Nothing quite makes a style statement like Ed Hardy! The designer label from the United States was founded in 2004 by French designer Christian Audigier, who previously worked for Von Dutch. Ed Hardy is a huge hit among the folks in LA and is based on the designs of tattoo guru Don Ed Hardy. Audigier managed to obtain the rights to use the designs of Ed Hardy and incorporate them into the products alongside his own unique and creative style. The range which comprises of clothing – mainly t-shirts and accessories including the collection of Ed Hardy watches; combines vintage tattoo art, urban styling and dramatic aesthetics and ultimately the lifestyle brand includes seriously bling and eye-catching pieces.

With the creative eye of Christian Audigier and A-list fans including Madonna, Kanye West, Britney Spears and Heidi Klum, the brand has very quickly taken the world by storm. Earlier this month, the UK was very pleased to celebrate the launch of the very first Ed Hardy store located in the Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherds Bush.

Although Ed Hardy is a brand that is most renowned for its collection of t-shirts and tanks, the range of Ed Hardy watches have become an incredibly popular choice of accessory during 2009 and are all sure statement pieces with their incredibly detailed designs, vibrant colours and bling appeal!

The watch collection features designs created specifically for men and women and despite the initial thought of urban appeal and vintage tattoo art perhaps portraying quite a masculine orientated style, the watches for ladies are incredibly feminine with artwork including flowers, butterflies, mystical characters and fairies to name only a few. With beautiful colours such as pink, gold, cream, and white incorporated into many of the watches, these look incredibly striking on the wrist and combine just the right level of femininity with a funky edge to make the watches that little bit different. The ladies watches also tend to use colour and style contrasts such as a feminine designed dial with a chunky grey strap which creates a trendy dynamic. Some of the watches for men and women feature the very much on trend cuff style straps, some with added stud detailing whereas others have simple leather or stainless steel straps. A selection of the straps also incorporate the inclusion of tattoo art in addition to the dial and some also feature the use of diamante stones for that extra hint of bling!

What is amazing about Ed Hardy watches is the fine attention to detail within the artwork. With an incredible use of vibrant colours that are subtly placed together to create an image that is absolutely stunning, you can’t help but be impressed by the fine craftsmanship and the intense level of skill that is invested into the tattoo picture which also include lions, eagles, skulls and leopards.

Ed Hardy is a huge hit in America and is very much a core brand seen out and about in LA. With the opening of the new store in London, in 2010 it definitely looks as though we will be seeing a great deal more of this striking brand on the fashion forward streets of the UK!