BORN x RAISED –
A declaration of love for the real Los Angeles
BORN x RAISED is more than just a streetwear brand – it is a historical document, a mouthpiece, and an emotional archive of a city in transition. The label was founded in 2011 by Chris "Spanto" Printup, together with his creative partner Alex "2Tone." The idea behind it was never fashion in the classic sense, but rather self-expression, processing anger, identity, and history. Spanto grew up in Venice Beach, spent time in prison, and then returned to a neighborhood he barely recognized. Gentrification had changed the streets, displaced people, and wiped out culture. This is precisely what drove BORN x RAISED.
With no formal training in fashion design but with a head full of ideas, Spanto began translating his perspective on Los Angeles into clothing. BORN x RAISED became a platform for authentic stories—stories that often have no place in the fashion industry. The brand represents the subcultures that have shaped LA: Punk, Hip-Hop, skateboarding, surfing, Chicano, and Latino culture. The designs were loud, direct, and uncomfortable, just like the reality they reflected. Despite stylistic developments over the years, the core of the brand has always remained the same: honesty, heritage, and respect for one's own community.
Spanto once described BORN x RAISED as a kind of scrapbook and love letter to his life. The brand shows a Los Angeles beyond Hollywood glamour and Instagram facades. It's about the real LA, about neighborhoods that are disappearing, about people whose voices are ignored, and about values that are in danger of being lost in the fast pace of time. Even though BORN x RAISED was never founded to be part of the fashion industry, the label has earned great respect over the years – not least through collaborations with Nike, Converse, Carhartt WIP, 424, and other strong partners. Another clear statement: production takes place entirely in Los Angeles.
The visual language of BORN x RAISED is unmistakable. Old English typography, powerful graphics, strong colors, and clear messages characterize the look. The pieces are instantly recognizable and convey their attitude to the outside world. Streetwear in its most original sense: from the street for the street.
The death of Chris "Spanto" Printup in 2023 was a profound loss, not only for the brand but for the entire streetwear community. Spanto was not only the founder, but also the soul and voice of BORN x RAISED. This decision to continue and revive the label is all the more significant. Under the leadership of his long-time partner and team, BORN x RAISED continues today with great respect for Spanto's vision. It's not about nostalgia, but about responsibility: preserving the legacy while looking ahead.
BORN x RAISED lives on as a cultural statement, a memory, and proof that real streetwear cannot be invented. It arises from life, loss, love, and the unconditional will to tell one's own story.
