Chrome Hearts is a high end brand which produces silver accessories, gold and diamond jewelry, eyewear, leather, clothing, furniture. Founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Richard Stark, John Bowman and Leonard Kamhout. The production site covers three blocks in the middle of Hollywood.
History
Richard Stark and friend John Bowman started the business in an L.A. garage in early 1988. Bowman was a manufacturer of leather goods, and Stark was selling top grade raw leathers. Stark explained: "We both rode bikes. We couldn't find jackets we really liked. So we made our own." The third partner in the business was master jeweler Leonard Kamhout, who used only sterling silver. The company's first job was costume design for Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, costarring a girlfriend of one of the Sex Pistols; Stark took the name of the brand from the working title of the movie. Stark and the other founders eventually had a falling-out, and they departed the brand. Laurie Lynn originally ordered a collection of leather swimsuits from the company, and later married Stark and joined as a partner. In 1996, Chrome Hearts opened its first boutique at 159 East 64th Street, Manhattan, New York City.
Collaborations
In 2002, Chrome Hearts introduced a collaboration with The Rolling Stones featuring the band’s iconic “Lips and Tongue” motif. In 2004, Yves Saint Laurent partnered with Chrome Hearts and released exclusive t-shirts. In 2007, Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons has teamed up with Chrome Hearts, collaborated on a series of pendants and garments. In 2010, Chrome Hearts partnered on shoe design with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, and Rick Owens. The shoes are adorned with various silver embellishments. In March 2014 Chrome Hearts bought a minority stake in high-end knitwear brand The Elder Statesman. Chrome Hearts employed its hallmark silver accents in a customization of the iconic adidasStan Smith in early 2016. The brand has collaborated with off white on several occasions. Once in 2012 and once in 2018. Both collaborations have been received extremely well by the public. Bella Hadid used to visit the factory in LA as a teenager and collaborated with the brand on a 40-piece apparel and accessories collection released in 2017. The CHROME HEARTS x BELLA collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week, and is sold exclusively at Selfridges. Bella's sister Gigi Hadid has modeled for the brand.
