“Only God can Judge me.”
Last Saturday in Los Angeles’ Arts District, a warehouse Ghetto Rodeo’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway show was making its debut This collection marked a turning point for Ghetto Rodeo. Moving beyond its streetwear roots, the brand unveiled a complete cut-and-sew collection. As I headed inside the warehouse, I towered over everyone thanks to me being 5’10 and my heels, a blessing given how packed it was. Every seat was taken, with standing attendees practically touching shoulder to shoulder as the runway show began.
The choice of a dirt runway was a masterstroke of cultural storytelling. Far from the sleek catwalks of Paris, this earthy path evoked the soil of working-class neighborhoods, the dust kicked up by laborers, the ground trodden by families building lives from scratch. It symbolized humility, a connection to the land, and a rejection of elitism, aligning with Ghetto Rodeo’s ethos of elevating the underrepresented. The dirt stood as a bridge between the streets and the runway, reflecting the brand’s journey from gritty streetwear origins to an up and coming visionary fashion house.
The collection itself was a not-so-subtle nod to Chicano heritage and the unsung heroes of blue-collar life. Mariachi-inspired pants stole the spotlight, their sides adorned with “greca” or “botonadura”—traditional Mexican embroidery and buttonwork that once graced charro suits, now reimagined with a modern edge. These pieces fused cultural reverence with contemporary flair, honoring the artistry of Mexico’s past while planting it firmly in the present. Sleek bodysuits in stark black and white clung to models with slicked-back hair and chola-inspired makeup, channeling the fierceness of Latina women who have long shaped Chicano identity in parts of LA. Male models rocked Edgar bowl cuts, a hairstyle synonymous with young Latino men, turning a cultural marker into a badge of pride and style. The brand’s collaboration with Adidas added another layer to this narrative. The partnership produced jackets and footwear that authentically represented the daily attire of the very community Ghetto Rodeo designs for.
Then there was the distressed denim, splattered with paint marks like the pants of a worker after a long day. This wasn’t just fashion, it was a tribute to the carpenters, painters, and mechanics whose labor fuels communities yet rarely graces runways. By combining these elements into the collection, Ghetto Rodeo challenged the fashion world to see the dignity in worn fabric and calloused hands, transforming everyday struggle into art. The brand reimagined “Chicano basics”—think staples like woven fabrics and simple silhouettes—through a refined lens, where soft, tactile materials elevated these everyday pieces.
From hoodies to basketball shorts to classic chicano-inspired fits complete with Adidas footwear, Ghetto Rodeo boldly declares: “This is us. We aren’t a stereotype. This is my family. This is how we live our lives. This is who we are.” The message resonates clearly: “Do not demonize us because we don’t look or dress like you. If no one will represent us, then I will ensure we are represented.” Beyond mere representation, the collection announces a powerful new aesthetic identity: Ghetto luxury. This is Ghetto Rodeo.
At the core of it all is Brian, Ghetto Rodeo’s founder, whose vision drives this movement. “Only God can judge me,” he declares, naming the collection after a mantra born from resilience. After facing over a year of criticism and false narratives, Brian’s resolve is unshaken. “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 says. Growing up, he noticed the absence of “brown faces” in fashion, sparking a mission to create clothes that reflect his community.
Behind the Scenes with Brian, Founder of Ghetto Rodeo
I caught up with Brian backstage as the after-party roared around us on full volume. Here’s what he had to say:
On the collection’s name:
“The collection is called ‘Only God.’ It’s short for ‘Only God Can Judge Me.’ After a year and a half of facing hate—well, more than hate—simply for being ourselves and staying true to who we are, dealing with false narratives… At the end of the day, people can talk, but I’ll stay true to myself. No one can judge me but God. That’s why it’s called ‘Only God.’”
On his design choices and model selection:
“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. As a little kid, I was always into fashion, but I always noticed the lack of brown faces in the industry. I wanted to make cool clothes that represent us.”
On his musical inspiration during creation:
“A lot of Cumbias, a lot of Claro and Kendrick… a lot of soft music. We had Frank Ocean on repeat.”
On freedom of expression:
“Yes, 100 percent. People are free to express themselves however they feel.”
His message to the fashion world as an emerging designer:
“As an emerging designer, ignore the hate. Fuck what anyone thinks. Do whatever the fuck you want to do.”
As the show wrapped, the warehouse erupted into an after-party, a testament to the community Ghetto Rodeo fosters. Models with slicked-back hair, chola thin eyebrows, and Edgar cuts mingled with guests, their presence a living extension of the runway’s message.
Written by Kimberly Mortensen
Photography by Chromefleuner