In 1991, FB County launched a line of streetwear and workwear apparel that resonated through the hood of California helping to define one of the most culturally influential Chicano brand of our time. Here’s a look back at the history of this renowned Californian brand.
The Origins: Workwear for the Blue-Collar Class
FB County's story began in mid-20th-century California, when the brand was launched to provide high-quality, functional clothing for laborers and tradespeople. California’s industries, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing demanded tough, reliable apparel that could withstand long hours of hard work. FB County delivered with its robust work pants, jackets, and shirts made from heavy-duty materials like canvas and denim.
Portrait of two Mexican workers wearing FB County apparel
A Cultural Shift: Chicano Pride and Urban Identity
FB County’s significance expanded beyond workwear in the 1980s and 1990s when its clothing became a symbol of pride and identity within California’s Chicano communities. The brand’s durable, simple designs, especially the “Charlie Brown” striped shirts and heavy-duty jackets, found a new audience among young Latinos who embraced the tough, urban aesthetic.
The Iconic "Charlie Brown" shirt
The Rise of Streetwear and Mainstream Appeal
FB County’s influence continued to grow throughout the 1990s, evolving from a local brand into a key player in the burgeoning streetwear movement. The brand’s rugged designs, loose-fitting styles, and emphasis on authenticity resonated with the urban youth and hip-hop scenes across California and beyond. Celebrities, rappers, and street artists embraced FB County for its raw, unpolished look, helping it gain mainstream attention.
Lowrider, front center-creased raw denim and loc sunglasses ; Eazy-E was the first to bring the Chicano look into the mainstream.
Modern-Day FB County: Resurgence and the Willy Chavarria Collaboration
In recent years, FB County has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, both within its core Chicano community and among fashion enthusiasts drawn to vintage and retro-inspired styles. One of the brand’s most impactful modern-day moments came with its collaboration with designer Willy Chavarria, a Chicano fashion visionary whose work often centers on themes of identity, social justice, and cultural pride.
Willy Chavarria, known for blending high fashion with streetwear aesthetics, partnered with FB County to create a collection that celebrated the brand’s working-class roots while updating its look for a contemporary audience. The collaboration was a natural fit, as Chavarria himself has long been influenced by the Chicano and Latino experiences that FB County represents. Together, they designed pieces that combined FB County’s durable, classic styles with Chavarria’s modern, minimalist approach, creating garments that appeal to both loyal customers and fashion-forward consumers.
FB County x Willy Chavarria