Founded in 1988 by Richard Stark, Leonard Kamhout, and John Bowman, Chrome Hearts emerged from a Los Angeles garage. Each partner brought a unique skill set: Stark was a top-grade raw leather merchandiser, Bowman specialized in leather goods manufacturing, and Kamhout was a master sterling silver jeweller. Their initial goal was to create leather jackets that weren’t available to the market.
The brand hounded its name as a nod to the movie “Chopper Chicks in Zombietown,” where Stark was involved in costume design. The film starred the girlfriend of Steve Jones, the lead guitarist of the Sex Pistols. Stark took the working title of the movie “Chrome Hearts” as the brand’s moniker.
Chrome Hearts was not content with just producing leather jackets. Their love for rock music and the biker lifestyle fueled their rebellious spirit. As they expanded, their leather clothing and accessories resonated with musicians, rebels, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
A close relationship the Starks have is with the Icon Cher who has been a longtime supporter of Chrome Hearts. Her close relationship with them even prompted Richard Stark to request her to present him with the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year award during the 1992 ceremony,
However, two years later internal conflicts led to Bowman and Kamhout withdrawing from the brand in 1994 and falling out with Stark.
Carlos Santana, Jay-Z, and other rock stars embraced Chrome Hearts jewelry and eyewear as part of their edgy aesthetic.
Chrome Hearts didn’t stop there. They collaborated with legends—the Rolling Stones’ iconic “Lips and Tongue” motif graced their sunglasses. Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons joined forces with them for pendants and garments. Each collaboration added to their mystique.
They became LA’s equivalent of Ralph Lauren, embodying the City of Angels’ spirit: glitz, glam, and a rebellious edge.
Since then, Richard Stark and his wife Laurie Lynn Stark have co-owned Chrome Hearts. They opened their first boutique in Manhattan, New York City, followed by another in Tokyo. The brand’s mystique grew, and they even published their own fashion magazine featuring celebrity photoshoots.
Today, Chrome Hearts remains an oddity—an enigma that thrives without press, fashion calendars, or online shopping. Their legacy? Craftsmanship, control, and a rock ‘n’ roll spirit that refuses to fade.
