Born X Raised: The Intersection of Streetwear, Culture, and Identity
Born X Raised is more than just a streetwear brand—it’s a powerful cultural statement. Founded in 2013 by Josh and Priscilla (Cilla) A, the brand has made its mark not just through fashion, but through its deep connection to Los Angeles, the gritty yet vibrant city that inspired its creation. Combining high-quality materials, bold graphics, and a strong sense of local pride, Born X Raised has created a legacy that resonates not only with Los Angeles natives but with global streetwear enthusiasts. This brand speaks to the heart of urban culture, emphasizing authenticity, community, and self-expression.
Origins and Evolution
The birth of Born X Raised was not an accident. Josh and Cilla, both born and raised in Los Angeles, wanted to create a brand that reflected the spirit of their hometown. Their goal was to showcase their personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs through the lens of fashion, all while staying true to the streets that shaped them. The name “Born X Raised” itself is an embodiment of their roots—an expression of pride in their origins. It stands as a symbol for people who are deeply connected to the place they come from, who are molded by their surroundings and experiences.
Los Angeles, a city known for its diverse cultural influences, served as a rich backdrop for the creation of Born X Raised. The brand draws from a variety of urban subcultures, particularly skate, surf, and hip-hop. These elements are reflected in the brand’s designs, which feature bold, often provocative graphics, streetwise symbols, and typographies that evoke a sense of rebellion, individuality, and pride in one’s heritage.
From its early days, Born X Raised set itself apart from other streetwear brands by emphasizing its unique relationship to LA. It wasn’t just about selling clothes—it was about creating a movement. The designs were unapologetically local, often featuring imagery like the city’s iconic palm trees, references to LA’s gang culture, and symbols of both rebellion and unity. As Born X Raised grew, so did its reputation for being a brand that celebrated both the beauty and harsh realities of Los Angeles.
Identity Through Design
What makes Born X Raised stand out in the crowded world of streetwear is its ability to communicate its identity through design. Streetwear is, at its core, a form of self-expression, and Born X Raised understands this better than most. Each collection tells a story about LA, its neighborhoods, its people, and its history. Whether it’s a hoodie featuring a graphic of a heart-shaped tattoo, or a t-shirt with a bold, retro-style logo, the designs speak volumes about the brand’s philosophy. They don’t just offer clothing; they offer a piece of culture, a piece of identity that resonates with anyone who wears it.
The bold graphics used by Born X Raised are part of what has helped it gain such a significant following. Many of the designs incorporate street elements like graffiti, old-school tattoo styles, and punk rock aesthetics. These are the same design elements that have been integral to LA’s street culture for decades, making the brand feel deeply rooted in the city’s history. The combination of contemporary streetwear styles with vintage references also gives the brand an enduring quality, one that doesn’t rely on fleeting trends but instead celebrates timeless urban style.
One of the key features of Born X Raised’s designs is its use of typography. Many of the brand’s most recognizable pieces feature large, bold letters that are almost as much a part of the design as the imagery itself. These words and phrases often carry meaning beyond just their aesthetic—whether it’s a reference to LA, a slogan tied to street culture, or a piece of the brand’s own narrative. The typography helps create a sense of unity, tying together the brand’s designs and ensuring that each piece feels like part of a larger story.
Community and Social Impact
Born X Raised is deeply embedded in the LA community, and the brand uses its platform to give back in meaningful ways. In an age where many brands focus solely on profit, Born X Raised stands out for its genuine commitment to local causes and community engagement. The founders understand the struggles faced by marginalized groups within their own neighborhoods, and they aim to use their success to help uplift these communities.
The brand has been involved in various charitable initiatives and has supported causes related to racial justice, education, and homelessness. Born X Raised has also partnered with local artists, musicians, and small businesses, ensuring that it remains grounded in the community that made it successful. This sense of social responsibility is not just a marketing tool but a core part of the brand’s identity. It sends a message that success in streetwear doesn’t have to come at the expense of doing good in the world.
Additionally, Born X Raised’s commitment to social justice extends to its products. The brand has often used its clothing as a medium to raise awareness about important issues, such as police brutality, gentrification, and the struggles of minority communities. For example, limited-edition collections that feature bold political statements or collaborate with activist organizations have further cemented the brand’s reputation as one that isn’t afraid to speak up.
Popularity and Collaborations
What began as a small local brand quickly grew into a global phenomenon. Born X Raised’s appeal lies not just in its bold designs but also in its authenticity. The brand has cultivated a loyal fanbase that resonates with its raw, unfiltered approach to fashion. Born X Raised has carved out its niche as a symbol of individuality and pride, especially among young people who feel connected to the brand’s message of self-expression and local pride.
As the brand gained recognition, it began collaborating with some of the biggest names in the streetwear world. Collaborations with giants like Nike, Adidas, and Converse have helped propel Born X Raised into the international spotlight. These partnerships allow the brand to reach a wider audience while maintaining its unique identity. The collaborations are often marked by a fusion of Born X Raised’s distinctive LA-inspired aesthetics with the signature features of its partners, resulting in highly coveted pieces that blend streetwear with high fashion.
In addition to these high-profile partnerships, Born x raised dunk also works with smaller, independent creators and local artists. This commitment to supporting other voices in the fashion and creative industries helps to keep the brand’s spirit of collaboration and community alive. Whether it’s working with a local tattoo artist to design a limited-edition collection or collaborating with a grassroots movement to support social causes, Born X Raised continues to maintain a reputation for being more than just a brand—it’s a platform for creativity and change.
The Future of Born X Raised
As Born X Raised continues to grow, it faces the challenge of maintaining the authenticity that has made it so successful while expanding its reach. The brand’s focus on local pride and community-driven values sets it apart from many other streetwear brands, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the years to come. With a dedicated fanbase, a clear sense of purpose, and a commitment to quality design, Born X Raised is poised to continue making an impact in both the fashion world and in the communities it represents.
Whether through collaborations, new collections, or social initiatives, Born X Raised is more than just a brand—it’s a cultural force. Rooted in the streets of Los Angeles but reaching fans around the world, Born X Raised is a testament to the power of streetwear to shape identity, spark conversations, and inspire change.
