Tough freedom, bold bravery and risky, raunchy, rich creativity are just some of the words you could use to describe what the Chrome Hearts brand embodies.
Chrome Hearts is a mysterious, yet established company amongst rock stars, rappers, fashion heads, hype beasts and even people that simply recognize brands worn in major cities across the world.
The brand was born by the father of the company and Chrome family, Richard J. Stark. The operation started the same way it still functions, with creatives surrounded by love, inspiration and connections. The family dedicates their time to designing things they want to wear themselves. They are inspired by their artistic, allusive, unique community.
Richard J. Stark and his wife Laurie Lynn Stark have spearheaded the growth of Chrome Hearts for decades. Yet, their children have inevitably become essential moving parts to Chrome Hearts’ current creative direction and evolution.
The fashion world is aware of Chrome Hearts’ significant existence in the space, but many don’t know that the youngest twins are the company’s future.
Princess of the Chrome Throne, Frankie B. Stark
Simply put, Frankie B. Stark is an under-publicized it girl. She’s one of those, (if you know you know) personas that only attracts the attention of the most intentional fashion girls.
Growing up as a free spirited, naturally cool creative in Malibu made her a magnet for a special group of girlfriends. Her groups’ genuine friendship and combined artistic minds have drawn the attention of many influential Californians since they were children. Some of whom who are now the most up-and-coming models, artists, musicians and internet personalities.
Frankie, alongside her pack, moved to New York City to attend Parsons after graduating high school to expand her knowledge of design. Unsurprisingly, she developed the same widespread popularity within the young creative New York city community that she had in Los Angeles. Due to her time existing in both Los Angeles and New York, she’s become a highly inspirational, bicoastal socialite.
Therefore, when Frankie wears something authentic and innovative, her visionary friends follow first and create a ripple effect of influence across all of their collective fashionable followers. She has a somewhat unspoken respect from a niche, vast, culturally powerful community.
At 14 years old, Frankie Belle started a swimsuit company of her own called Dipped in Blue with her best friend, Konoka Smith. The company is rooted in true friendship and collaboration between naturally skilled individuals. They have proved themselves capable of producing ingenious marketing campaigns and exposure. Although Dipped in Blue appears to be Frankie’s main personal focus, since she was young, she’s been designing for Chrome Hearts.
When asked by an interviewer from L’Officiel how she feels seeing Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa wearing her designs she answered, saying, “Seeing supermodels and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa wearing my creations is an incredible feeling. I’m proud to have these beautiful women appreciate my designs, it’s truly amazing and a dream come true. I want all women to feel as sexy and confident as I do when wearing Dipped in Blue.”
Whether she actually designed the pieces they wear, or simply inspired the outfits they decide to put on, powerful women across the country wear Frankie’s ideas.
Prince of the Chrome Throne, Kristian J. Stark
While Frankie introduces the younger female creative crowd to the Chrome Hearts brand, her twin brother, Kristian, is influencing the male side of things. Kristian has become a vital part to the brand’s growth and longevity. According to L’Officiel Saint Barths, “He’s determined to fulfill his father’s vision of making Chrome Hearts a business that lasts for 150 years,” and so far VALLEY thinks he’s done an exceptional job working to make that happen.
Kristian’s contributions to the brand are more business oriented, although his fashionable genes (and literal jeans) are undoubtedly worshipped by the Chrome cult of city kids across America. He’s heavily involved in the business relations of the brand and even took on opening a Chrome Hearts storefront in one of the family’s favorite vacation spots, Saint Barths. At just 16 or 17 Kristian “knew Chrome Hearts would fit in there.”
“I found the location, and I established a good relationship with the owner, who my dad also loved, so that helped.”
According to his interview with L’Officiel, he designs an exclusive collection for the Saint Barths boutique every December and additionally enjoys “sitting in the big meetings and analyzing the numbers.”
As a fan, it seems Kristian plays an impactful role in keeping new artists and communities Chromed out. Kristian seemingly “dresses” his guy friends in the rapper and gamer space by gifting them different pieces. This is a genius, and genuine marketing strategy that aligns perfectly with the family-oriented company’s typical business strategies.
And it’s not like he has to ask them to flaunt the clothing and jewelry; it’s safe to assume they’d all drop to their knees if it meant they could wear an exclusive Kristian or vintage Chrome piece.
Frankie and Kristian’s twin hood and individual powers together create an undeniably influential force. Although they both see the world through their striking chrome covered eyes, their different experiences and interests unite separate communities. They make Chrome Hearts known and worn by so much of the creative space and cemented into the minds of the next generation.
Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram with your best Chrome Hearts inspired looks!
