Founding story
Chrome Hearts was established in 1988 by Richard Stark, his wife Laurie Lynn Stark, and friend John Bowman in Los Angeles, California. The history of the brand is in motorcycle culture and craftsman heritage.
The Starks’ dedication to old-school craftsmanship and quality materials differentiated Chrome Hearts from the start. Every item was created by hand in their Los Angeles workshop, building the brand’s name.
By the early 1990s, Chrome Heart had become a luxury lifestyle brand from a small custom leather business. They expanded their product line gradually while keeping their unique aesthetic and commitment.
Key Milestones in Chrome Hearts’ Journey
1988: Foundation
Richard Stark, Laurie Lynn Stark, and John Bowman establish Chrome Hearts in Los Angeles. Initial focus on handcrafted leather motorcycle accessories with sterling silver details
1992: CFDA Recognition
Chrome Hearts wins the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Accessory Designer of the Year award.
This prestigious recognition elevates the brand’s status in the fashion industry and broadens its appeal beyond motorcycle culture.
1996: First Flagship Store
Opening of the first Chrome Hearts flagship store in New York City
This marks the beginning of their controlled retail expansion strategy.
2000: Tokyo Expansion
Chrome Hearts opens its Tokyo store, signaling its growing international presence. The brand resonates with Japanese luxury consumers, establishing a strong Asian market foothold.
2002-2004: Celebrity Collaborations Begin
Partnership with The Rolling Stones for their “Forty Licks” tour merchandise
Collaborations with high-profile musicians cement CH connection to rock culture.
2010: Chrome Hearts Miami Opens
The Miami Design District location becomes one of their most distinctive retail spaces. Features an in-house café, showcasing the brand’s lifestyle expansion
2013: Eyewear Line Expansion
Chrome Hearts significantly expands its eyewear offerings. Their distinctive frames become celebrity favorites and highly recognizable status symbols.
2014: The Chrome Hearts Foundation
The establishment of their charitable foundation focused on supporting children’s causes. Demonstrates the brand’s commitment to social responsibility
2016: Bella Hadid Collaboration
Partnership with model Bella Hadid for a capsule collection
Introduces Chrome Hearts to a younger demographic and heightens their fashion relevance
2019: Dover Street Market Collaboration
Special collection with Rei Kawakubo’s influential Dover Street Market
Positions CH within the cutting-edge fashion conversation
2021: Matty Boy Collection
Collaboration with artist Matt DiGiacomo (Matty Boy)
Introduces new graphic elements while maintaining the Chrome Hearts aesthetic
2022: Chrome Hearts+
Launch of Chrome Hearts+, an elevated line within the brand
Represents their move into ultra-luxury territory with even more exclusive offerings
Popular Chrome Hearts Collections
Jewelry Collection
Chrome Hearts’ jewelry collection is their most iconic product. These are produced mainly of sterling silver and have unique gothic and biker-themed designs. Signature pieces include:
- Cross Pendants & Charms
- Dagger Collection
- CH Plus Series
- Filigree Pieces
- Statement Rings
The jewelry collection maintains Chrome Hearts’ commitment to craftsmanship. Each piece is handmade in their Los Angeles workshop.
Eyewear Line
Chrome Hearts eyewear has developed a cult following among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Their frames are instantly recognizable for their:
Sterling Silver Accents: Temples and bridges adorned with silver detailing.
Signature Cross Motifs: Subtly incorporated into frame designs.
PENETRANUS Series: Bold, oversized frames with distinctive temple designs.
BONE PRONE Collection: Featuring slim, sculptural acetate frames.
Luxury Materials: Using high-grade acetate, precious metals, and even exotic leathers. Each pair undergoes rigorous quality control, with many styles requiring over 6 months of handcrafting.
Apparel Collection
Chrome Hearts’ clothing line extends their aesthetic beyond accessories:
Denim Program: Featuring meticulously detailed Chrome hearts jeans with leather patches, silver buttons, and cross motifs.
Leather Jackets: Their heritage product, now available in various styles with signature hardware
Hoodies & T-shirts: Often displaying their cross logo, cemetery crosses, or dagger designs.
Cashmere Pieces: Luxurious knitwear featuring subtle Chrome Heart detailing.
Cemetery Cross Series: Incorporating their distinctive multi-cross pattern.
Home Goods
Expanding their brand into lifestyle territory, Chrome Hearts offers distinctive home items:
Furniture Collection: Hand-carved wooden pieces with silver accents.
Tableware: Including silver cutlery, cups, and serving pieces.
Linens: Featuring their signature motifs on high-quality textiles.
Decorative Objects: From incense holders to silver picture frames.
Limited Edition Collections
Chrome Hearts regularly releases sought-after limited editions:
Artist Collaborations: Partnerships with artists like Matty Boy and Futura.
Fashion Brand Partnerships: Including projects with Off-White, Rick Owens, and The Elder Statesman.
Cemetery Services: Ultra-limited releases available exclusively through specific retail locations.
Where to Buy Authentic Chrome Hearts
Chrome Hearts exercises tight control over its channels of distribution to maintain exclusivity and guarantee authenticity of products. For collectors and enthusiasts who want to buy genuine products, the following are the most trustworthy channels:
Official Chrome Hearts Boutiques
The most secure way to purchase authentic Chrome Hearts products is through their official boutiques. CH operates flagship stores in major fashion capitals worldwide, including:
Los Angeles (original location)
- New York
- Miami
- Tokyo
- London
- Paris
- Hong Kong
- Seoul
Each boutique offers a unique shopping experience, often featuring custom interiors with Chrome Hearts furniture and fixtures. Many locations carry exclusive items that are only available at that specific store, making each boutique worth visiting for serious collectors.
Authorized Luxury Department Stores
Select high-end department stores that carry curated Chrome Hearts collections:
- Dover Street Market (various locations)
- Selfridges (London)
- Maxfield (Los Angeles)
- Isetan (Tokyo)
- Bergdorf Goodman (New York)
These retailers have official partnerships with Chrome Hearts and sell only authentic merchandise, though their selection is typically more limited than official boutiques.
Chrome Hearts Online Presence
Chrome Hearts maintains a cautious approach to e-commerce: The Official brands website offers limited online shopping. The brand occasionally releases select items through its Instagram. Some authorized retailers offer Chrome Hearts through their online platforms.
Avoiding Counterfeit Products
The brand’s popularity has unfortunately led to widespread counterfeiting. To avoid purchasing fake Chrome Hearts:
Be wary of significantly discounted prices. Check for quality hallmarks: precise engravings, substantial weight in silver pieces, and flawless craftsmanship.
Research the seller thoroughly. Request authentication cards and original packaging Examine the silver hallmark (should include “.925” and “CH”).
Consider professional authentication for secondary market purchases.
Secondary Market Considerations
For vintage or sold-out pieces, reputable consignment stores and platforms include:
- The RealReal (with authentication service)
- Grailed (review seller ratings carefully)
- High-end vintage boutiques with authentication expertis
