The Ed Hardy Empire Continues To Expand
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: August 3, 2009
Please forgive us if this is your umpteenth time reading about the Ed Hardy “empire,” but a collection this vast and fugly begs for all the attention it can get. Those of us who think Ed Hardy Vintage Tattoo Wear is simply relegated to tees and trucker hats are in for a rude awakening. Since debuting in 2004, the company, owned by Christian Audigier, has expanded from apparel to home furnishings, candles, hookahs, vodka, and even a smart car. Here’s how things have truly gotten out of hand.
We wish with all our hearts that we were done listing products offered by Ed Hardy, but there are more, many more, including but not limited to tanning lotion, helmets and lounge chairs. You get the point. Instead of experiencing a backlash, the way any overgrown brand would, Ed Hardy seems to growing by leaps and bounds. It even attracted the attention of Michael Jackson, who commissioned the “rocker chic” clothing line to design all his costumes for his “This Is It” tour before he passed.
Ultimately, the real victim here is Ed Hardy himself. Don Ed Hardy is a Southern California tattoo artist whose books and tattoo-inspired clothing line caught the eye of investors. Before Audigier purchased rights to his name and art work, Hardy was known and respected as a legendary tattoo artist. I don’t know how much respect he’s commanding these days with his work and name plastered on nasal strips and diapers.
Financial details aside, the brand most commonly referred to as Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier has continued to permeate, if not saturate, the market. How exactly has Audigier done that? By building a large celebrity customer base, capitalizing on a big trend early on (tattoos), having the good taste to purchase the right art (don ed hardy’s), being a constant presence in the public spotlight, and licensing his images to and on just about anything and everything.
above: just a small sample of some of the Ed Hardy product collections
If you are at all fashion savvy, you probably think you know most of the Ed Hardy products out there. Sure, you are aware of the fashions; the jackets, the trucker hats, the handbags, the jeans, the bathing suits, scarves, shoes, swimwear, knitwear, men’s wear, cashmere, leathers, fragrances, candles, watches bling kits for mobile phones and computers and jewelry. Some of that is to be expected when you are a big fashion brand.
above: as any trendy brand should do, Ed Hardy offers bling kits for mobile phones, laptops and ipods
Ed Hardy Edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Goes Crazy
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 29, 2009
From:http://www.autoblog.com
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Ed Hardy Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery
After working up a Lamborghini Murcielago with Edo Competition and then a Ducati Monster with Rever Corsa, the talent behind the Ed Hardy label has cooked up what looks to be a controversial one-off Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano that’s even more out there than Lapo Elkann’s denim-clad version.
Decked out in decals of pin-up girls, skulls and crossbones, rolling dice and such, the Ed Hardy edition Ferrari – apparently worked up as a promotional tool for German retailer Mode Stern – is even more outlandish than the Audigier-designed VIF1 Escalade and the Empire Mercedes CL63 which have popped up on the internets recently. What isn’t immediately clear is if this is an actual paintjob or just another shrinkwrapped exotic? Us? We know what we’re hoping for…
Photo Gallery: Ed Hardy edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Ed Hardy Fall 2009 Runway at Toronto Fashion Week
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 23, 2009
TORONTO – From streets to slope, Ed Hardy covered a lot of terrain at its fall 2009 runway at Toronto fashion week last night.
Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier “Swim and Snow” show was a rock ‘n’ rollin good time as boys and babes with bikinis and ‘boards were ready to hit the surf and slopes at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week held at Nathan Phillips Square. The Ed Hardy tattoo-inspired designs were festooned on sleek monokinis, bikini bottoms, hoodies, baggy pants, tight boy shorts and puffy ski vests. (JACK BOLAND/SUN MEDIA)
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The edgy line — designed by Christian Audigier and loved by celebrities from Paris Hilton to David Beckham — featured outfits for two opposing seasons, from European-styled glam monokinis, string bikinis and board shorts to quilted, fitted ski jackets and rolled up snow pants.
“There’s snow that we ski in in the winter which melts, turn to water that we swim in in the summer,” said Roy Perlumter, CEO of Ed Hardy’s Canadian distributor, Luxury Life Brand Inc.
He said he got the idea of blending swim and ski wear while driving in Montreal, when he saw snow melting into ice.
“I said, there we go, I can have my two favourite lines,” Perlmuter said.
The line, based on the work of Don Ed Hardy, known as the godfather of modern tattoos, featured rock ‘n roll clothing, with other themes running throughout, such as the Japanese geisha girl or the tiger.
Their most popular theme, ‘love kills slowly,’” was seen plastered to the tiny bikinis and ski wear.
Colours included green, purple, tan, black, pink, red and blue.
New to the line this year is a technique called sublimation, in which colours are painstakingly inserted into fabrics.
Launched in 2002, the Los Angeles line teamed with Audigier, a French designer and entrepreneur in 2004.
But far from resting on laurels, the Ed Hardy clothing line is said to expanding to include dresses in spring 2010.
Links of London Preserving The Element Of Mystery
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 15, 2009
Links of London the iconic international jewellery brand was founded in 1990. We offer an eclectic mix of men’s & women’s jewellery in sterling silver and 18 carat gold, with an enviable collection of charms and charm bracelets to choose from. Links of London also offers a desirable mix of leather and silver items, for the home or the workplace, or for the perfect jewellery gift. We believe in design and function and endeavour to bring you contemporary classics, fashion must-haves and that extra special piece you weren’t expecting to find. Most importantly we love the element of personalisation and we allow for engraving on jewellery, embossing on leather or freedom of choice at the charm bar. We like to hint at our sense of British eccentricity and humour in all that we do. But most of all, we love presentation and all of our items are tissue wrapped, pouched, boxed, ribboned and bowed, preserving that element of mystery and indulgence.
Harvey Nichols, the exclusive London fashion store, loved Links of London’s design and ordered a whole collection. Links of London was born and today we have grown internationally with stores in the UK, Hong Kong, USA and Canada. They have won many awards throughout the years and was named Jewellery Brand of the year for the third year running in 2007. It is the first time that a jewellery brand has won this coveted title for three consecutive years – a truly outstanding achievement.
Links of London was named Jewellery Brand of the Year for the third year running at the prestigious UK Jewellery Awards 2007, held in London last week. It is the first time that a jewellery brand has won this coveted title for three consecutive years – a truly outstanding achievement.
Judges of the Awards included top UK press, industry insiders and independent retailers. Among the judges were Sarah Carpin, Retail Jeweller, Gaia Geddes, Harpers Bazaar and Jewellery Designers, Stephen Webster and Shaun Leane. One judge commented: ‘At the moment Links of London is the hottest brand we sell.’
We love Links London the element of personalisation and allow for engraving on jewellery, embossing on leather or freedom of choice at the charm bar. We like to hint at our sense of British eccentricity and humour in all that we do. But most of all, we love presentation and all of our items are tissue wrapped, pouched, boxed, ribboned and bowed, preserving that element of mystery and indulgence.
Tiffany’s Behavior of No More Coral Jewelry on the Shelves
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 11, 2009
Tiffany & Co Wide Heart Link Necklace
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(NBC)– You won’t see coral jewelry on the shelves at any Tiffany store. The store doesn’t stock the rare jewel. They call it “too precious to wear” and are encouraging other jewelers to do the same. The reasoning behind the ban is the effect humans are having on coral reefs. The president of Tiffany jewellery and Co Foundation, Fernanda Kellogg traveled to see top coral scientists and talk about the impact people are having on the reefs when they break it up and sell it for profit. Scientists say reefs are more important to the sea, than rain forests are to land. Miami coral scientist, Andrew Baker, says when people remove coral from the reefs, they are taking a living thing from the water. He says,
”the job of building a reef ecosystem is that is produces a habitat that all other species depend on.”
Kellogg says they look for the design of coral in other materials. Kellog says, “I think what the alternative is, is beautiful design in other materials. The wonderful sea coral design in silver and gold sprinkled with diamonds. How bad can that be?” Scientists say, it’s not just the jewelry that is dangerous to seas life, but also decorative coral. Baker says,
”the removal of corals from jewelry or decor, this is not a critical part of our existence. And it’s one of those activities that really represents a luxury.
So is a heavyweight like Tiffany’s influencing the jewelry industry with its ban on coral? Kellogg says she hopes other places will take notice.
“The ripple effect is beginning. We’re a long way from being where we need to be.”
Recently the White House and Congress received a letter from 100 scientists and 44 groups asking for much greater protection of reefs. An international ban on trading certain corals will be proposed later this year.
Ed Hardy Tattoo Collection of Personalized Bedding
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 11, 2009
Looking for the next hot decorating trend?
Think ink.
“Tattoos used to be associated with bikers and rockers,” says tableware designer Jessica Rust, who introduced her Tattoo Collection of personalized plates, mugs, bowls and platters this month. “Now they’re exploding in home decor, furniture and fashion.”
Inspired by the popularity of television shows Miami Ink, LA Ink, Inked and Tattoo Highway, and the mainstream acceptance of tats (estimates are that as many as one in four people between the ages of 18 and 50 are tattooed), designers have introduced clothing, bedding, rugs, tables and accessories emblazoned with the patterns.
The new Tattoo Heart Collection from Christian Audigier features handbags with stylized heart tattoos decorated with the company’s logo. Luxury leather-maker Coach included a $438 bag featuring the company’s name surrounded by a tattoo-inspired border of flowers and leaves in its spring collection.
The hip Dana Hotel and Spa in Chicago hired tattoo artist Ami James, star of Miami Ink, to create tattoo-art “Do Not Disturb” door hangers. Kiki Smith’s Tattoo line of engraved crystal vases and accessories made for Steuben sold out at stores across the country. Los Angeles ink man Paul Timman recently teamed up with Ink Dish Design to create a line of delicate blue-and-white porcelain plates inspired by classical Japanese tattoos. Even jewelry-maker-to-the-stars Harry Winston has several tattoo-inspired brooch designs.
Connecticut writer Karen Olson says the trend inspired her new Tattoo Shop Mysteries. Missing Ink, the first book in the series, will be released this month.
But ink on skin is permanent. Body-art-inspired accessories for the home allow consumers to have tats without the long-term commitment.
Ed Hardy, considered by many to be the godfather of the skin-art-to-fashion movement, was one of the first to put tattoo patterns on bedding and bath decor. His Home Collection, featuring comforters, duvets and sheets with retro skull, heart, animal and rose designs, is carried at Macy’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
“The look is popular with hipsters,” says Allan Gordon, president of Wholley Sheet, a Los Angeles company that markets the Ed Hardy Home Collection.
Rust, who worked with her shipping assistant Michael Mellstrom, a tattoo artist, to create her tableware, agrees.
“It’s not really about age, it’s about attitude. People who express themselves in a very individual way are drawn to tattoos.”
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Ps. Next Time, I’ll Give You see Nice Ed Hardy Edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Don’t be so crazy. 
Come on! Abercrombie ! Stop Depression !
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 11, 2009
Teen clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch Co. (ANF
) saw its price target lowered on Friday by analysts at Goldman Sachs.
Goldman cut its price target on ANF to $25 from $27. The shares had closed at $23 on Thursday.
The analyst cited Abercombie’s recent 32% June same-store sales decline for the downgrade, along with market pressures and a negative product cycle. Goldman currently rates the stock as “Neutral.”
Abercrombie shares rose 15 cents, or +0.65%, in afternoon trading Friday.
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- The Bottom Line
We have been avoiding shares of ANF since our early June coverage began, and the stock was trading at $67.37. The company has a dividend yield of 3.04%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $23.00. The stock has technical support in the $17-20 price area. If the shares can rebound from this bad news, we see overhead resistance around the $27-30 price levels. We would remain on the sidelines for now.
- Teen retailers report weak June same-store sales
Many teen apparel retailers on Thursday reported weaker June same-store sales than expected, with Aeropostale Inc. one of the few bright spots.
“June results reaffirm our belief that consumer spending is not getting worse, but there’s no evidence of improvement,” wrote BMO Capital Markets analyst John D. Morris in a note to investors.
As in past months, the weakest performer in the teen space was Abercrombie & Fitch. Same-store sales fell 32 percent, even worse than the 26.6 percent drop analysts expected.
Shares fell $1.10, or 4.6 percent, to $22.90 during afternoon trading. The stock has traded between $13.66 and $65 over the past 52 weeks.
Even the Buckle Inc., usually a bright spot, performed worse than analysts expected. While same-store sales rose 9.6 percent, that was smaller than the 12 percent jump analysts predicted. Shares shed $1.14, or 3.8 percent, to $29.26. The stock has traded between $13.57 and $44.57 over the past year.
One highlight was Aeropostale Inc., which offers trendy jeans and tees at low prices. Its same-store sales increased 12 percent, ahead of the 10.3 percent predicted. The company raised its second-quarter earnings guidance. Still, its stock also dropped, losing 97 cents, or 2.9 percent, to $32.48. The stock has traded between $12.52 and $37.96 over the past year.
Elsewhere in the sector, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Hot Topic Inc. and Wet Seal Inc. all reported worse declines than analysts expected.
Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, are a key measure of retailer performance, because they measure growth at existing stores rather than from newly opened ones.
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Tiffany & Co. Exhibit at the Shelburne Museum’s Season
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 10, 2009
I had the pleasure of styling jewelry at a Tiffany & Co. private shopping event last week. It was phenomenally fun. So, I thought I’d share some fashionable tiffany jewelry looks for you to try to spice up your next outfit.
- Colorful Beads – Doesn’t Michelle Pfieffer look fantastic in these colorful beads by Tom Binns? They make an everyday outfit pop like no other.
- Layering Necklaces – Instead of wearing one necklace, wear three at all different lengths. It adds visual interest and flair to even a plain white T-shirt.
- Cocktail Rings – Everyone needs a great cocktail ring in their jewelry box. I recommend colorful and bold ones. Tip: you don’t have to wear them on your ring finger. Wearing them on other fingers keeps you hip and fun.
News: June 17, 2009. From: www.wcax.com
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It’s a sunny day on the grounds of the Shelburne Museum, but inside, there is a celebration of darkness. Curator Jean Burks beams,
“I think this is the most stunning installation we’ve done in the fifteen years I’ve been here.”
Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of the famous jewelry designer, is perhaps best known for his stained glass windows and lamps, with colors so rich, the countless knockoffs they inspired can’t compare.
The museum’s new show focuses on tiffany jewelry designs borrowed from the outside world, like flowers and fruit.
Burks adds,
“All of his designs are held together with naturalistic themes.”
The show also includes Tiffany’s work in other materials, including an unusual 56-karat amethyst necklace on loan from the Smithsonian’s natural history museum, and furniture belonging to Shelburne Museum founder Electra Havemeyer Webb’s parents. They commissioned Tiffany to design their 3-story New York City mansion.
Burks explains,
“This is the first time you have an interior decorator responsible for such a huge commission. This would be the interiors, the walls, the ceilings, the floors, the mosaics, the glass, the metalwork. And they gave him carte blanche.”
The museum had a challenge in presenting this work, having to build custom cases to protect the rare and valuable pieces, and create nature-inspired risers so visitors can see the work from all sides. Plus, traditional gallery light would dull the glow from the vibrant stained glass.
The exhibit’s preparator, Todd Townsend, says,
“We ended up not using much light. In the main gallery, there’s no light at all, which at first seems shocking, but really blows you away.”
The Tiffany exhibit opens Saturday, June 20, and will be on view through the end of the Shelburne Museum’s season in late October.
Links of London Jewelry Series of Flutter & Wow Couture
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 10, 2009
Links of London is set to ensure hearts will race with the launch of Flutter & Wow Couture, two stunning statement pieces created for SS09, the debut collection from new Creative Director, Elizabeth Galton.
For Flutter & Wow, Elizabeth took the eternal symbol of love – the heart – and gave it a lyrical new spin. The result is an iconic design that runs the length of the collection: an asymmetrical, heart-shaped cage, wrought from interconnecting lines of gold or silver. Unique and offbeat, this thoroughly modern heart takes its cues from the fluctuating rhythms and paradoxes of romantic love.
Like the loved-up human heart, racing and stopping, soaring and diving, Flutter & Wow seems to dance to a beat all its own. A dynamic network of lines and gently calibrated angles follow the contours of this beautifully irregular heart, creating a perpetual sense of movement, expansion and contraction. It is delicate yet strong, angular yet sensuous, open yet caged.
These couture pieces capture the essence of Flutter & Wow whilst dramatising the exquisite glamour of the collection and feature the striking sterling-silver and 18ct gold vermeil neckpieces.
The launch of Links of London ‘Couture’ brings a new, high impact dimension to the brand, encompassing innovative bespoke pieces designed by Elizabeth Galton. The collection debuts with these stunning ‘Flutter & Wow’ pieces and new showpieces will be added season on season, inspired by other adventurous motifs.
“In creating a luxe iconic heart motif for Links of London my vision is to fuse modernity and offbeat glamour – reflecting the unique styling and urban cool which makes London the epicentre of innovation”.
“The pieces in this evolving ‘Couture’ Collection will set the creative vision for each season. With a potent blend of fashion, innovation and drama it will establish Links of London firmly on the catwalk jewellery scene”.
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Diamond Interlocking Heart Pendant
Links of London is delighted to present the dazzling 18ct gold and diamond pavé pendant with interlocking heart – the hero piece from new Creative Director, Elizabeth Galton’s debut Spring Summer 09 Collection, Flutter & Wow.
The Flutter & Wow Gold and Diamond Interlocking Heart Pendant was created by master craftsmen and is entirely British made by Links of London. The pendant took over one hundred hours to make and showcases over 2.6 carats of dazzling diamonds. The piece, which is made to order, is available to view upon request.
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- About Elizabeth Galton
As the new Creative Director of Links of London, Elizabeth has been tasked with steering the brand through the next stage of growth and design evolution. Product diversification has already begun and there are plans to introduce other new product ranges as well as increasing and diversifying the women’s and men’s jewellery offering.
Prior to joining Links of London, Elizabeth had focused on developing her own jewellery brand for which she has received much praise and recognition. In 2006 and 2007, Elizabeth was short-listed for UK Jewellery Designer of the Year. Elizabeth has carved a reputation as an acclaimed British jewellery talent known for luxury fashion jewellery and accessories.
A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Elizabeth has exhibited her work at exclusive galleries and stores worldwide, including The Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Collect’ exhibition. She has also received many prestigious accolades from the Jewellery Industry and is a visiting lecturer at the University of The Arts, the London College of Fashion and Central St Martin’s.
With the launch of Flutter & Wow, Elizabeth’s debut collection, Links of London looks forward to a very exciting future.
♥A Poll To My Blog-Welcome Advices♥
Posted by: tifaniuniu on: July 7, 2009
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