Embroiderer Sues Christian Audigier
A Los Angeles design and manufacturing company has sued Christian Audigier Inc. for breach of contract and fraud, asking for more than $1 million in damages.
Embroidery Industries filed a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Dec. 14. The company alleges that Audigier requested that Embroidery Industries create 15 groups of designs for T-shirts in December 2008. According to Embroidery Industries, the two companies had an oral agreement in which Embroidery Industries would produce both samples and production for Audigier. Instead, Embroidery Industries created sample designs, which were produced by other manufacturers contracted by Audigier.
Embroidery Industries is asking for punitive and special damages of more than $1 million. A representative for Christian Audigier Inc. said the company has no comment on the suit.
The recently filed suit comes at a time of continued expansion at Christian Audigier Inc. The company debuted its first store in London this month. It also debuted a collection of wines and champagnes in June.
Christian Audigier maintains licenses for a burgeoning range of products ranging from homewares to cigarette lighters and air fresheners, many bearing the graphics of tattoo artist Ed Hardy. However the Los Angeles–based company’s empire is based on men’s and women’s fashions and accessories sold under several labels: Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, Smet, Crystal Rock and Paco Chicano.—Andrew Asch
