Born x Raised: A Cultural Movement Rooted in Los Angeles

Born x Raised: A Cultural Movement Rooted in Los Angeles

Blog Article

Born x Raised is more than just a streetwear brand — it’s a living, breathing testament to the deep and complex layers of Los Angeles culture. Founded in 2013 by Chris "Spanto" Printup and Alex "2Tone" Erdmann, the brand emerged at a time when streetwear was gaining global traction but often losing touch with its local roots. Born x Raised (often stylized as Born x Raised or BxR) carved out its unique space by anchoring itself unapologetically in the neighborhoods and histories of L.A., particularly focusing on the often-overlooked narratives of displacement, gentrification, and cultural pride.

At its core, Born x Raised is a brand built on authenticity. Spanto, a native of Venice, Los Angeles, created the brand as a way to resist the wave of gentrification that was sweeping through his community. Venice, once a vibrant and diverse working-class area, had begun to transform under the pressures of real estate development and tech industry expansion. Spanto’s vision for Born x Raised was to offer a counter-narrative — a voice for those who had called these neighborhoods home long before they became trendy zip codes.

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