bold Graphics, LA Iconography, and Nostalgia
Born X Raised is perhaps best known for its bold, graphic-heavy designs. The brand’s use of typography, illustration, and stark color schemes gives its clothing a graphic novel-like quality. At the core of Born X Raised’s identity is its strong connection to Los Angeles culture. Many of the brand’s designs feature local landmarks, such as the iconic LA skyline, street names, and references to the city’s rich history, as well as the rebellious spirit of the West Coast.
One of the most recognized elements of Born X Raised’s aesthetic is its use of the “Born X Raised” logo, often appearing in a bold, vintage-inspired font. The logo itself is a reminder of the brand’s mission: to highlight the pride of being from Los Angeles and the struggle that comes with it. Their designs incorporate elements of graffiti, skate culture, and urban influences that make it feel raw and authentic.
The imagery often blends nostalgia with modern streetwear sensibilities, creating a sense of timelessness. Born X Raised’s use of LA-related visuals, including Mexican-American cultural references, gang iconography, and nods to the city’s skate culture, immediately resonates with both longtime residents and outsiders who are drawn to the city’s mystique.
Cultural Significance: LA as a Canvas
Born X Raised takes pride in its identity as a reflection of LA itself. The brand is an extension of the cultural melting pot that is Los Angeles, with its deep ties to Latino culture, hip-hop, skate culture, and the grittier side of the city. Spanto and 2Tone wanted to give a voice to the areas of LA that are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media.
The brand’s designs frequently feature themes related to struggle, resilience, and pride, concepts that are prevalent in the lives of many Angelenos. It connects with local residents, especially those from marginalized communities, who have witnessed the city’s challenges firsthand. By using LA as a canvas for their designs, Born X Raised helps amplify the stories and identities of those who have been historically silenced or misrepresented.
Another cultural aspect of the brand is its connection to skate culture. Los Angeles has long been a hotspot for skateboarding, and Born X Raised taps into this rich history by incorporating elements of skateboarding culture into its designs. The bold graphics, rebellious messaging, and street-level aesthetics all pay homage to the subculture’s roots, making it a brand that resonates with skaters as much as it does with anyone interested in the raw, authentic energy of LA street culture.
Collaborations: Expanding the Brand’s Reach
While Born X Raised has always been an independent brand, it has attracted attention from major players in the streetwear and fashion industries. One of the key strategies behind the brand’s growth has been its collaborations with well-known brands and artists. These partnerships have not only helped solidify Born X Raised’s place in the global streetwear landscape but have also introduced the brand’s unique vision to a wider audience.
The brand’s collaboration with Nike was one of its biggest milestones, creating a collection that fused Born X Raised’s gritty LA roots with Nike’s iconic athletic aesthetics. These kinds of partnerships helped Born X Raised transcend its niche as a local streetwear brand and allowed it to gain recognition in the global market. Other collaborations with brands like New Era, Converse, and others further solidified its reputation as a brand that isn’t afraid to push boundaries while still staying true to its core values and identity.
Collaborations like these have been integral to helping Born X Raised gain mainstream appeal while remaining grounded in its original mission. Despite expanding its reach, the brand has maintained an authenticity that resonates with its loyal following.
The Impact on the Streetwear Scene
Born X Raised approach to streetwear is about much more than fashion—it’s about creating a platform for cultural expression. It has played a pivotal role in redefining what it means to be “born and raised” in a particular place. The brand’s designs challenge conventional ideas of identity and place while celebrating local pride. In doing so, it has become a significant player in the larger streetwear movement, which continues to evolve in response to cultural, political, and social changes.
The brand’s success can also be seen as a testament to the power of community-based streetwear. Born X Raised’s success lies not just in its design aesthetic but in its ability to connect with people on an emotional level. It speaks to those who have lived in LA, those who aspire to be part of its unique culture, and those who find themselves drawn to the city’s vibrancy and contradictions.
In an era where streetwear brands are constantly vying for attention, Born X Raised has built a loyal, passionate following by staying true to its roots while embracing collaborations and innovation. It has become synonymous with LA culture, a city that has long been a haven for artists, creators, and those seeking self-expression.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Born x raised dunk is more than just a streetwear brand—it’s a cultural movement that reflects the struggles, triumphs, and beauty of Los Angeles. Through bold graphics, deep-rooted local pride, and a commitment to authenticity, the brand has cemented its place in the streetwear world and the hearts of those who identify with its message. Born X Raised’s success proves that streetwear is not just about selling clothes; it’s about telling stories, reflecting identities, and creating connections.
As the brand continues to evolve, it remains grounded in the values that made it a success: community, identity, and pride. The future of Born X Raised looks bright, and its cultural impact is sure to grow as it continues to push the boundaries of what streetwear can be. In the end, Born X Raised isn’t just about fashion; it’s about being proud of where you’re from and showing the world the power of your roots.
