Chrome Hearts

UNVEILING

(Cultist)

(LEGACY)

(BEYOND THE HYPE)

TIMELESS ALLURE OF A FAMILY GIANT
MODERN MANIFESTATION OF LUXURY

UNVEILING

CHROME HEARTS

001_________FFTY

(LEGACY)

(BEYOND THE HYPE)

Timeless allure of a family giant-

Modern Manifestation of Luxury

UNVEILING

CHROME HEARTS

(LEGACY)

(BEYOND THE HYPE)

TIMELESS ALLURE OF A FAMILY GIANT
MODERN MANIFESTATION OF LUXURY

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends rise and fall like the tides, one brand has managed to carve a permanent niche for itself: Chrome Hearts.

From its cryptic visual and theoretical design language to its enigmatic allure, Chrome Hearts has earned a devoted following and cult status, making it a favorite among fashion aficionados. But the journey to this pinnacle of success was far from ordinary; it was a journey of

passion, artistry, and a commitment to uniqueness.

CHROME HEARTS: CHROME HEARTS

ESTABLISHED-1988

FOUNDED BY: RICHARD STARK, JOHN BOWMAN AND LEONARD KOMHUTE

BASED IN LOS ANGELES

CHROME HEARTS: CHROME HEARTS

ESTABLISHED: 1988

FOUNDED BY: RICHARD STARK, JOHN BOWMAN AND LEONARD KOMHUTE

BASED IN LOS ANGELES

In 1988, the genesis of Chrome Hearts was quite unassuming. Richard Stark, a leather dealer from the streets of Los Angeles, had a personal vision - to create bespoke leather jackets inspired by the rebellious biker motorcyclist culture. Joining forces with John Bowman, a master of leather craftsmanship, and Leonard Komhute, a genius jeweler specializing in sterling silver, Stark embarked on crafting pieces that reflected their inner style sensibilities. From a humble garage, they honed their craft, creating not only for themselves but also catering to the few individuals who shared their distinctive taste.

Fate took a serendipitous turn in 1989 when they were commissioned to design costumes for a low-budget horror comedy titled "Chrome Hearts" (later renamed "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown"). As if fate itself orchestrated this meeting, the actress starring in the film happened to be dating none other than Steve Jones from the iconic Sex Pistols. Jones, enamored by the brand's designs, eagerly sought custom pieces, effectively catapulting Chrome Hearts into the heart of rock and roll culture.

The brand's reputation spread like wildfire, with Lenny Kravitz, Guns N' Roses, and Cher among the first to embrace Chrome Hearts' mysterious allure. Cher, a close confidante of the Starks, played a pivotal role in cementing the brand's popularity. She recalled her first encounter with Richard Stark, wherein he offered her a custom-made guitar strap for a staggering $5,000. Cher's refusal to accept it at the time exemplified the brand's early pursuit of craftsmanship and exclusivity.

In 1992, a momentous turning point came when Chrome Hearts received the prestigious CFDA award for Best Accessories Designer. Even Stark, unaware of the gravity of the honor, mistook the congratulatory call for a mere telemarketing ploy. This recognition catapulted Chrome Hearts into the realm of luxury iconography, bestowing it with a legacy that would stand the test of time.

The subsequent departure of John Bowman and Leonard Komhute in 1994 could have been a setback, but it proved to be an opportunity for further growth. Richard Stark, now the sole owner, joined forces with Laurie Lynn, an art director who played a pivotal role in crafting the brand's distinct visual identity. Together, they expanded Chrome Hearts' horizons, infusing their iconic leather and sterling silver creations with a stunning array of home goods and furniture, embracing an eclectic design journey.

As the years passed, Chrome Hearts' cryptic allure only intensified. The brand's unique editorial presentation in their magazine became a visual manifesto, further captivating audiences and enhancing the brand's identity. The mystique of Chrome Hearts spread far and wide, transcending its roots in rock and roll and motorcycle culture, capturing the imagination of a diverse audience.

In the spirit of artistry and collaboration, Chrome Hearts has embarked on numerous ventures with esteemed brands. Richard Stark, however, shies away from the term "collaboration," finding it inadequate for the profound creative unions he forges. Among these projects is their legendary collaboration with the Rolling Stones in 2002, where they crafted exceptional tour gear for the iconic band.

From Japan to the world stage, Chrome Hearts garnered international fame, supported by the admiration of Rei Kawakubo, the visionary behind Comme des Garçons. The brand's sterling pieces adorned the Comme Des Garcons Aoyama store in the 1990s, captivating the hearts of the Asian audience and beyond. Even the legendary Karl Lagerfeld couldn't resist the allure, owning an astounding 60 Chrome Hearts rings.

The brand's collaborations with Rolling Stones, Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh, and Off-White have become iconic cultural milestones, transcending traditional fashion design and sparking new conversations around the intersection of luxury, art, and subculture.

Perhaps the most significant turning point was the collaboration with Off-White, spearheaded by the visionary Virgil Abloh. Abloh's embrace of Chrome Hearts introduced the brand to a whole new generation, captivating the world of hip-hop and streetwear culture. Chrome Hearts, once synonymous with rock and roll and gothic themes, seamlessly bridged the gap, becoming a common name amongst rappers and influencers alike.

KRISTIAN STARK

LAURIE LYNN

RICHARD STARK

FRANKIE BELLE

JESSE JO

KRISTIAN STARK

LAURIE LYNN

RICHARD STARK

FRANKIE BELLE

JESSE JO

The origin of the brand's name is rather intriguing. Their initial significant project involved a low-budget horror comedy named "Chrome Hearts." While the movie's title was later modified to "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown," The brand decided to keep the name because it just stuck from those early days.