Ed Hardy is an American fashion brand that fuses tattoo artistry with streetwear apparel. The brand is known for its bold graphics, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, heavily inspired by the work of legendary tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy, often referred to as the “Godfather of Modern Tattooing”.

Company Overview

Founder:
The fashion brand was founded in the early 2000s by the late French fashion designer Christian Audigier, who licensed the artwork of Don Ed Hardy.

Ownership:
The brand and trademarks are primarily owned by the Iconix Brand Group, which acquired a majority stake in 2011, while Don Ed Hardy retains a 15% minority interest.

Aesthetic:
The brand’s style is characterized by a rock-and-roll aesthetic, blending traditional American and Japanese tattoo motifs like skulls, tigers, dragons, and gothic lettering with modern urban fashion.

Products:
Ed Hardy offers a wide range of products including menswear, womenswear, footwear, and accessories such as T-shirts, hoodies, denim, and fragrances.

Mission:
The company’s mission is to honor the legacy of tattoo artistry by incorporating it into fashion, providing an outlet for individuality and self-expression.
Originally achieving massive celebrity-driven popularity in the mid-2000s, the brand has experienced a resurgence in recent years, focusing on a unique blend of edgy style and artistic expression for a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.