The Ed Hardy fashion line, formed in 2004, is probably the most popular and highly sought after line of tattooed items. The high prices don’t seem to deter most patrons of the brand. The celebrity name attached to the attractive variety of fashion items has even attracted the attention of Hollywood celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Shakira and even country star Billy Ray Cyrus. If you have $80 to spend on a t-shirt or a couple hundred to throw down on a pair of sunglasses, then check out the offerings from Don Ed Hardy.
But Ed Hardy isn’t the only artist getting on the tattoo apparel money train. Artists from around the world have contributed their artwork to be printed onto shirts, hats, shoes and other items.
Yellowman.com was founded by Peter Mui in 2005 and was designed to appeal to those who dare to be different. The apparel line features some really elaborately decorated clothing items featuring the artwork of some of the world’s best tattoo artists such as Phil Holt, Guy Aitchison, Kim Saigh, and Horiyoshi. This line has also been endorsed by celebrities such as Jose Canseco, Sean Paul and Tim McGraw. They are also going to be adding a line of “tattooed” snowboards soon. The Yellowman line is also not for the price conscious, but it does deliver an irresistible array of colorful items.
And apparel isn’t the only way tattoo celebrities have cashed in on the craze. Sailor Jerry’s name appears on bottles of spiced rum as well as a line of vintage tattoo clothing.
Kat Von D just recently endorsed a makeup line with Sephora featuring smoky eye shadow, liquid liner and Kat’s signature red lipstick.
Ami James' artwork was also featured on a series of RAZR cell phone covers a couple of years ago, although I'm not sure if they're still available.
Of course, tattoo celebrities aren't the only ones making a killing with tattooed apparel and novelties. Shirts, shoes, keychains, sunglasses and other tattooed items can be found everywhere you look, and they cost a lot less. But if you want the "real" thing, you'll have to be willing to pay the price.
It's interesting to see how wildly popular tattooed items are, even amongst people who don't want the permanent version themselves. Fashion itself changes constantly and I'm sure even the tattoo fad will come to an end, but I think these products are helping the world see tattoos as beautiful, artful and deserving of respect!
