From Japan to Mexico: Lowriding is shedding its gang culture stereotype

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We call that Chicano ingenuity.” open image in gallery An orange lowrider car is on display at the Slow & Low Chicago Lowrider Festival According to Pulido, lowriding originated in the Southwest, although there are disputes about where exactly it first appeared. Today, conventions attract enthusiasts from all over the U.S. Last month, what was once a small showcase with only 40 lowriders at Lincoln Park in El Paso, Texas, grew to over 300 lowriders from clubs across the U.S. open image in gallery Seven-year-old Daniel Marquez sits on his chrome lowrider bike, custom-built by himself and family friends in memory of his late father Alberto, a longtime member of lowrider car clubs Hector Gonzalez, of the Lincoln Park Conservation Committee, said the car clubs help members travel to all the showcases in the nation. “It’s really a celebration of creativity and innovation and family.” open image in gallery Hugo Cardenas and Araceli Martinez, wearing Zoot suits of the Mexican American subculture known as Pachuco Gonzalez, the Texas lowriding showcase organizer, said the culture’s focus on wheels, hydraulic systems and accessories, has helped lowriding become a booming industry. open image in gallery Wearing Zoot suits of the Mexican American subculture known as Pachucos But lowriding is not just about the often pricey task of modifying cars, Pulido said.