Chrome Hearts generates a lot of buzz on social media for its high price point and high quality. The brand is so sought-after and worshipped that it is the Hermès of streetwear. 

           Originally founded in 1988 by Richard Stark and John Bowman, Chrome Hearts began as a brand offering high-quality leather goods the creators wanted to wear. The brand was soon joined by Leonard Kamhout, a sterling silver jewellery. Rock bands and rappers soon began donning the label. 

           Cher, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Slash (to name a few) would wear Chrome Hearts throughout the 90s and 2000s. This celebrity endorsement led to a cult-like following for the brand. 

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           More recently, the brand has gained popularity on TikTok for its elusive pieces and status-indicating prices. The brand does not follow seasonal patterns; instead, it releases small drops of high-quality pieces that add more excitement to the collecting experience. 

           The label has collaborated with designer brands such as Rick Owens and Comme des Garçons, which enhance its prestige, global reach, and social presence. These brands are all worshipped in the much-discussed online and in-class “opium” scene. This is a subset of streetwear style characterized by a mostly black, white, and silver aesthetic and electronic-influenced rap (think Playboi Carti for a basic idea). I think that when straight men love certain brands and aesthetics, they seem to become cooler much faster. A brand like Chrome Hearts has positioned itself to be loved by wealthy straight men. 

           Chrome Hearts has certainly become associated with modern rap and black celebrity culture, more so than with its rock origins. The silver cross has been seen all over various modern-day rappers and appropriators, like Timothée Chalamet, in music videos and on courtside. 

Offset wore an entirely leather Chrome Hearts set on stage during his 2024 tour: “Set It Off.”

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Kim Kardashian wore a Chrome Hearts gown to the 2025 Met Gala. Her look highlifghts the masterful leather work the brand is known for. 

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Chalamet and Kylie Jenner even donned matching orange outfits on the carpet at the Marty Supreme premiere. This moment is a perfect modern example of the brand’s ties to celebrity culture, luxury and craftsmanship. 

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In a similar fashion, Hermès is positioned to be worshipped by wealthy straight women. Neither of these markets is exclusive, but the way these brands both focus on status, exclusivity, and collectability, with the only difference being their marketing methods, is very interesting. The pillars are so similar, but the wearers are so different. Hermès is old, white wealth and Chrome Hearts is youthful, unapologetic black luxury. A Birkin is certainly a statement, but only if you know a little bit about fashion.  A sterling silver cross is always a statement, no matter your fashion knowledge.

Chrome Hearts is such an interesting label because its social implications are so loaded, down to the cross logo. The brand simultaneously represents rock history, black culture, streetwear style and genuine luxury sensibility. A brand like this is hard to come by. I think that they are so similar to Hermès in terms of their luxury positioning.