With a massive cult-like following that has skyrocketed in recent years, it is easy to skim over the company’s deep ties to Los Angeles culture. Founded in 1988, brand pioneers Richard Stark and John Bowman originally created Chrome Hearts in order to fulfill their own need for the ideal leather jacket. Searching for a jeweler who was capable of detailing the hardware they desired, the two found a perfect match in Leonard Kamhout who specialized in silver. When asked how Stark would personally describe his brand, he replied “Nowadays, everybody’s fucking luxury. I don’t use the word, I just try to use amazing materials, craftsmanship, attention to detail, precious metals, precious gems, all that kind of shit. I guess you can call it whatever you want.” This ideology allows Chrome Hearts to remain true to it’s heritage while expanding at a blistering pace.