CHROME HEARTS: An Exclusive Interview with Richard Stark

CHROME HEARTS TOKYO Reopens After Renovation

An Exclusive Interview with Richard & Laurie Stark

CHROME HEARTS TOKYO, which opened in December 1999 as the second directly managed shop worldwide, has relaunched with a significantly expanded offering. We spoke with CHROME HEARTS designer and owner Richard Stark and his wife, Laurie Stark, who visited Japan for the occasion.

Summary by Makoto Kajii (This Magazine)photo by Jamandfix

It's All About People Loving CHROME HEARTS

Congratulations on the grand reopening. This store is incredible.

RichardI'm surprised myself (laughs). The team in Japan worked incredibly hard on this.

Laurie Stark

What aspects did you particularly focus on?

RichardEverything, from the doors to the handles and hardware, was shipped from LA and brought to life by the hands of Japanese construction workers, CHROME HEARTS artisans, and carpenters. What we were particularly focused on this time was incorporating a raw concrete staircase.

LaurieThe design and architecture of this CHROME HEARTS TOKYO were realized through Richard's direction and ideas. While all the staircases in our shops worldwide have been made of wood until now, this is the first time we've achieved a raw concrete finish.

RichardI actually wanted to build a concrete staircase at our factory in LA, but it proved to be a very difficult task. While it wasn't directly inspired by Japan, I've always admired architects like Tadao Ando, who has created magnificent raw concrete structures. I've always felt that Japanese people are masters of this. That's why I was determined to create a raw concrete staircase this time. It's something I've envisioned for years, and I'm thrilled with the result.

CHROME HEARTS enjoys overwhelming popularity in Japan. Do you consider the market when designing?

RichardWe don't consider the market anywhere in the world. We design and create what we envision, and we're happy if people connect with it.

LaurieHowever, I can say that Japanese people have an incredibly refined aesthetic sensibility and are very attuned to the times. We are very satisfied to have the support of such a market. Every shop in Japan has its own unique character and is wonderful. Japanese people, in various fields like fashion, art, and music, with concepts like 'kawaii,' seem to be becoming a model for the world. I feel Japan has become very commercial on a global scale.

The Internet? Not particularly interested (laughs)

Could you share one thing you like about Japan?

RichardThat's a great question, but I've been coming to Japan for 19 years, so there are too many things I love to pick just one. To say 'this is it!' might even be disrespectful to Japan. Ah, yes. Fifteen years ago, when I was asked the same question, I answered 'mochi' (rice cakes). Then, I received so much mochi! Since then, I've been given mochi every time I visit. So, maybe now I should say a slim, large high-definition TV (laughs).

OPENERS is an online media outlet. Are you interested in the internet?

RichardI'm not very interested. I barely use email. I don't want to be involved with computers myself.

LaurieI'm the opposite of Richard; I find it incredibly useful for research and communication in my work. You can buy anything in an instant (laughs). I especially love looking at Google Earth. It feels strange to see my own house.

Richard Stark

RichardThe reason I dislike Google Earth is that when such things are commonplace, I feel the sense of wonder diminishes. For example, when traveling to another country, I want to experience surprise and excitement. It's the same with mobile phones; I'm reluctantly keeping up with them, but as a matter of policy, I don't need them.

Please be sure to read this article online (laughs).

CHROME HEARTS TOKYO
Address: 6-3-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel. 03-5766-1081
Business Hours: 12:00–20:00 (Weekdays), 11:00–20:00 (Weekends & Holidays)
Official Website: http://www.chromehearts.com
http://www.united-arrows.co.jp/ch/