Chrome Hearts

Chrome Hearts was founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Richard Stark and John Bowman. Both keen bikers, they began making leather jackets for themselves, having been unable to find any they particularly liked. They were joined by master jeweller - Leonard Kamhout - and together they began crafting leather jackets with silver zips and buttons amongst other accessories.

From its origins as a leather motorcycle riding gear company, the brand has evolved into an obsession–inspiring label and a cultural phenomenon. In 1992, Chrome Hearts received one of the industry’s most prestigious awards – the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers) Accessory Designer of the Year Award.

Chrome Hearts today is a luxury brand producing silver, gold, and diamond-studded luggage and leather goods, accessories, jewellery, furniture and, of course, their staple Chrome Hearts eyewear. With a relentless commitment to quality, almost every product is designed, manufactured, and produced in small quantities in their factory in Hollywood, California.

Chrome Hearts frames are made from premium materials - including Japanese titanium and high-quality acetate. The Chrome Hearts glasses’ intricate designs incorporate sterling silver, and solid and plated white and yellow gold. Exotic woods; buffalo horn; fine leathers; precious stones; and sterling silver trims are used too, creating some of the world’s most unique, luxury eyewear.

Each Chrome Hearts frame is like an individual work of art, and past designs continue to be highly sought after by collectors. The iconic Chrome Hearts motifs (fleur-de-lys, dagger, and floral cross) that are found on the Chrome Hearts eyewear identify the brand’s wearers to the rest of the world as the ultra-cool among us.

In 1996, the brand’s first flagship store opened in New York City and thereafter in Tokyo and Los Angeles. In the years since, the company has launched a further 34 stores across the USA, Asia and Europe as well as concessions in luxury department stores. Each store offers its own unique look and range of products.

Chrome Hearts is now co-owned by Richard and Laurie Lynn Stark and all three of their children are involved in the family business. Many new Chrome Hearts fans and collaborators are friends and contemporaries of the younger Starks, with their influence helping the brand appeal to a new generation of musicians and supermodels. The brand has an ongoing collaboration with model Bella Hadid whilst rappers regularly drop the “Chrome Hearts” name in songs.

Auerbach & Steele are proud stockists of this unashamedly luxury brand. We would welcome the chance to take you through our Chrome Hearts collection here in our Chelsea store. If you would like to visit us, please book an appointment in advance.