Ed Hardy Shirts: Clothing That Rocks

Christian Audigier has translated the tattoo designs of Don Ed Hardy, the famous California artist into a line of clothing for men and women who want to wear a tattoo without going under the needle. Featuring designs of mermaids, peacocks, snakes and butterflies, this line of Ed Hardy shirts brings the fantasy themes of body art to life. Don Ed Hardy is well-known around the world for his incredible technique and outstanding creativity.

In 1967 when Don Ed Hardy began his career as a tattoo artist he had just received a B.F.A. degree in printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute. He continued his studies of the art in the 70s and 80s in Japan with a traditional tattoo master.

After 40 years as a tattoo artist, Don Ed Hardy's experience has garnered him the title of "the Godfather of the Modern Tattoo." He has creatively used the Japanese, Cholo, and American art histories and combined these icons with designs used in the hotrod, surf and tattoo world. As a result he has gained legendary status in the world of tattoo artists for his unique design perspective.

In 2002 Ku USA, Inc. signed a licensing agreement with Don Ed Hardy. Within two years of using his designs to produce a line of apparel other fashion companies started taking interest in his art as well.

The mesmerizing imagery of the tattoo body art themes such as "Freedom", "Death Before Dishonor" and "Love Kills Slowly" attracted the attention of fashion designer Christian Audigier as well. In 2004 Ed Hardy granted Audigier exclusive rights to his designs and the "Ed Hardy" brand was born which has virtually created a street culture lifestyle couture as a result.

Audigier has earned the title "The King of Jeans" from his success as a designer for clothing manufacturing giants such as; "Diesel", "Fiorucci", "Levi's" and "American Outfitters." Audigier was the Head Designer at Von Dutch Originals prior to the Ed Hardy clothing line. He marketed the imagery of legendary Kustom Kulture artist Von Dutch, single-handedly putting the company on top of the fashion world map and worn by celebrities everywhere. Christian Audigier who resides in Los Angeles was born in the southern city of Avignon, France.

Part of Audigier success is due to his charisma and close affinity to the entertainment world lifestyle which has inspired many of his groundbreaking ideas in promotion including marketing directly to celebrity clients.

There is a full line of clothing items in addition to Ed Hardy shirts, plus accessories for women and men. There are 7 brands produced by Audigier's company Nervous Tattoo which employs more than 45,000 people to make the clothing lines including: "Crystal Rock", "Christian Audigier", SMET", and most recently "C-Bar-A", "Chuck Boyd", and "Paco Chicano.