Spanto's Friends and Family Share Fond Memories of the Late Designer, in Conversation With 'Vogue'

On June 28, Born X Raised founder Chris “Spanto” Printup died at 42, after suffering injuries from a car crash in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The beloved designer left behind his wife Anna and three children — Marilyn, Carter and David — as well as his extended relatives and, as written in the brand’s official statement, “his family at Born X Raised, his extended native family, the city of Los Angeles that he loved and championed, and an extended network of true friends.” Now, several of Spanto’s close friends and family have shared memories and stories of the designer with Vogue, in honor of his legacy.

Among them, Anna Printup spoke to the publication about her unwavering, deep-rooted connection with her partner: “My husband played many roles for many people, but to me, he was my love, my source of security, and the embodiment of my heart. For the past eight years, we were truly one person. We faced many challenges, but nothing ever broke us. People are saying that Los Angeles won’t be the same without him, but for us, he was what made our home complete, and I know it will never be the same without him.”

Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, who founded Born X Raised alongside Spanto over a decade ago, reiterated the strength in his late co-creator’s character: “He was braver and stronger and more determined than anyone I knew. He had a connection to community, the city of L.A., and like-minded people in cities outside of L.A.. We worked together to act as storytellers at a time when narrative was not at the forefront of our industry.”

Actors Danny Trejo and Travis Bennett, both of whom maintained close friendships with the designer, waxed poetic about his influence on their lives. Trejo said, “He was all or nothing. People gravitate toward that, and they gravitated toward him. I’m happy I got to watch him grow, and I think the world lost a shining star.”

Bennett, who met Spanto while he was battling cancer, reflected on his ability to remain “the same guy,” regardless of the circumstances. “I miss my friend, he was always checking up on me—something I don’t do with my friends enough,” he said. “A fucking heart of gold. I don’t know anyone who has a bad thing to say about him. I can’t thank him enough for the impact he left on me in my life.”

Fellow fashion leaders — Union LA’s Chris Gibbs and Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo — spoke on the blueprint Spanto set in the industry and beyond. Gibbs said, “When I first met Spanto, I told him how refreshing it was to see Born x Raised represent L.A. by true locals. The path he traiblazed, one that will be very hard for many to follow, is how he represented Los Angeles in this holistic way—a way that didn’t hide her dark side, but instead was a honest and comprehensive representation of the City of Angeles.”

Lorenzo added, “Spanto expressed everything that made him uniquely himself, and did so with such clarity and honesty. Spanto set the example, and represented a life that transcends fashion and inspires everyone, in every arena or industry.”

Many others, including DJ Muggs, photographer Estevan Oriol, producer The Alchemist and artists Vince Staples, Chace Infinite and Freddie Gibbs, shared touching words on the designer’s impact. Upon reading them all, it’s evident that Spanto’s mark on the world that surrounded him will be felt, remembered and cherished.

Head to Vogue to read everything that the designer’s friends and family had to say.