Behind the HYPE: Chrome Hearts Is the Mysterious Lifestyle Brand Cosigned by A-Listers
The label’s meticulously hand-made jewelry, furniture and clothing are coveted by rappers and celebs.
Founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Richard Stark, John Bowman and Leonard Kamhout, Chrome Hearts initially started producing biker culture-inspired products that Stark himself couldn’t find, namely jewelry and moto jackets. The design house since then expanded to other items such as furniture, clothing collaborations, kitchen items, bikes and more. With wife Laurie Lynn alongside Richard Stark now, the two have also included their children to spread the influence of Chrome Hearts through their celebrity friends and social media presence.
In the Behind the HYPE video above, we explore the allure of Chrome Heart’s uber-mysterious ethos. It’s very discreet with its store design and if you’re in-the-know then you already have an idea of the house’s influence on fashion and celebrity culture. Musicians like Lil Uzi Vert, Kanye West and Rihanna are fans and they own custom made pieces by CH.
High price tags in the thousands for jewelry and clothing are just the start and even furniture can get up in pricing around the five and six-digit marks. With that said, there is more to the label than just its celebrity co-signs and outrageous prices. CH pieces are meticulously made by hand by the most skilled and talented metal, woodworking and jewelry experts. As Richard Stark says, “Nothing here is made; everything here is built.”
Watch the video above and keep tabs on our Behind the HYPE series for more introspective content.
