Chrome Hearts: Meaning, Founder and Style

To give you a rough idea of why Chrome Hearts is enjoying such massive success, we’ve put together an overview that takes a closer look at the brand’s founders, history and signature style. It all started with a small custom jewellery production in Los Angeles, but it was after punk musician Steve Jones started wearing designs from the label on stage that the rapid rise began. The rock ‘n’ roll community was enthusiastic about the biker style. Especially the influence of Laurie Lynn as marketing director helped the fashion house to take off.

Richard Stark: Founder of Chrome Hearts

As a proud member of the Los Angeles biker scene and a big fan of Harley Davidson, Richard Stark had a dream in 1988 to fill the need for quality biker apparel, so he began working with John Bowman and Leonard Kamhout to create leather vests, jackets and jewelry they couldn’t find anywhere else. Thus was born the look Chrome Hearts is known for. Heavy crosses, skulls, and gothic lettering characterize the label’s image. Everything is handmade with the utmost care. This not only creates unique pieces, but also guarantees the top quality of the designs.

But this is also the origin of the price category in which jewelry, accessories and clothing lie. Best materials and craftsmanship have their price. In addition, of course, the popularity of the products also plays a role. The cooperation of the label with stars and starlets has contributed significantly to the popularity and of course to the prices.

Label Name: What does Chrome Hearts mean?

Shop fronts without names, simple interior design: Chrome Hearts is a label for real insiders. The reason is simple: it’s about a certain kind of nostalgia. Above all, the brand is against many customs that have established themselves in the fashion world with the digital age – for example, that you can read about parts of the collection and possible prices months before the actual release. Chrome Hearts doesn’t want that. The label, which finds its origins in the eighties, puts a lot of emphasis on staying true to its roots. So it also stayed with the name “Chrome Hearts”.

The title of the label itself probably goes back more to the chrome elements of motorcycles. These have found influence in various aspects of the biker scene. For example, also in the new school tattoo style. It is hard to imagine the rocker scene without tattoos – For this reason, the style has also been influenced by bike designs. The name “Chrome Hearts” can therefore be traced back to the brand’s cradle in the rocker scene. And to the label’s first major contract: production of costumes for the low-budget horror film “Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town”, which was still titled “Chrome Hearts” during the casting phase. The label’s title, however, is not relevant in itself, the brand creator said:

“Label it whatever you want. I just call Chrome Hearts, ‘Chrome Hearts’. If you have to tell somebody what you are – You aren’t.” – Richard Stark

Buy Chrome Hearts: Where can you get the label’s designs?

Getting one of the unique designs isn’t a problem in itself, but if you’ve fallen for a particular design, you’ll have to be prepared for a major search. Due to the limited nature, it is not easy to get any piece. Especially designs that were represented by stars are hardly available.

If you’re planning to hunt for your chosen favourite, don’t limit yourself to just one online flea market. Search multiple websites, Ebay and even sites like Etsy occasionally carry Chrome Hearts. The very most important rule is to look for the authenticity of the pieces. Ask for invoices or other proof that it is not a counterfeit product. That would be extremely annoying and unfortunately Chrome Hearts fakes are very common.

Clothing: Jeans, hoodies and t-shirts from Chrome Hearts

If you want to be a bit closer to the big stars, you can purchase one of the brand’s coveted designs. However, this is not that easy, as the limited pieces sell out quickly. However, the resale market of Chrome Hearts is huge, but here the prices can be much higher.

Hoodies with Off-White, Matty Boy and Co.

Chrome Hearts hoodies usually feature the Horseshoe logo and gothic lettering that the brand is known for. These hoodies are also 100% cotton and usually come in black with the label’s familiar Horseshoe logo and lettering. Editions in other colors are usually part of collaboration collections such as with Off-White. The Off-White x Chrome Hearts collection was launched in 2018 and the average resale price of the hoodie is around €1,500.

Chrome Hearts also released a collection with YouTuber Matty Boy in 2020. Again, also with sweaters that were available in different colors. Additionally, the collab models do feature the brand’s logo, but it is combined with other prints. It can be assumed that the hoodies are so popular because they can be easily integrated into a casual streetwear look, but are also suitable for relaxed leisure activities. Many high-fashion labels have started selling hoodies with the brand logo in the recent past. For example, hoodies by Celine can be seen on stars like Timothy Chalamet and Rihanna.

Denim: Levis vintage jeans with patches

The patches jeans from Chrome Hearts are something very special, because each one is unique. The reason for this is that Chrome Hearts selects each pair of processed jeans individually from second hand Levis jeans. While the model is the same, each pair of pants so naturally comes with its own unique character. The pants are then enhanced with Chrome Hearts signature accessories: cross patches and Chrome Hearts silver hardware. More specifically, this means that all of the buttons on the Levis jeans will be replaced. Seams are also reinforced and leather patches are securely fastened with double stitching.

• Price: 3.520 €

T-shirts with Chrome Hearts logo

Chrome Hearts’ t-shirts, much like their hoodies, are often found in collaborations. And Chrome Hearts does a lot of that, as the limited edition and unique creations that come out of collaborations are exactly what the label is aiming for. T-shirts are also found in abundance on the resale market and are probably one of the most affordable pieces you can purchase from Chrome Hearts. Occasionally you can get them for less than 200 €.

Accessories: rings, necklaces and bags for men and women

Jewellery and accessories are the things Chrome Hearts started with, so the range has grown considerably since the eighties. Because especially the silver jewellery is something the fashion designers put their heart and soul into. Here also the reference from the rocker scene is further clearly recognizable.

Rings in gold, black and silver

Chrome Hearts rings are an absolute staple of the brand. Especially the chunkier models can often be found on the hands of the stars. However, the accessories that adorn rappers and co. are often custom-made. Nevertheless, there are a few popular models that you can get on the website or on resale:

• Silver ‘Forever Spacer’ Ring
• Silver Floral Cross Ring
• Silver/Gold CH Cross Ring
• Gold/Diamond ‘Keeper’ Ring

Chains with Chrome Hearts Motifs

Of course, chains in signature sterling silver are also offered. Daggers, crosses, stars: everything is there. Always in the style of the brand with eroded recesses and rocker motifs – As always, handmade in Los Angeles and produced to a high standard. These are the most popular designs:

• Dagger Pendant
• Cross Ball Small Pendant Necklace
• Plus Safety Pin Chain
• Cross Pendant Necklace
• Chain Mille Cross Charm

Glasses with Chrome Hearts Details

The love for fine work and design has also inspired the designers to create glasses and decorate them with silver details and the brand’s signature designs. The frames are available on resale and are priced around €1,500. The materials and careful manufacturing methods have created an uber modern frame with sleek black acetate rims and high quality silver temples and bridge.

Bella Hadid was also spotted sporting a pair of rimless square sunglasses. The side parts, as always decorated with familiar Chrome Hearts motifs. Incidentally, the model is a big fan of the exclusive designs and presents herself among others also in jeans and jewelry of the brand.

Unisex Beanies

A particularly coveted piece are the label’s beanies. As always in black and with Chrome Hearts Horseshoe or lettering. The original retail price of the headwear was 125 dollars, now they are traded for over 200€. This shows again what an incredible potential the designs have due to their position as a rarity. That’s exactly the reason why Chrome Hearts is going for crazier and crazier pieces and meanwhile also released plungers and smores-roasters, which were sold out in no time.

Video: Chrome Hearts Leather Belt and Style Tips

Black leather, shimmering silver and big buckles. Belts are always represented in the rocker scene and also form an accessory outside of this, which can perfectly complete a simple outfit. Especially the striking belt buckles help a restrained outfit on the jump. Different belt lengths, widths and colors fulfill different functions. A few tips and tricks you get in this video:

Popular bag: Duffle Bag

The Chrome Hearts Duffle Bags once again feature the use of leather and silver. The leather applications are the usual Chrome Hearts shapes and motifs in black on black. The hardware of the bags are particularly exciting: The pendants, which can also be found on chains, are cleverly used here as zippers.

Caps from Chrome Hearts: Video about “Recognizing Authenticity

The Chrome Hearts caps are also decorated with real silver details. But especially here exists a large market of fake products. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell them apart from the real thing. To make sure you don’t pay too much money for a product that turns out to be fake, we’ve put together a video that shows you what to look for when buying.

LLOVLII by Laura

Brave! She has realized her 3 first ideas in the last weeks and Voila! Here it is.

LLOVLII Red: Cap

• Red Cap @ LLOVLII

LLOVLII Black: Cap

• Black Cap @ LLOVLII

LLOVLII Skinny Jogger

• Skinny Jogger @ LLOVLII

Laura: Cover @ FIV Magazine

Here you can find the full issue with Laura @ FIV Magazine.

Balmain: French Haute Couture & Prêt-à-Porter

Balmain or Pierre Balmain S.A. is a fashion company founded in 1945 by the French fashion designer Pierre Balmain and based in Paris. Particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, the Balmain company, which has also been offering perfume since 1947, was one of the leading international fashion companies in the upmarket Parisian fashion scene with elegant haute couture for women alongside Dior and Jacques Fath. After the sale of the company by Pierre Balmain in 1977 and less successful times from the 1980s onwards, Balmain was owned by a French investor group since 1995 and was on the verge of insolvency in 2004. It was only in 2006 that Balmain, which has been producing high-priced prêt-à-porter fashion for women since 1982 and, with interruptions, for men since 1986, regained its reputation worldwide as a trendsetting and sought-after fashion brand in the upper price segment. Balmain’s haute couture fashion was presented for the last time in 2003 and was discontinued in 2004 as part of the restructuring. Since June 2016 the company has been owned by the investment fund Mayhoola for Investments from Qatar.

Women’s collections that redefine femininity

Balmain’s rich couture history is celebrated in every women’s collection under the direction of Olivier Rousteing. The archive, filled with unique designs, inspires, while the studio continues to inspire awe with its mastery of intricate couture techniques. Rousteing fuses these traditions with his own modern sensibility.

Fashion for the emancipated woman of modernity

For this women’s collection BALMAINFW20, creative director Olivier Rousteing rethinks and modernises the traditional symbols of the old French upper class to adapt them to today’s modernity – a range of designs now open to all, reflecting the inclusive values of Balmain today. Watch the video here.

Innovative cuts and artistic colour combinations

“Own who you are” is the motto of the women’s collection 2020, inspired by Rousteing’s own past. As the documentary film about the collection shows, he only recently found out that his biological parents are Somali and Ethiopian. His handling of this existential insight and his experience with adoption and rejection can also be artistically reflected in this collection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQLs4viUyIY

Rebellious collection full of studs, glitter and leather

The outfits focus on sculptural shapes, skilful leatherwork and extreme ornamentation. Rousteing is proud of the efforts of his entire team as they have ensured that this year’s Balmain creations are in keeping with the daring of today’s troublemakers. Check out Balmain’s breathtaking fashion show here.

Futuristic dresses and statement accessories for the summer

It’s not the catwalk styling, music and celebrities that make Parisian fashion so incredibly inspiring – they believe it’s their unparalleled heritage of couture and high standards of tailoring that make them stand out. Of course, these unique ingredients are key elements of Balmains’ DNA, and today’s collection makes it clear what the combination of savoir-faire and the Parisian studio can achieve.

Cultured & sophisticated fashion for the Balmain man

Olivier Rousteing was just 25 years old when he was appointed creative director in 2011. In just a few years, he has rejuvenated the historic house of Balmain and given it an immediately recognisable style. Many of his designs for designer men’s clothing are based on what he wears every day, with the certainty that he pays great attention to detail.

Tropical desert feeling on the runway in Paris

See here the Balmains fashion show, which took place on 17 January 2020 in the Grande Halle de la Vilette in Paris. The show marks the debut of Balmain Eye Wear by Akoni. The unisex collection is based on the savoir-faire of the world’s best Japanese artisans and is available since April 2020.

Insurgent clothing with lots of black

These thousands of studs on the eye-catching oversized black bouclé blazer or on the pagoda skirts with origami texture are meant to make a statement for Balmain. Biker vests with open shoulders, paperboy caps, bags and pointed boots are also often seen on the catwalk. Check out the entire fashion show here.

Progressive fashion with avant-garde flair

The entire event, which took place in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, was dedicated to support for aid organisations against AIDS. The fashion was typically Balmain: Loud, sparkly, confident. Cool colours were often to be found on the catwalk. What made this fashion show special: an extra laser show.

A fashion show inspired by the military

Many of the men and women who march across the runway today are dressed in designs based on protective armour from every age – from the medieval chain mail shirt and today’s military khaki to futuristic leather and nylon stockings. “Fashion is a revolution, not an evolution,” is the appropriate statement.

Famous advertising faces & Exquisite accessories

Balmain outshines the other luxury brands with its numerous, individual and always amazing modern and unique commercials. Using advanced techniques and numerous experiments, Balmain creates incredible videos. Even though it is difficult to shoot an unplanned commercial, the Balmain team always manages to fascinate its Balmain Army.

Cara Delevingne as advertising face in London

Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2019 campaign with Cara Delevingne takes to the streets during London Fashion Week, delighting thousands.

The perfect accessory: the Balmain bag

This new collection is inspired by what is on offer on the catwalks, picking up on some of Olivier Rousteing’s most famous signatures. Thick fringes, quilted leather and impressive embellishments are also typical of the new collection. To ensure that the models also look good on the catwalk, Creative Director Rousteing has teamed up with some of Italy’s most famous leather masters to match the bags’ colour palette to the latest outfits in the current collection.

Balmain: French Haute Couture & Prêt-à-porter

Balmain, or Pierre Balmain S.A., is a Paris-based fashion company founded in 1945 by French fashion designer Pierre Balmain. Especially in the 1950s and 1960s, the house of Balmain, which has also offered perfume since 1947, was internationally one of the leading fashion companies of upscale Parisian fashion with elegant haute couture for women, alongside Dior and Jacques Fath. After the sale of the company by Pierre Balmain in 1977 and less successful times from the 1980s onwards, Balmain has belonged to a French group of investors since 1995 and was on the verge of insolvency in 2004. It was only in 2006 that the house of Balmain, which has been producing high-priced prêt-à-porter fashion for women since 1982 and, with interruptions, for men since 1986, was once again regarded worldwide as a trend-setting and sought-after fashion brand in the upper price segment. Balmain’s haute couture fashion was presented for the last time for the time being in 2003 and discontinued in 2004 in the course of restructuring. Since June 2016, the company is owned by the investment fund Mayhoola for Investments from Qatar.

Women’s collections that redefine femininity

Balmain’s rich couture history is celebrated in each womenswear collection under the direction of Olivier Rousteing. The archive, filled with unique designs, inspires, while the atelier continues to awe with its mastery of intricate couture techniques. Rousteing fuses these traditions with his own modern sensibility.

Fashion for the emancipated woman of the modern age

For this women’s BALMAINFW20 collection, creative director Olivier Rousteing rethinks and modernizes the traditional symbols of the old French upper class, adapting them to the modernity of today – a series of designs now open to all, reflecting the inclusive values of today’s Balmain. Watch the video here.

Innovative cuts and artistic colour combinations

“Own who you are” is the motto of the 2020 women’s collection, and Rousteing found inspiration in his own past. As the documentary film about the collection shows, he only recently found out that his biological parents are Somali and Ethiopian. His handling of this existential realization and his experience with adoption and rejection is artfully reflected in this collection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQLs4viUyIY

Rebellious collection full of studs, glitter and leather

The outfits rely on sculptural shapes, clever leatherwork and extreme embellishments. Rousteing is proud of the efforts of his entire team, as they ensured that this year’s Balmain creations match the daring of today’s troublemakers. See Balmain’s stunning fashion show for yourself here.

Futuristic dresses and statement accessories for summer

It’s not the runway styling, music and celebrities that make Parisian fashion so incredibly inspiring – they believe it’s their unrivalled heritage of couture and high standards of tailoring that set them apart. Of course, these unique ingredients are key elements of Balmains’ DNA, and today’s collection makes clear what the combination of savoir-faire and the Parisian atelier can make possible.

Sophisticated & sophisticated fashion for the Balmain man

Olivier Rousteing was just 25 years old when he was appointed creative director in 2011. In just a few years, he has rejuvenated the historic house of Balmain and given it an instantly recognisable style. Many of his designs for designer menswear are based on what he wears every day – with an assured attention to detail.

Tropical desert feeling on the runway in Paris

Watch Balmain’s fashion show here, held at the Grande Halle de la Vilette in Paris on January 17, 2020. The show marks the debut of Balmain Eye Wear by Akoni. The unisex collection is based on the savoir-faire of the world’s best artisans from Japan and will be available in April 2020.

Insurgent clothing with lots of black

Those thousands of studs on the eye-catching oversized black bouclé blazer or origami structured pagoda skirts are meant to make a statement for Balmain. Open-shouldered biker vests, newsboy caps, bags and pointy boots also make frequent appearances on the catwalk. Check out the entire fashion show here.

Progressive fashion with avant-garde flair

The entire event, held at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, was dedicated to supporting charities fighting AIDS. The fashion was typical Balmain: Loud, glittery, confident. Before cool colors were often found on the catwalk. What made this fashion show special: an extra laser show.

A fashion show inspired by the military

Many of the men and women marching down the runway today are dressed in designs based on protective armor from every age – from medieval chain mail to today’s military khaki to futuristic leathers and nylon stockings. “Fashion is a revolution, not an evolution,” is the apt statement here.

Famous Advertising Faces & Exquisite Accessories

With the numerous, individual and always amazing modern and unique commercials, Balmain outshines the other luxury brands. With more advanced techniques and numerous experiments, the house of Balmain creates incredible videos. Even though it is difficult to shoot an unplanned commercial, the Balmain team still manages to fascinate its Balmain Army time and time again.

Cara Delevingne as advertising face in London

Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2019 campaign featuring Cara Delevingne takes over the streets during London Fashion Week, wowing thousands.

The perfect accessory: the Balmain bag

This new collection takes inspiration from the catwalk offerings by incorporating some of Olivier Rousteing’s most iconic signatures. Thick fringing, quilted leather and impressive embellishments are also typical of the new collection here. To ensure that the models also look good on the catwalk, Creative Director Rousteing had teamed up with the most famous Italian leather masters to coordinate the colour palette of the bags with the latest outfits in the current collection.