The Story of Born X Raised: A Legacy Woven in LA’s Streets

Born X Raised wasn’t born in a boardroom or a fashion house. It was born on the streets of Los Angeles, in the neighborhoods that raised its founders, Spanto and 2Tone. The brand wasn’t just about clothes; it was a story stitched into every piece, a tribute to the spirit of LA, where cultures clashed and communities thrived. Born X Raised became more than just a label; it was a banner for a lifestyle, a way of life for the people who called LA home.

Spanto grew up in Venice, California, an area once lined with family-owned businesses, murals celebrating cultural diversity, and neighbors who knew each other by name. But as years passed, the rapid wave of gentrification began to erase the soul of the place. Venice was changing, and it was losing the grit and resilience that had shaped Spanto’s life. It was in those restless nights, walking the familiar streets, that the vision of Born X Raised began to form.

Building a Brand with a Purpose

Spanto didn’t want to just create clothing; he wanted to create a statement. He envisioned Born X Raised as a brand that could preserve the essence of the neighborhoods he loved, even as they disappeared in front of his eyes. The designs, the fonts, the messages—all of it would be inspired by the LA that he knew: raw, resilient, and unapologetically real.

He reached out to his friend 2Tone, who shared his vision and brought a creative spark to the project. Together, they started small, releasing limited pieces that told their story in subtle ways. Their designs weren’t just images or words—they were fragments of a culture that couldn’t be replaced. As they created their first Born X Raised shorts and hats, they felt like they were giving people a piece of LA they could carry with them.

The First Collection: A Connection to Home

The first collection was simple but powerful. T-shirts with bold graphics, Born X Raised hat emblazoned with the brand’s name, and shorts that combined comfort with undeniable style. Each piece was designed to resonate with those who understood what it meant to be “born and raised” in the heart of LA. It didn’t take long for the brand to gain traction. People wore Born X Raised not just for fashion, but to show pride in where they came from.

Born X Raised quickly became a movement, a voice for those who had seen their communities change and who wanted to hold onto their roots. The brand expanded, introducing more pieces, each reflecting a story from the founders’ lives. Born X Raised shorts, crafted for comfort but designed with style, became a popular staple, especially during LA’s sweltering summer days. Their signature hats became instantly recognizable, worn by locals and admired by outsiders.

The Born And Raised Dunks: A Game-Changing Collaboration

As the brand grew, so did its influence. Nike approached Spanto and 2Tone with the idea of a collaboration—a sneaker that would blend the classic appeal of the Nike Dunk with the unmistakable style of Born X Raised. This was an opportunity not just for the brand but for the people it represented. The Born And Raised Dunks were designed to embody LA’s character: bold, resilient, and never backing down.

The collaboration brought attention from sneakerheads and fashion lovers worldwide. But for Spanto, it was more than a win for the brand; it was a moment of pride for his city and the people who had been with him from the beginning. Every pair of Born And Raised Dunks was a tribute to the resilience of LA’s neighborhoods and the people who shaped its streets.

Born X Raised: A Community, Not Just a Brand

The story of Born X Raised doesn’t just lie in the clothes—it lives in the community the brand has built. For many, wearing Born X Raised is a way to carry a piece of home, to celebrate the streets that shaped them. Fans across the city and beyond rock their Born X Raised hats and shorts, knowing they’re not just wearing a brand—they’re representing a movement.

Spanto and 2Tone didn’t just create a brand; they built a legacy. They used fashion as a way to hold onto the essence of a place that was constantly changing. Every new release, every collaboration, and every piece carries with it a story of pride, resilience, and love for the city that raised them.

The Future of Born X Raised

Born X Raised is more than a trend—it’s a testament to the power of community, culture, and identity. It’s for the people who are rooted in their hometowns, who understand the pride that comes from knowing where you’re from. As the brand continues to grow, Spanto and 2Tone remain dedicated to their mission. They’re not interested in becoming just another clothing line; they want Born X Raised to be a movement that resonates with anyone who values authenticity and heritage.

So, when you see someone in Born X Raised shorts, a hat, or the Born And Raised Dunks, you’re not just looking at a fashion choice. You’re seeing a story, a statement, and a legacy that refuses to fade away. Born X Raised is here to stay, a brand that will always keep the heart of LA alive, one piece at a time.