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FASHION SPOTLIGHT: ED HARDY

FASHION SPOTLIGHT: ED HARDY

Don Ed Hardy was a popular tattoo artist for 40 years. Also known as “the godfather of modern tattoo”, Don’s unique style of incorporating American, Japanese, Cholo, surf and hotrod iconography into his artwork made him a legend in the tattoo world.

In the 1980’s, Don Ed Hardy ventured into other forms of art, including drawing, painting, and paint-making. He has also contributed to number of exhibits in galleries and universities. Because of his contributions to the art world, he was given an Honorary Doctorate by the San Francisco Art Institute.

In 2002, Ku USA Inc. contacted Ed Hardy to create a line of clothing based on his artworks. When he ventured into designing apparel, he continued to make unique and eye-catching clothes to the masses. In a span of two years, his collection drew attention from a variety of retailers like high-end department store Saks Fifth Avenue. The Ed Hardy collection drew a lot of position reactions and because of that Hardy and Ku USA decided to create Hardy Life LLC.

Two years later, Christian Audigier collaborated with the company to develop the brand. Audigier, who has worked with many successful brands like Levi’s, American Outfitters, Diesel, Bisou Bisou, and Von Dutch joined Ed Hardy and catapulted the brand’s popularity.

Over the years, Ed Hardy’s celebrity following has flourished as athletes, musicians and other celebrities have been known to wear the brand. Some famous patrons include music icon Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Britney Spears, Dennis Rodman and David Beckham.

Soccer superstar David Beckham looks dashing in his brown Ed Hardy shirt.

Ed Hardy apparel has also graced the pages of numerous magazines, including People, His, Elle, Star, In touch weekly, Life and style, MHL, Man, WWD, Motorcyclist, Mail Online, Inspirationen, and Muteen.

Currently the company has 17 retail stores worldwide including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Waikiki, Tucson, Waikiki, Montreal, Dubai, Kuwait, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Berlin, and Riga. Another Ed Hardy Store is set to open in Bahrain.

With it unique design aesthetic, the Ed Hardy line has something for men, women and kids and babies too. The brand’s collection offers anything from denim to outerwear. In addition, Ed Hardy has added a lifestyle collection that includes a variety of household products such as air fresheners, bar wares, bedding, rhinestone decals, skateboards, towels, and key chains. For more information about these items and much more check out the company official website (http://www.edhardyshop.com/) for further details.