Chrome Hearts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chrome Hearts is an American jewelry company (founded by Richard Stark - portrait link below) that specializes in handmade silver accessories. It is renowned for its accessories (rings, ID bracelets, pendants, etc.) which feature fleur-de-lys, dagger and floral cross designs. A number of its products are branded with the phrase "FUCK YOU". It has also branched out into producing sunglasses and clothing such as sweatshirts, tanktops/wifebeaters, and t-shirts.
Chrome Hearts has developed as a major status symbol especially in cities where sold. Trendsetters, particularly in Los Angeles and Japan, have adopted this among Rolex and Mercedes as the "it" items to have. Wearing Chrome Hearts denotes a rocker, bad ass, and wealthy lifestyle.
There are Chrome Hearts boutiques in New York, Tokyo, Osaka, Los Angeles, Malibu, Las Vegas, Hong Kong and Paris (2006).
Chrome Hearts manufactures jewelry, furniture, and clothing. In their showrooms you can even purchase Rolex watches with one of a kind Chrome Hearts bracelets in place of the stock band or strap.
[edit] Celebrity Patrons
The Chrome Hearts brand was originally intended to compliment the lifestyle of the rock star but its patronage has grown far beyond that niche. Celebrities who wear Chrome Hearts include: Tom Brady (along with many other members of the New England Patriots Football franchise), rock stars such as Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Axl Rose, rappers Jim Jones and Juelz Santana of the Harlem based Diplomats, Lil' Wayne, Mary-Louise Parker, Lenny Kravitz, Cher, Eddie Murphy, Mischa Barton, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Nicholas Cage, Britney Spears, fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, and Cantopop star Nicholas Tse.
[edit] Exposure in Pop Culture
Rapper Jim Jones of the Harlem, NY based Diplomats apppears in the video for the song "We Fly High" wearing several items of clothing and jewelry made by Chrome Hearts, including one of their signature Wallet Chains. Juelz Santana (another member of the Diplomats) also appears in the same video wearing Chrome Hearts clothing, as does a female affiliate.
Rapper Lil' Wayne appears in the video for his song Make It Rain wearing a Chrome Hearts wallet chain.
On the Showtime original show Weeds the main character, Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker has been shown wearing Chrome Hearts clothing.