You probably know the crosses. You’ve definitely seen the heavy silver jewelry on rappers, rockstars, and every "it-girl" on your Instagram feed. But while Richard and Laurie Lynn Stark are the architects of the Chrome Hearts universe, there is a new guard stepping into the light. Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to Kristian Stark, you're missing the most interesting part of where this brand is headed.
People always ask about the chrome hearts owner son like he’s some mystery figure hidden in the Hollywood Hills. He isn’t. He’s the twin brother of Frankie Belle and the younger brother of singer Jesse Jo. While the brand has always felt like a fortress of "cool," Kristian is the one basically bridge-building between the old-school leather culture and the digital age.
Who is Kristian Stark?
Born into a family that breathes black leather and sterling silver, Kristian isn't just a "nepo baby" coasting on his parents' hard work. He’s actually putting in the hours. Born around 2003, he and his twin sister Frankie have grown up in the middle of a literal fashion empire.
Think about it. Most kids are playing with blocks; he was probably playing with $5,000 silver belt buckles. But he didn't always think it was cool. In interviews, he’s mentioned that as a younger kid, the whole Chrome Hearts vibe didn’t really click for him. Then, around 14, something shifted.
He designed a leather hoodie because he liked riding on the back of his dad’s motorcycle but hated stiff leather jackets. He wanted comfort. It sold. That was the spark.
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Why the Chrome Hearts Owner Son is Changing the Vibe
The thing about Kristian is that he isn't just a designer. He’s a business mind. While his sister Jesse Jo handles the music and punk-rock aesthetic, and Frankie Belle dives into the "Dipped in Blue" bikini world, Kristian is looking at the 150-year plan.
- The St. Barth Connection: He basically spearheaded the opening of the St. Barth boutique when he was only 16 or 17. He found the location and managed the relationship with the landlord.
- The Gamer & Rapper Network: He’s the one gifting pieces to the biggest names in the gaming and rap scenes. He understands that the new luxury isn't just a storefront; it’s a community.
- Design Evolution: He’s behind the "Lord 'n Frames" eyewear and those five-pocket leather pants you see all over Pinterest.
He’s deeply influenced by Matt DiGiacomo, the brand's creative director, but his hero is his dad. It’s a weirdly wholesome family dynamic for a brand that looks so "tough."
The 150-Year Vision
Richard Stark famously wants Chrome Hearts to last for over a century. That’s a tall order in a world of fast fashion and 15-minute TikTok trends. Kristian is the one tasked with making sure that happens. He’s often seen in the "big meetings," looking at the numbers and analyzing the data.
He’s also vocal about the environment. Being a surfer, he’s seen how the ocean is changing. He’s mentioned wanting to ensure the brand evolves in a way that respects the planet, which is a pretty sharp pivot from the traditional "excess" of luxury fashion.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People think the chrome hearts owner son is just a face for the brand. In reality, he’s a student of the craft. He’s learning the carpentry, the leatherwork, and the business logistics from the ground up. He isn't trying to be a celebrity. Like his father, he seems to prefer the "if you know, you know" level of fame.
He’s currently a vital part of the brand’s growth in Saint Barth, where he designs exclusive collections every December. If you want to see what he’s actually doing, look at the limited drops in that specific store. It’s his playground.
Actionable Insights for Chrome Hearts Fans
If you're trying to track the influence of the next generation of Starks, here is what you should look for:
Follow the "Thrilltrip" aesthetic. Kristian’s personal style and projects often fly under the name Thrilltrip. It’s more raw and experimental than the main line.
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Watch the St. Barth exclusives. Since Kristian manages this location's creative direction, the pieces released there are the best indicator of his personal design language.
Look at the hardware. While the older pieces are heavy on the gothic crosses, the newer designs Kristian influences often lean into vintage eyewear shapes and more "wearable" daily leather items.
Pay attention to the inner circle. Kristian’s friends in the music and gaming industries are often the "beta testers" for new designs. If you see a specific jacket on a major streamer, there’s a high chance it came from Kristian’s desk first.
The brand isn't just a relic of the 90s rock scene anymore. With the chrome hearts owner son taking a seat at the table, it's becoming a modern powerhouse that still refuses to play by the rules of the traditional fashion calendar. No seasons, no runways, just family business.