For thousands of men and women celebrities who love body tattoos, the Ed Hardy shirt brings the fantasy world of mermaids, snakes, butterflies and tigers into their wardrobe as wearable art. These fantasy themes created by the California tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy whose tattoo design skill and brilliant imagination has earned him global acclaim. The artistry has been translated into a full clothing line by the famous designer Christian Audigier that provides the pleasure of wearing a tattoo without going through the actual process. Hardy started his career as a tattoo artist in 1967 after receiving a BFA degree in printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute. During the 70’s and 80s he lived in Japan and was taught the art from a traditional tattoo master. Don Ed Hardy is called “the Godfather of the Modern Tattoo” because of his 40 years of tattooing experience. His perspective and willingness to experiment using art history, has enabled him to combine Cholo, American and Japanese iconography with surfing, hotrod and tattoo lifestyle designs. His unique talent and skill give his art fascinating depth that has made his name renown throughout the body art world. Ku USA, Inc. a clothing producer reached a licensing agreement with Hardy in 2002 to use his designs for a line of apparel. After two years of production, other clothing companies started showing interest in using his designs. Don Ed Hardy granted the fashion designer Christian Audigier exclusive use rights to his designs in 2004. Audigier was impressed with Hardy’s tattoo art images such as “Love Kills Slowly” “Free” and “Death Before Dishonor” and they are now a part of the “Ed Hardy” lifestyle couture brand focused on street culture. Christian Audigier is called “The King of Jeans” because of his success as a clothing designer for companies like “Diesel”, “Fiorucci”, “Levi’s” and “American Outfitters.” He now lives in Los Angeles, but he was born in the southern city of Avignon, France. He was Head Designer at Von Dutch Originals, before creating the Ed Hardy clothing line. Audigier’s marketing of the imagery from legendary Kustom Kulture artist Von Dutch is the reason why the brand was on the fashion hot list of celebrities worldwide. Audigier has charisma and a connection to the entertainment world supporting his success. This affinity to the entertainer lifestyle has been the source of many of his promotional campaigns such as direct marketing to celebrity clients. Christian Audigier’s company, Nervous Tattoo, employs more than 45,000 people worldwide who produce six other clothing lines including: “Christian Audigier”, “SMET”, “Crystal Rock”, and most recently “C-Bar-A”, “Chuck Boyd”, and “Paco Chicano.” The Ed Hardy shirt is just one of the items in a complete line of clothing items and accessories for women and men.

edhardy

edhardy shirt

Ed Hardy Clothing at Stylerocket.com