HomeTattoos and rock 'n' roll seem to somehow go hand in hand, though these days it seems everyone no matter what they're into has ink except for a few holdouts (myself included) and we're the minority.
Don Ed Hardy is an American tattoo artist born and raised in Southern California in 1945. A pupil of Sailor Jerry, Hardy is recognized for incorporating Japanese tattoo aesthetic and technique into his work and for using a very classic style of flash. Yes this we know. Beautiful work- the Japanese style Yakuza tattoos are definitely pleasing to the eye and the style is my personal favorite.
But WHY is Ed Hardy's name on Everything now?
I loved when they first came out with a few shirts. Then came more shirts, then hats, bags, scarves, shoes, belts, purses, caps, watches and now beach towels, bedding, barware and more. I mean c'mon now really? Does anyone except the folks making fat cheddar on this brand think that's cool? Do you actually feel like a tough rocker dude when you're sleeping under your $300 Ed Hardy duvet cover?
I also love sparkly things and think the judicious use of Swarovski crystals is often appropriate but when you see the shops littered with the stuff, it makes you think this is how suburbia sees "cool." Harrrrumph, Posers.
Now I'm a big proponent of flash as an art form. One of my first companies that I started with Patrice Mack was called MonStar Productions. We incorporated a lot of great tattoo inspired designs on the sportswear we were producing. We hand silk-screened every garment with our designs and were rewarded with good repeat business from a lot of shops that specialized in rock, skate and surf clothes on both coasts. I'm including a photo of Faith No More from Spin Magazine where a few of the guys were sporting our shirts. That was in 1990. We had a lot of musicians who sported our line. It's not a new look now. Still nice, but not new or cutting edge.
I fear Ed Hardy, who's body of work is wonderful is becoming our generation's Bill Blass. Remember him? He was a serious designer. He won seven Coty Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from FIT. Most people remember the name now because it was on every piece of tat they could throw it on and I feel it cheapened his brand. When we see the Ed Hardy box of chocolates we'll know he's truly jumped the shark.
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