Christian Audigier's Rockin' Universe

Ed Hardy Motorcycles & an Ed Hardy Babe

by Laura Medina

March 10, 2009

At the ultra-exclusive and premiere fashion tradeshow, Christian Audigier's "When I Move, You Move," it is more of when he moves, the whole Las Vegas Strip quakes.

This goes far beyond mere rags on a rack and a cardboard box for a table like the majority of fashion tradeshows then hoping and wishing someone will buy them.

This is a magical wonderland introducing the individual to an universe of anything and everything about Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, and a launching pad of all the newest and latest brand extensions and products.

This is an eyewitness of a marketing and merchandising mastermind at work.

This is not tattoo-print tees but a lifestyle brand aiming to reach underserved demographics and incorporating the Ed Hardy brand into daily life for all sorts of budgets.

Christian and The Eurhythmics' Dave Stewart debuting the honky-tonk ditty, "Rock Fabulous"

Mr. Audigier's collaboration with numerous hip hop artists and rock stars has earned him a cred among Rock Royalty.

Christian & Dave jamming

This is not surprising since Mr. Audigier dreamt for the longest time to be a rock star then funneled his thwarted rock n' roll dreams into designing and coordinating edgy tees, jackets, and jeans for Diesel and Guess Denim before launching his own business.

Making imprompt suggestions on the spot, a freshly minted song-custom made

Which comes back full cycle. Now that Mr. Audigier earned his cred among rock stars he had always admired. He is tickled pink The Rolling Stone's Mick Jagger wears his tees.

Mr. Dave Stewart modeling his haute couture rock collection, Rock Fabulous

Recognizing his insight and knack for making everything for anyone, "Look Cool and Good," various established rock royalty have been knocking at his door for their own clothing brand extension.

Since these rock (and pop) stars are established enough to be in their late Forties and just striking Fifty, Mr. Audigier knows a gold mine when he sees one.

They, like him, need hip, edgy, trendy wares that people his age can wear without the fuddy-duddy of Middle-Age or the embarrassment of trying to wear something not sophisicated enough for their taste and experience.

Mr. Stewart modeling his own Rock Fabulous blazer with his insignia.

Out of that lucrative need, Dave Stewart teamed up with Audigier to design Rock Fabulous, a dignified but very hip clothing collection for the Rock n' Roll Gentleman or the Rock Gentry.

Expertly tailored jackets, blazers, and vests are perfectedly sewn but make allowances for shape and movement in leather and satin, with a jet beads adding that Rock n' Roll swagger.

Their teamwork is one of FIVE fresh brand extensions launched at "When I Move, You Move" Tradeshow/Event.

Breaking news, because of Dave Stewart's Rock Fabulous and both her and her daughter stealing each others' Ed Hardy tees, Madonna is going to do a line with Audigier.

Hopefully, it will do for hip, mature women what Rock Fabulous and Christian Audigier's own namesake line do for hip, urbane men.

Ed Hardy women models displaying the latest dresses with Native American Headdresses.

In between the impromptu Mr. Stewart/Mr. Audigier duet and the runway show, models and buyers and press mingle openly and freely.

This is the best to showcase the whole world of Ed Hardy and Mr. Audigier.

Ed Hardy couple entertaining on the runway.

What makes an Ed Hardy/Christian Audigier runway show stand out from a standard runway, it is more of a full-blown singing-and-dancing extravaganza. A MTV version of the Ziegfeld Follies than the monotonous stomping of New York Fashion Week.

Having the unusual talent of a showman, Mr. Audigier uses music video dancers to display the stretchability and fun of his clothes while getting the audience, of buyers and shopper, all rallied up.

Body painted couple opening the runway show.

All this excitement makes everything profitable.

Another couple dancing on the runway.

Opting out of models stomping one-by-one in a neat line, he presented models as real life couples who can party in his outfits, making them more revelent.

Front view of the lastest Ed Hardy cowl neck top.

Most of the womenswear clothes are comfortable stretch in sultry glitter, perfect for club and bar-hopping up and down the Vegas Strip.

Back view of the Ed Hardy Tattoo Rose

The more upscale womenswear are more discreet on the front while more surprising on the back.

Ed Hardy Limited Edition Smart Car in Satin White

Breaking beyong clothes, Mr. Audigier provides what is hip and smart as a lifestyle brand, Project Tattoo, a very limited series of only 100 Smart Fortwo Cars in Satin White and Satin Black, starting at $29,999 but attendees get discounts at the show.

Each car has numbered plaque.

They all are decked out with leather seats with Ed Hardy tattoo embroidered suede inserts, a touch screen AM/FM/CD/DVD player, built-in Garmin Naviagion, Bluetooth wireless, iPod interface, three-months trail Sirius satellite radio service.

The exterior paint job is tricked out in customized seven-layer Ed Hardy tattoo satin paint scheme, wheels cap by the Ed Hardy "Tiger."

The engine is a chrome tip exhaust system by Doug Thorley Headers grinding out 6hp and 14ft. lbs. torque performance increase. The wheels are upgraded to Koko Kuture Spline 17' x 6.5" front 17" x 7" rear in Satin Black and Brushed Silver.

Ed Hardy Chardonnay. Yes, Virginia, Christian has his own line of wine and spirits.

If your mind is whirling from learning 5 different clothing brand spin-offs, the fashion show, and the tricked-out cars, you can ease up by sipping Mr. Audigier's wines.

Yep, you heard right. They are called Ed Hardy Wines in Chardonnay, Merlot, and Rose, which is obviously fruity.

This wine trio spearheads a line of Ed Hardy vodka and champagne, befitting a man who also owns his own nightclub at Treasure Island.

More on that later.

A suave model in a Christian Audigier Tuxedo Jacket.

Models party and mingle with the buyers and press after their runway show.

Another model in a Black Audigier Tuxedo Blazer.

What a best way to actually display your numerous lines.

Actually, the big news of the day, in addition to Dave Stewart debuting his own dignified rock n' roll clothing brand, is Christian Audigier finally launching his own namesake line, obviously Christian Audigier Est. 1958.

Close-up of the Rock Fabulous Insignia

For the longest time, Mr. Christian has been designing and marketing to a far-younger culture.

He longs to be part to that vibe. However, even he admits he is too "mature" and too French to wear stuff that belongs on an American teenager's body.

Now, this is his chance to show what he is really made of.

A suave, cosmopolitian man of the world who knows how to rock and needs the wardrobe to do it.

A line comprising of white or black satin tuxedo jackets. Either his name is bedazzled in an arc, just below the shoulder blade, in jet black beading or drawn out in cursive on a lapel.

All the Young Dudes in their finest bowler hats.

Due to the immense popularity of the dapper "Mad Men" in suits and Justin Timberlake's William Rast urging young gentlemen to dress up and the hot chicks loving it, Christian Audigier Est. 1958, Dave Stewart's Rock Fabulous, and the more Francophile, SMET by France's answer to Elvis Presley, Johnny Hallyday, men ranging from their twenties to beyond are yearing for smart but attire that evokes suave sexiness of the Rat Pack and the natty edginess of British Edwardian Dandyism.

One of the male models simply said it the best, "It's Clockwork Orange."

As a form of "Thank You," Dave Stewart threw a free concert of "The Eurhythmics" Greatest Hits.

The concert finale was Audigier and his whole crew jumping on stage, rocking out with Mr. Stewart.

Always the impresario, the concert ended with Audigier singing two country-western songs he co-wrote with Stewart, "My American Dream" and the homage to Stewart, "Rock Fabulous."

Christian finally becomes the rock star he always dreamt of, way back in his childhood in France.

Christian standing on the patio of his own nightclub at Treasure Island Resort/Casino.

The fete traveled from Caesar's Palace to the lagoon overlooking the Sirens' Cove at Treasure Island where Christian's, again, own namesake nightclub is located.

Actually, it is the best spot in town. Walking out to the patio, the party go-er is treated to an exclusive nook, getting a up close and personal and full-frontal view of the entire Pirate Show, away from the tourist hordes.

Christian arrived ten minutes after the show. Wearing his own bedazzled tux with jeans, he can actually wear his own clothes. This is the American Dream personified.

The Soignee Birds of New York, Day & Night

Terexov Blue Leather Shift Dress

By Laura Medina

March 9, 2009

As the final leg of the New Guard Trio, Terexov's Alexander Terkhov paid homage to the sirens of Alfred Hitchcock: Kim Novak, Tippi Hedren, and Grace Kelly, night time Manhattan and Piet Mondrian.

His blue leather shift dress echoes Eva Marie Saint in "North by Northwest."

Terexov Art Deco Night Cityscape Halter Dress

His Art Deco Night Cityscape prints displays a romance with Manhattan at night. The geometric buildings are reminiscent of Piet Mondrian.

Black Silk Chiffon Sleeveless Gown with Bird Applique

The plumage of bird applique are a fresh alternative to jewelry and outlandish sewn-in beads and baubles.

Again, he is paying respect to Hitchcock, as in Tippi Hedren in "The Birds."

Terexov Art Deco Night Cityscape Goddess Dress

Mr. Terexov shows a flip of romance. He removed the girly pastels then replaced it with a more mature, deeper side of it, a urbane idea of romance.

Sergio Davila, Harkens Back to the Past

By Laura Medina

Sergio Davila is another of the young guards leading the charge of the fresh talent flooding New York Fashion Week.

Curiously, these upstarts are surprisingly conservative in style and presentation.

It is not the usual cool, modern, minimalism at the turn of the twentith-first century.


But, the turn of the twentith century that inspires Mr. Davila.

He relies on his Italian ancestors, who emigrated to Peru in the Twenties before he, himself, settled in the United States.

Early Twentith-Century sportswear, precursor to today's activewear, forms the basis of his collections.

Silk/Cotton blend knits are constant mainstays.

Mr. Davila's pullovers, tunics, hoodies and white canvas trousers very rarely veer away from Twenties' country club tenniswear.

He used the flapper dress as the foundation for his womenswear.

Unlike most young designers, Mr. Davila puts some thought into weather, heat, and humidity.

He included silk and of course, always use silk/cottons knits to stretch and wick the sweat away.

His considerate classicism makes him a fashion "true and pure,"

Fit and Polish

Monarchy Collection Olive Wool Melton Multi Zip Tail Coat, Pin Tuck Blouse with Distressed Jeans

By Laura Medina

This past, recent New York Fashion Week Fall 2009, there was a changing of the guards.

Old stalwarts of the past thirty to twenty-five years, such as Calvin Klein and Betsey Johnson, have been sweeped aside to the margins or relegated to their show rooms doing simple presentations.

Think of the current economic situation as a financial exfoliation, scrubbing away the hubris and debris, getting rid of the old growth forest.

In their place, are these young sprouts taking their place, beginning anew.

Monarchy Collection One Shoulder Black Jersey Draped Dress

Landing the plum spot, headlining Valentine's Day, was Los Angeles homeboy done good, Eric Kim of Monarchy Collection.

After trudging the catwalks of Los Angeles Fashion Week and toiling away in the obscurity of Las Vegas' tradeshow, PROJECT and MAGIC, Mr. Kim's discipline to craftsmanship and dedication to detail was rewarded with honor and respect among Manhattan's most judgemental fashion critics.

Monarchy Collection High Collard Bib Blouse, Tunnel Collar Tuxedo Jackt, & Tuxedo Stripe Skinny Pants.

Conscious that he is stepping onto one of the world's fashion capital's stage, Mr. Kim drew inspiration from "Mad Men", the prime and proper Betty Draper and her equestrian hobby as the foundation for his New York debut.

The gloomy gothic from his last Los Angeles Fashion Week show has been refined into a serious color palette and strict tailoring and fabrications.

Monarchy Collection Khaki High Collar Trench Coat

Unlike most Los Angeleno designers, Mr. Kim was insightful enough to analyze and adopt to an East Coast audience and a New York Winter.

He still keeps the ease and comfort of jersey knits for his dresses and cowl-neck, hooded sweaters. He presented the high-waisted jean as the current jodhpurs.

However, his capes became more coat-like and his jackets transformed into blazers.

The rugged leather was replaced by melton wool.

Monarchy Collection Olive Double Layer Draped Cape & Ivory Jersey Hooded Dress

His current collection also drew from Anglophilia and that Mod Sixities' television series, "The Avengers," offering strong, sleek womenswear and dapper young gentlemen in Savile Row tailored suits in plaid, topped by bowler hats.

Mr. Kim's New York debut was a smashing success, earning roaring claps and approving nods from the world's toughest and most jaded fashion audience.

Paraphasing a pleasantly surprised fashion critic, "This is the best menswear collection I've seen in a long time."

Mr. Kim's newfound dandyism busts menswear into a new direction, away from the Nineties' black leather blazer for men.

Not only that, he's leading the charge of a fresh crop of young talent taking over the fashion universe in a midst of an economic upheaval of a New World Order.

Fabulous Fete

By Laura Medina

Jennifer Sbranti, The Hostess with the Mostest

February 11, 2009

If the market is getting you down-don't!

Right now is the perfect time of the year to celebrate; and it doesn't have to be Valentine's Day.

You, with a little help from your buddies, can throw theme parties celebrating your interests.

There are plenty to pick from. You can steal the recent Grammys and throw your own Grammy party with a musical genre theme, blues or the Grammys' bash of Summer of Love then show up as your favorite hippy.

Or if fashion is your passion, steal the main trends from New York Fashion Week and present your own fashion show.

A good example is the upcoming Oscars Awards. This a good excuse to dress up and glam up.

Jennifer Sbranti, graphic designer turned party planner, is here to help with little fuss but a lot of bang while staying down low on the budget.

You can get the ball rolling by mailing invites as Oscar nominee ballots so your guests can pick which actor and movie will win Best Actor and/or Movie as they rsvp. An extra incentive is giving her or him a prize of a care package of popcorn, candy, and theater tickets.

To truly get everyone into the mood, ask them to come dressed up as their favorite Old Hollywood movie star. Politely suggest a classic actress or actor, other than Marilyn Monroe or Brad Pitt. Mildly nudge them towards a sultry Ava Gardner or the modern classic Steve McQueen.

Once you mail out the invites, it is time to get the ball literally rolling.

While raking the yard, pick out some nice strudy branches or leaves, shake them up then properly clean them.

Once washed and dried, spritz gold and silver metallic spray paint all over them then coat them in glitter until they dazzle and sparkle.

You can do the same thing to quirky and cheap picture frames.

While the bedazzled foliage is drying out, you go out for a fun treasure hunting trip to Michael's Craft store, the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, or even HollywoodMegastore.com, for unique but cheap Hollywood decorations.

Buy red felt at the fabric store or Wal-Mart for your red carpet which you can reuse later for Christmas. For the sewing-handicapped, you can order one for $10 at www.HollywoodMegastore.com. While there, you can pick up life-sized, standing photos of Marilyn Monroe or Charlie Chaplin there.

Can't go to Hollywood Mega Store? Take out those dusty old glossy magazines or discounted Hollywood art books, pick out the most glamourous black-and-white photos then gently slip them into frames and vases, emphasizing Old Hollywood.

In the decorating department, you can pick up clear, plastic beads and pebbles a plenty to bedazzle satin ribbon strips or fill translucent vases with.

Even yards of feather boas and piles of cheap peacock feathers can give unexpected glitz.

Dot the red or black peacock feathers in vases. Offer your unimagative guests boas for instant chic and fun.

You can even trim rims of cocktail glasses with boa snippets at the bottom, making them very femme fatale.

At Michael's, they even sell ready-made embellished rhinestone stickers, spelling out, "Fabulous" and "Superstar."

Just peel off and peel them onto strips of satin ribbons then neatly wrap and tape around the vases.

Sticking those dedazzled, metallic painted tree branches in those decorated vases gives a wonderland effect.

To make it look like "InStyle Magazine" came in and did a job, drape cheap twinkly, plastic beads and costume jewelry from the 99 Cent Store to make it even more glamourous.

Can't have a party unless you have nibbles and refreshments.

No, you don't have to hire a caterer.

Just bring out some ivory ceramic plates or silver-plated platters then arrange them buffet style.

Pick out the most interesting and best cold cuts from your local deli or supermarket. If you have a decent grocery, you and the butcher can play a game, "What's the coolest meat?" then you select the yummiest slices to really entertain your guests.

To balance out, intermingle the spread with dried fruits, even jam, crackers, and cheese cubes or/and slices.

Visit your local liqour shop or section and pick up those poor, neglected flavored syrups to perk up any old soda or seltzer water or give that juice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) an extra kick.

You don't have to hire waiters filling up glasses. You can fill up pitchers of these brews, buffet-style.

Once the twinkle has been sprung and the guests bedazzle on the red carpet, you and your friends can watch and celebrate the Oscars in the comfort of your own home on a dime.

Or, you're a boutique owner or a young and upcoming fundraiser, here's your chance to shine without crashing your account.

Thanks to Jennifer, we, too, can be glamourous with little fuss or muss.

Valentine Treats for Your Sweet...

Heart Lock from Dooney & Bourke Desk Set

By Laura Medina

February 3, 2009

And not on your hips.

These Valentine keepsakes are valuable as they are useful.

Dooney & Bourke Valentine Desk Set

They say if you want your heart desires to come true, you either visualize it or jot it down. Eventually, all of them will materialize.

If you secretly like somebody or care and love those around you, you can help them out for under $100 with this special red leather patent Dooney & Bourke Desk Set for $65.

It has the essentials for making your wish come true. Or, if you need a practical but thoughtful wedding gift later this Spring and Summer, you can buy the bride this gift set then she'll write you these "Thank You" notes using these cards already included in this set.

The plush red leather paper weight will your entries in your diary nice, neat, and align.

If you really want your dreams to come true or have a really chic travel scrapbook, scribble and paste your photos in the matching red journal that comes with a heart lock and keys to keep them top secret.

If you cut and paste any of the following gifts in your journals, perhaps your true love will get you...

Fratelli Rosetti's sandals

A pair of these strappy Fratelli Rosetti sandals in red, of course, for that romantic night on the town.

Maybe, you want to take advantage of all those Bahama discount get-aways...

Gottex Red Ruffle Bikini

in this red bikini with dainty ruffles by Gottex.

Carnival Double Finger Ring

If you're more romantic and old fashion at heart, these heart-felt mementos, from Little Rooms by Ester Delug, with a vintage touch will touch your heart.

Connecting with her childhood memories of playing with her dollhouse, Ms. Delug uses miniature features as keyholes and toy furnitures and knickknacks as the main focal points for her enchanting jewelry line.

Entry Lock Belt

If you find the cute rings a little too precious for everyday wear or if you want something with more attitude, Ms. Delug has you covered in this black leather belt with a gold vermeil Entry Lock Buckle. It also comes in sterling silver. This can softens a pair of high-waisted jeans.

Lock Cuff

Another bold option is her Lock Cuff, an entry into your own soul.

Entry Lock Pendant

A good conversation starter in a bar or a club is this Entry Lock Pendant, a daringly feminine insignia.

Stork Scissor Necklace and Ring

Subtly switching from Victorian to Art Nouveau, this subversively sexy bird-slash-pair of scissor can unleash passions if viewed closely by an piqued paramour.

If unattached, use this Stork Scissor jewelry to set your confidence free for a new adventure in life, with or without a mate.

Don't worry. Ester Delug's Stork will lead you to your soul mate.