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Ed Hardy
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.

Christian Audigier
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. |