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In 2002,
Hardy was approached by Ku USA, Inc. to produce a line of clothing
based on Hardy's art and a licence agreement was signed. Within
two years, the collection had drawn the interest of Saks companies.
Hardy and Ku USA formed Hardy Life LLC, which holds the trademark
ownership as well as the copyrights to all his images.
In 2004, Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the
high-end Ed
Hardy clothing line, which is based on Hardy's imagery.
Prior to the Ed
Hardy clothing line, Audigier was the Head Designer
at Von Dutch Originals, which marketed the imagery of Kenny Howard.
Audigier has attempted to replicate the marketing techniques employed
by Von Dutch Originals, by marketing directly to celebrity clients
and by opening stores in high profile fashion districts. Ed Hardy
stores are located in many locations internationally including
the Americas, Europe, Asia & the Middle East.
In May 2009, Iconix Brand Group, Inc. announced that the Company
has acquired a 50% interest in Hardy Way, LLC, the owner of the
Ed
Hardy brand and trademarks. The Company paid $17 million
for its interest in Hardy Way, consisting of $9 million in cash
and $8 million in stock. In addition, the sellers could be entitled
to receive an additional $1 million in stock pursuant to an earn-out
based on 2009 royalties received by Hardy Way. Hardy Way estimates
that 2009 royalty revenue will be approximately $10 million.
Christian
Audigier
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Considered
one of the most meteoric rises in fashion history,
Christian Audigier
has parlayed his design experience and business
acumen to become a true fashion icon and entrepreneurial sensation
in less than four years. Through his collection of international
companies, he has launched nine popular brands with over sixty
licenses. He oversees an international conglomerate of his designer
brands, including Ed Hardy™, Christian Audigier™, SMET™, Crystal
Rock™, most recently C-Bar-A™, Savoir Faire™, Evel Knievel ™,
Rock Fabulous™, and Paco Chicano™; this includes US and international
wholesale distribution, US retail stores, as well as international
retail stores.
Christian made his mark throughout the fashion industry after
a fortuitous start at MacKeen Jeans. He has contributed to successful
brands such as Diesel, Fiorucci, Bisou Bisou, Levi’s, NafNaf
and American Outfitters. Christian’s style is so distinctive
that he is known as the “King of Jeans.” More recently, Christian
threw his ingenuity behind Von Dutch™, where he catapulted the
brand from obscurity into a household name. He single handedly
created several trends, including the now famous trucker hat
trend which could be seen on everyone from college students
to high-profile celebrities. Christian was responsible for putting
Von Dutch™ on the map, thus paving the way for his next great
enterprise.
In 2004, Christian left Von Dutch™ and proceeded to create and
launch the wildly popular Ed Hardy® brand. He was granted the
exclusive rights to the designs of Don Ed Hardy, who is commonly
referred to as the “Godfather of Tattoo.” With Ed Hardy®, Christian
not only created a brand, but a lifestyle of street couture.
Christian has built a fervent following for his Ed Hardy® and
the eponymous Christian Audigier™ brands. Celebrities such as
Madonna, Britney Spears, and Kanye West, among others are frequently
seen wearing his unique designs. His celebrity following includes
more than 5,000 celebrities, athletes and musicians of all genres.
In 2008, Christian announced his latest venture, When I Move
You Move™, the Trade Show, exclusively showcasing the entire
family of Audigier brands. Included are the more than 60 licensees
who produce everything from jewelry, skateboards, chocolates,
wine, water, vodka, and even air fresheners.
Christian also branched out into the world of nightclubs, with
the star-studded opening of Christian Audigier The Nightclub
at Treasure Island, in Las Vegas. His rock ‘n’ roll, glam-inspired
style is celebrated throughout his namesake club, which includes
works of art designed by Christian. It has quickly become the
hottest spot on the Las Vegas Strip.
Christian Audigier, born in the city of Avignon, in the South
of France, embodies and represents the pinnacle of success in
achieving the American dream. He currently resides with his
family in Los Angeles, California. His impressive list of accomplishments,
shrewd business sense, and charismatic personality make him
the global success that he is today.
Don Hardy
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With 40 years
of tattooing and legendary status among the tattoo community,
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.
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