Richard Stark, the co-founder of the luxury brand Chrome Hearts, was born on May 19, 1960, in Utica, New York. Stark’s background lies in carpentry, where he honed his skills as a carpentry apprentice. Before Chrome Hearts, he represented tanneries and sold leather hides to manufacturers.
The brand’s inception took place in a Los Angeles garage, alongside jeweller Leonard Kamhout and leather goods manufacturer John Bowman. Initially, they crafted leather motorcycle riding gear for local bikers. However, their unexpected venture into costume design for the B-movie “Chopper Chicks in Zombietown” catapulted Chrome Hearts into the mainstream fashion scene. The brand’s name was inspired by the film’s working title.
Chrome Hearts has managed to captivate a diverse audience, from elegant connoisseurs to rebellious rockstars, all drawn to its distinctive aesthetic. Stark’s unconventional approach, devoid of seasonal constraints, led to the brand’s expansion beyond leather goods, today, Chrome Hearts is renowned for its handcrafted silver jewelry, incorporating motifs like skulls, crosses, and gothic fonts.
