On a nearby table, guests examined strands of perfect pearls studded with diamonds, pieces from the 10-piece collaboration. One man with a white ponytail and a cane wore a trench coat fit for Van Helsing, made entirely of leather patches stamped in the shape of the signature Chrome Hearts cross. I was told he is the brand’s top client in Toronto not named Drake. Said Hashimoto, “Chrome Hearts was the perfect partner for this collaboration because they bring an unapologetic, rebellious energy that pushes the boundaries of traditional luxury.”
“We’ve been working on this collaboration for five years,” added Jesse Jo, who brought the idea of doing a line of pearl jewelry to her parents. Chrome Hearts collabs don’t come together on a whim, as they aren’t typically one-and-done. Their partners—including Baccarat, Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, and Wesco—tend to stick around for years. Of the new relationship with Mikimoto, “I think it’ll be a long-lasting thing,” said a clearly proud Richard who, weathered by a lifetime of bike riding, looks every bit the patriarch. The parents have always been eager for their offspring to get their hands dirty in the Hollywood factory: Kristian, now 21, designed his first leather jacket with pops when he was in grade school, and Frankie has her own line of swimwear and is studying handbag design at fashion school.
Courtesy of Chrome Hearts
Courtesy of Chrome Hearts
Lately, the heirs have been taking an even more active role in the family business. Though her parents were technically hosting, it was Jesse Jo’s party. Dressed in a lacy bustier, a pearl and diamond choker around her neck, she alternated between dancing with a small group of friends and methodically working the room. A few years ago, she stepped away from the day-to-day to pursue her music career in London, and now is embracing her role back home while simultaneously teasing new music. (She dropped a new single on Halloween, then celebrated with a Chrome Hearts costume party.) “I’ve always been behind the scenes, and now I think I’m finding my footing and feeling really grounded and taking ownership of what I do within the brand,” she said. “It’s hard for us to step away. It’s our core and it’s our blood, so we really want to set the tone and bring what we’ve learned to the table.”
