Miami has become a retail incubator, an entry point into the US for launching a new brand or trying a new lifestyle concept. And so it is with Chrome Hearts, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exciting new retail experience for the luxury accessories, leather and furniture brand at its new Design District location, 4025 N.E. 2nd Avenue.
Known for its iconic motifs – the five-point star, cross, dagger, the fleur — the two story Miami space also has a prominent photo gallery, art gallery, chocolate shop, topiary, and outpost of David’s Café Cafecito from South Beach. In other words, it’s not just a shop it’s a destination. The co-owner, fine art photographer Laurie Lynn Stark and daughter Jesse Jo sought to create a showcase of the works of other emerging and established designers, artists and artisans, adding another dimension.
First, the Chrome Hearts Miami store itself. You can’t miss it – the signature motifs in black splashed on the white- white façade. A striking 15 foot high vertical garden, the longest in South Florida (80 ft long), that changes with the seasons. An inviting garden patio for enjoying a cafecito and light bite under a dome like ceiling that is the same design as one of Chrome Hearts’ best selling scarves.
On entering the first floor you’ll be greeted by a wall with hanging black objects, their “Objects of Desire” collection. It turns out these are unique gifts designed by the owners that they have given to their friends over 25 years – from a truffle shaver and jump rope to a rolling pin and toilet plunger (the plunger with pavé diamonds is $14,000 and without is $1,000) .And for the first time, they’re making them available to customers, perfect for the person who has everything
Another part of the store is for their boxed chocolates, a five point cross in dark chocolate and a small box of milk and dark chocolate squares for $55 and $45 respectively. Beside that, their pieces designed for Baccarat– glass vases, drinking glasses and the like, filled with baby orchids.
For the opening exhibit, there’s work by Matt DiGiacomo, an LA-based illustrator and painter whose quirky comic style figures with text appear on limited edition surf and paddleboards, bags and apparel. And upstairs there’s the Los Angeles Fahey/Klein photo gallery that’s a must see for you rock and roll fans. Here you’ll find iconic photography of the top rock stars of the 60’s – from the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to Patty Smith and The Sex Pistols. There’s also a selection by Formento & Formento, a Florida couple who travels the world and combines a flair for the theatrical with an almost hyper real depiction of people in unexpected poses and settings.
Hungry? Go to Cafecito and get one of the traditional Cuban sandwiches or a veggie version (very good) complete with two kinds of lentils, quinoa, mushrooms, peppers, onions, Swiss cheese and pickles on gluten free bread. Be sure to try one of the novel cold drip ice coffees made from organic and kosher beans, their own blend. Plus, even the ice cubes are made of coffee.
End up in the clothing and accessories shop for men and women (also clothes for babies, mini me’s) with a selection of jackets, tops, and handbags in their signature black and white but also in hot pink, green apple and tomato red , a homage to Miamians love of color. Collaborations with other designers and artists to develop exclusive fashion items is the name of the game. And so you’ll find classic striped button down blouses by Comme des Garcons with silver Chrome Hearts buttons; and another of elegant fine jewelry by Laurie Lynn Stark and best friend Kate Hudson, available for the first time.
As you guessed, there’s serious jewelry and watches in 22 karat gold, silver and diamonds. My faves were a black leather biker jacket with the chrome hearts signature fasteners and a silk lining with images from the work of Robert Mapplethorpe, a cool $7700. Ever imagine having to buy insurance on a pair of sunglasses? Well, you’d probably want to on these babies — black sunglasses with a diamond design on the sides. Nice. Price tag? $25,000.
