click to shopCalifornia native Don Ed Hardy is recognized around the world for his technical brilliance and mesmerizing imagery.
the godfather of modern tattoo
At age 19, Christian Audigier was called the “king of jeans” by Sportswear International magazine for his creative design work, elaborate parties, and his unprecedented denim museum in Paris, which paid homage to some of his favorite stars including Elvis Presley and Steve McQueen. He worked with Levi’s, Fiorucci, Diesel, Bisou Bisou, American Eagle Outfitters, Naf Naf, Kookai, Liberto, Lee, and most recently Von Dutch. It has been an American rock-and-roll journey for this brand building powerhouse and now at age 45, Audigier is known the world over as an undeniable fashion designer, lifestyle brand visionaire, and celebrity.
In January 2005, Audigier rose like a phoenix from the ashes when he decided to publicly announce that he had parted ways with Von Dutch on national TV in France, only to promote the launch of his newest clothing line—Ed Hardy. Inspired by the youth of America, vintage-inspired fashion, Hollywood stardom, and motorcycle and tattoo culture, it is no surprise that Audigier was motivated by the artwork of Ed Hardy, the “godfather of tattoo”, then purchased the rights to his artwork in order to bring tattoo culture into the world of fashion.
Since December 2004, Audigier has already brought legendary tattoo genius Ed Hardy to new heights. The cleverly designed t-shirts, denim and accessories reflect Audigier’s own fast-paced lifestyle and passion for color. To date, Audigier has signed the Ed Hardy motorcycle manufacturing deal, produced and distributed the collectible Ed Hardy energy drink, launched a brand new retail store on Melrose, obtained full international distribution of the Ed Hardy lifestyle brand, and generated over $5M in sales to date. Needless to say, Audigier will launch more than four new Ed Hardy lifestyle product categories in the coming year, including housewares.
A rebel with a cause, Audigier is setting out to create yet another global sensation. By incorporating vintage-inspired contemporary styles with tattoo-cultural themes, Audigier will undoubtedly reach the masses once again. What is his trick? Keeping the world on its toes and taking his work to extremes.
Don Ed Hardy: is known as "the godfather of modern tattoo", for his sophistication, depth and sense of experimentation. California native Don Ed Hardy is recognized around the world for his technical brilliance and mesmerizing imagery. Don Ed Hardy pulls from life experience to meld American, Japanese, Cholo, tattoo, surf and hotrod iconography. This broad spectrum of taste and experience, coupled with an ongoing investigation of various art histories and a mastery of technique, give his work a unique range and depth.
Don Ed Hardy is a painter, printmaker and tattoo artist. Fascinated by tattoos since childhood, Hardy has become a master of his craft while continuing his work in the more traditional mediums of painting and drawing.
In 2000, he completed a 500 foot long scroll painting of 2000 dragons in honor of the turn of the millennium and the Dragon year. The scroll has been exhibited at Track 16 Gallery, Santa Monica, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver, the Cuenca Bienal in Ecuador and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco.
Don Ed Hardy curated the exhibition, "Pierced Hearts and True Love", which was shown at The Drawing Center in New York in September 1995 and traveled to several other museums. His work is represented in the collections of The Honolulu Academy of Art, The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu, The San Francisco Fine Arts Museum Achenbach Collection, and the University of Colorado Fine Art Galleries.
