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Last Updated:
2024-10-30 03:49:13

Chrome Hearts

Luxury brand founded in Hollywood in 1988
Chrome Hearts
Chrome Hearts
Luxury brand founded in Hollywood in 1988

Chrome Hearts is a luxury brand known for silver, gold, and diamond accessories, eyewear, leather items, apparel, and more. Founded in 1988 by Richard Stark, Leonard Kamhout, and John Bowman, it is currently co-owned by Richard Stark and Laurie Lynn Stark. The brand's logo features a cross with the brand name around it. With production sites in Hollywood and worldwide, Chrome Hearts is recognized for its use of leather, silver, and ebony. It is estimated to be worth around $1 billion.

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1988
Chrome Hearts Founded

In 1988, Chrome Hearts was founded, starting with a line of designer sunglasses.

1989
Richard Stark Founded Chrome Hearts

Founded by Richard Stark in 1989, Chrome Hearts expanded into the international jewelry market, particularly known for its Gothic silver jewelry.

1991
Richard Stark buys out partners and expands Chrome Hearts

In 1991, Richard Stark purchased the shares of his two partners in Chrome Hearts and took over the expansion of the brand. He diversified the product line to include luxury leather furniture, unique silver jewelry, clothing, and luxury houseware items.

1992
Chrome Hearts CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year

In 1992, Chrome Hearts was honored with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Accessories Designer of the Year award.

1993
Richard Stark explains Chrome Hearts' vision in a VH1 Special

During a 1993 VH1 Special, Richard Stark elaborated on Chrome Hearts' ambition to create a diverse range of products, leading to the brand's reputation for offering a wide array of items from jewelry to furniture.

1994
Connection with Laurie Lynn and Brand Partnership

After parting ways with his co-founders, Richard Stark connected with Laurie Lynn, an avid customer of Chrome Hearts known for ordering leather bathing suits. They eventually married and Laurie Lynn became a brand partner, contributing to the growth and development of Chrome Hearts.

1996
Opening of Chrome Hearts first boutique in New York City

In 1996, Chrome Hearts opened its inaugural boutique in New York City at 159 East 64th Street, Manhattan, marking the brand's entry into the retail market.

1999
Expansion to Japan

By 1999, Chrome Hearts expanded to Japan with its first store in Aoyama, Tokyo, maintaining strict control over its brand.

2000
Collaboration with Tommy Perse and Mark Steele

In 2000, Richard Stark collaborated with Tommy Perse and architect Mark Steele to build a boutique in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, showcasing the brand's unique style.

2002
Collaboration with The Rolling Stones

In 2002, Chrome Hearts started collaborating with The Rolling Stones to create exclusive apparel and jewelry, some of which are still sold today.

2003
Opening of Chrome Hearts Boutique in Hong Kong

Chrome Hearts expanded its presence internationally by opening a boutique at Prince's Building, Hong Kong, in 2003, further solidifying its global reach.

2007
Collaboration with Comme des Garçons

In 2007, Chrome Hearts partnered with Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons to create a series of pendants and garments. This collaboration followed Rei Kawakubo's earlier display of Chrome Hearts products in the Aoyama flagship store during the 90s.

2009
Collaboration with BAPE (A Bathing Ape)

In 2009, Chrome Hearts collaborated with BAPE on a limited edition series of t-shirts, including the Chrome Hearts X BABY MILO collection.

2010
Partnership on shoe design with Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation and Rick Owens

In 2010, Chrome Hearts partnered with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation and Rick Owens to design shoes adorned with silver embellishments. They also collaborated on jewelry and sneakers unveiled at Paris Fashion Week.

2013-06
Collaboration with K-pop group 2NE1

In June 2013, Chrome Hearts collaborated with K-pop girl group 2NE1 for a limited collection to mark the brand's launch in South Korea at Shinsegae department store.

2014-03
Minority stake acquisition in The Elder Statesman

In March 2014, Chrome Hearts acquired a minority stake in high-end knitwear brand The Elder Statesman. They customized Adidas Stan Smith shoes with their signature silver accents in early 2016.

2014-11
Opening of Miami boutique

In November 2014, Chrome Hearts inaugurated their Miami boutique, featuring a Fahey/Klein Gallery showcasing 20th-century photographs, artworks by various artists, and a branch of David's Cafe. The boutique also displayed works from the Robert Mapplethorpe Estate.

2015-12
Collaboration with Ladurée and Sean Kelly Gallery

In December 2015, Chrome Hearts collaborated with Ladurée to open a macaron and tea café in their Miami store, along with a Sean Kelly Gallery displaying artworks by artists like Mariko Mori.

2016
Introduction of first fragrance collection

In 2016, Chrome Hearts launched their first fragrance collection, which included two scents and products like incense and Eau de Parfum.

2017
Chrome Hearts x Bella Hadid Collection Debut at Paris Fashion Week

In 2017, Bella Hadid collaborated with Chrome Hearts on a 40-piece apparel and accessories collection, debuting at Paris Fashion Week.

2018
Chrome Hearts x Virgil Abloh Hoodie Release

In 2018, Chrome Hearts and Virgil Abloh released a hoodie and another collection.

2019
Louis Vuitton Fashion Show at Chrome Hearts New York Branch

In 2019, Abloh, alongside Louis Vuitton, hosted a fashion show at Chrome Hearts' New York branch.

2020-04
Legal Dispute with MNML

In April 2020, Chrome Hearts filed a lawsuit against clothing brand MNML for unauthorized use of their trademark cross symbol on jeans, highlighting the brand's commitment to protecting its intellectual property.

2021-05
Chrome Hearts x Drake Certified Lover Boy Collection Release

In May 2021, Chrome Hearts and Drake released a limited collection to promote Drake's album Certified Lover Boy, exclusively sold in Chrome Hearts' Miami store.

2021-06
Chrome Hearts x Baccarat Decanter and Tumbler Set Collaboration

In June 2021, Chrome Hearts and Baccarat co-produced a decanter and tumbler set featuring Chrome Hearts' Pyramid Plus design.

2022
Richard and Laurie Lynn Stark CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2022, Richard and Laurie Lynn Stark were recognized with the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Chrome Hearts
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