Retire in Paradise

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What do Snoop Dogg and Sylvester Stallone have in common? Unfortunately it’s not a hot new musical collaboration. It’s a brand new line from a hot designer. He doesn’t work for Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry or Chanel, it’s Ed Hardy clothing, a brand new, original line from Christian Audigier.

Don Ed Hardy, legendary tattooist, is the namesake of this unique brand of clothing. His Japanese meets American style of work is idolised around the world, and he is known in many tattoo circles as “The Godfather of Modern Tattoo”.

Christian Audigier, who had previously designed lines for brands such as Urban Outfitters, Diesel and Von Dutch, saw a great opportunity in Hardy’s work. He approached Hardy in 2004 with an idea for a clothing line based around his art and tattoo work. Hardy granted Audigier a license to use his work, and Ed Hardy clothing was born.

Although the Ed Hardy range has become a hit across the globe, it has taken hold in Hollywood more than anywhere else. Britney Spears was recently spotted in the designer’s Hollywood warehouse picking out gifts, and Madonna has an item of Ed Hardy clothing on almost daily.

Many argue that Audigier’s unique marketing style is the reason for all this success. If you consider how often celebrities are photographer, the amount of celebrity networking that Audigier participates in can lead to some lucrative opportunities. Rather than spending thousands of dollars securing celebs for marketing campaigns, he simply gives his newfound friends free merchandise. Audigier’s site even has a photo gallery full of pictures of famous clients wearing his newest designs.

However, this line isn’t only for Hollywood. With tops starting from between $57-$64 it’s actually fairly affordable as far as designer ranges go. It is also good to know that when you buy Ed Hardy clothing you’re buying an item that will stand the test of time, because when a line has been designed around a style of tattooing that has stayed in vogue for decades, it’s hard to imagine it going out of style any time soon.

Tags: Travel & Leisure