The Spring/Summer 2025 runway show in Los Angeles highlighted Ghetto Rodeo’s evolution beyond streetwear, celebrating Chicano heritage and community identity.
Last Saturday, the Arts District of Los Angeles served as the vibrant backdrop for Ghetto Rodeo’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway show, titled “Only God.” The highly-anticipated event marked a significant evolution for Ghetto Rodeo, showcasing a full cut-and-sew collection that departs from its streetwear origins.
The venue, a packed warehouse, buzzed with energy as attendees filled every seat and stood shoulder to shoulder. The choice of a dirt runway was a deliberate nod to cultural storytelling, evoking images of working-class neighborhoods and the labor that builds lives. This earthy representation symbolized resilience and a rejection of elitism, reflecting Ghetto Rodeo’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities.
The collection prominently featured fashion elements that paid homage to Chicano heritage. Mariachi-inspired pants stood out on the runway, adorned with traditional Mexican embroidery, known as “greca” or “botonadura,” reimagined in a contemporary context. Models donned sleek black and white bodysuits with chola-inspired makeup, capturing the fierce essence of Latina women influential in shaping Chicano culture in Los Angeles. Additionally, male models sported Edgar bowl cuts, transforming a cultural marker into a stylish statement. The brand’s partnership with Adidas contributed further authenticity, delivering jackets and footwear reflective of everyday attire within the community Ghetto Rodeo serves.
With a focus on everyday working life, the collection also included distressed denim splattered with paint, mirroring the appearance of laborers after a day’s work. This approach aimed to elevate worn fabrics and the experiences of carpenters, painters, and mechanics, framing everyday struggles as worthy of artistic expression. Furthermore, Ghetto Rodeo presented “Chicano basics” through a refined lens, utilizing soft materials to elevate these staple pieces.
Brian, the founder of Ghetto Rodeo, articulated the essence of the collection as he embraced his role as a voice for those unrepresented in the fashion industry. “Everything you see on the runway, from the clothing to the people, represents those whom the fashion industry has failed to give face and representation to,” he said. Brian shared that his passion for fashion emerged from his childhood, during which he recognized a lack of “brown faces” in the industry. This realization fueled his mission to create clothing that authentically reflects his community.
Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Brian elaborated on the collection’s name, “Only God,” a mantra that signifies resilience and self-acceptance in the face of criticism. “No one can judge me but God,” he explained, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity despite external hate directed at him and his brand. His musical inspirations during the design process included a mix of Cumbias and tracks from artists like Claro and Kendrick, with Frank Ocean frequently played in the background.
As the runway show concluded, the warehouse transformed into an animated after-party, embodying the sense of community Ghetto Rodeo champions. Models mingled with guests, their presence a tangible extension of the confident narrative conveyed on the runway. The event underscored Ghetto Rodeo’s vision of celebrating identity through fashion—a declaration of “This is us. We aren’t a stereotype. This is my family. This is how we live our lives.”
The Ghetto Rodeo Spring/Summer 2025 show not only introduced a fresh aesthetic known as “Ghetto luxury” but also highlighted the importance of representation and the stories often untold in the fashion world, all while creating a communal space that embraced authenticity and self-expression.
Source: Noah Wire Services
