We have all seen the ubiquitous shirts designed by Ed Hardy, and his ensemble being sported by many men in the last 2 years. They are easily recognizable by their over abundant graphics, multiple skulls, liberal use of the bedazzler and $ 100+ price tags. These shirts have been spotted on the backs of Shaquille O'Neal, Madonna, Miley Cyrus and your local teenage "rebel".
For those that are unfamiliar with the brand (lucky you!), let me offer an example:
Clearly lacking in any kind of semblance of design, and unfamiliar with the term minimalism, this is something you an overambitious 8 year old boy might design at a t-shirt design store.
Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier were first based on tattoo designs, now these shirts have become a trophy of the tasteless. Devoid of any artistic merit that their original designs were based, they now expel excess as being the name of the game. Unfortunately, these companies and cheaper copy cats have spread like Britney Spears exiting a motor vehicle.
Closely related to Ed Hardy, we have Affliction and Tapout which are more linked to Mixed Martial Arts then tattoo culture. I just wanted to remind everyone that pulling the t-shirt will not make you fight like George St. Pierre. Apparently that fact is lost on many fans of the brands as bar owners have been banning the shirts from their establishments. My hat goes off to them.
When I think of this trend I am reminded of a similar beast appearing in the mid 90's. No Fear t-shirts and Von Dutch also come to mind. Let's hope that this trend will disappear just as quickly.
If you come away with anything from this blog let it be this: money does not buy taste.
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