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 large clothing companies. HHardy 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 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 Von Dutch. 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. There are currently at least twelve Ed Hardy stores, located in Waikiki, Dubai, Kuwait, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, Tucson, Houston, New York, Tokyo, Singapore, Noosa on The Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Riga and Gold Coast which opened slightly earlier than expected in late 2007. Stores were opened in Johannesburg, South Africa in early 2007 and Cape Town, South Africa in late 2007. He opened another store in San Francisco in March 2008 as well as a store in Hamburg. Christian Audigier launched Ed Hardy Fragrances in 2008. In August of 2008 Ed Hardy Brands signed an exclusive contract with the high end clothing retailer, BUCKLE to carry limited designs of his clothing.
Several nightclubs in Vancouver do not allow Ed Hardy's clothing in addition to other labels such as Affliction due to an association with gang activities.
Via Wikipedia
