Born x Raised: A Homage to Los Angeles

Origins and Founders

Founded by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born x Raised was launched in 2011 in Venice, Los Angeles. For Spanto, the brand is a love letter to his city and a statement on its evolution and gentrification. Raised in a family with Native American and Italian roots, Spanto brought a unique, authentic voice to the brand, capturing the grit and loyalty of Los Angeles natives.

Brand Aesthetic and Style

Born x Raised is defined by its nostalgic designs and typography, drawing heavily from LA’s old-school subcultures. The brand uses iconic fonts, bold graphics, and gritty imagery that mirror Los Angeles’ multi-faceted neighborhoods and their inhabitants. Often using phrases like "City of Angels" or "On the Turf," the designs celebrate LA's authenticity and resilience.

Cultural Impact and Collaborations

Born x Raised Hoodie has carved out a unique space in streetwear by staying true to its LA roots. The brand has collaborated with various artists, local creatives, and even high-profile entities like the LA Dodgers and Converse, bringing West Coast street culture to a broader audience. Its influence extends into music, as West Coast rappers and musicians frequently sport its apparel.

Social Messages and Community Impact

Unlike many other streetwear brands, Born x Raised takes a strong stand on social issues. It uses its platform to speak on gentrification, community identity, and social justice, often through limited-edition releases that donate proceeds to support these causes. The brand's authenticity and commitment to the Los Angeles community give it a loyal following, reinforcing the importance of originality in streetwear.

October’s Very Own (OVO): Drake’s Cultural Movement

Origins and Founders

October’s Very Own, commonly known as OVO Clothing, was founded by Canadian rapper Drake, alongside Oliver El-Khatib and Noah "40" Shebib, in 2012. Initially created as a way for Drake to promote his music and personal brand, OVO quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon, becoming a symbol of Toronto’s emerging influence in the entertainment world.

Brand Aesthetic and Style

OVO is known for its luxurious, minimalistic designs. Featuring the brand’s signature owl logo, its collections often incorporate black, gold, and neutral tones that evoke a premium feel. While primarily a streetwear brand, OVO also includes influences from luxury fashion, making it an appealing option for fans of both casual and high-end styles.

Collaborations and Limited Releases

OVO Hoodie has made a mark with its exclusive collaborations with iconic brands like Jordan, Canada Goose, and Roots. These partnerships produce highly anticipated, limited-edition drops that blend high-fashion elements with streetwear sensibilities, appealing to fans worldwide. Each release is carefully curated to maintain the brand’s exclusivity and high demand, creating a coveted aura around OVO pieces.

OVO’s Influence on Toronto and Beyond

OVO's influence goes beyond fashion. It has become a cornerstone of Toronto culture, with an annual music festival, OVO Fest, that draws huge crowds. Drake’s association with OVO further strengthens its popularity, as fans of his music connect with the brand on a personal level. OVO has become a lifestyle brand for Drake’s fans and a major player in the global streetwear scene, rivaling even the biggest names in fashion.

Key Differences and Similarities Between Born x Raised and OVO

Local Roots vs. Global Reach

Born x Raised has a hyper-local focus, emphasizing Los Angeles culture and the experiences of its residents. OVO, on the other hand, draws heavily on Toronto culture but has a global appeal thanks to Drake’s international fanbase. While Born x Raised is more rooted in LA’s identity, OVO has positioned itself as a global lifestyle brand.

Design Philosophy

Both brands feature minimalist designs but with different focuses. Born x Raised leans toward grittier, text-heavy designs that reflect the realities of Los Angeles. OVO’s designs, however, feature luxury elements and are more likely to use clean lines, subdued colors, and iconic logos.

Influence in Music and Entertainment

Born x Raised has built a following in West Coast hip-hop circles, while OVO’s association with Drake has attracted fans across multiple music genres. Both brands have significant crossover with the music industry, but OVO’s global music appeal gives it a wider reach.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Born x Raised and OVO

Born x Raised and OVO Clothing offer unique takes on streetwear that reflect their founders’ personal styles and cities. If you appreciate raw, community-centered designs with a strong social message, Born x Raised might be the brand for you. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to luxury streetwear with a worldwide influence, OVO’s sophisticated aesthetic and exclusive releases are hard to beat. Both brands continue to push the boundaries of streetwear, redefining what it means to wear culture on your sleeve.

This comparison captures the essence of both brands and provides an in-depth look at their distinct approaches to streetwear.