Where's Christian Audigier?
Christian Audigier sighting in Beverly Hills, Feb. 3. Photo credit KM Press Group.
A few years ago, you couldn’t get away from Christian Audigier on L.A’s fashion scene. In 2012 the formerly ubiquitous designer/marketer seems to have disappeared.
Before you ask Christian Who?The French born Audigier’s Ed Hardy label had a Kardashian like presence in L.A; the brand was on backs of celebs ranging from Madonna to Snoop Dog, Audigier’s image was slapped on billboards, and there always seemed to be another Ed Hardy shop opening. He even had the chutzpah to launch his own trade show in 2008, the now defunct When I Move You Move at Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace.
Last year he sold the worldwide license for Ed Hardy to New York-based Iconix Brand Group Inc.Since then, hekept a lower profile than a man in the witness protection program. Rumors swirled. There was word he was spending time in Cabo San Lucas, there was talk he was living in France. There was a sighting in Beverly Hills a couple of weeks ago. He didn’t even attend the recent Magic, even though Iconix debuted its new Ed by Ed Hardy line.
Audigier did not comment for this article, but people at the Culver City, Calif.-based Audigier Brand Management said he has been doing well.
Audigier’s personal assistant Houleye Deme said he had spent time in Brazil last year and met with soccer star Ronaldinho to brainstorm ideas on a possible collaboration. Caleb Westbay, the wholesale vice president for Christian Audigier, said he’s been exploring new opportunities in fashion and other businesses.
“He’s been enjoying, and vacationing, and enjoying the success he had,” Westbay said. “He’s being thorough and patient with the market now. In no way is he done.”
Yep, Los Angeles will hear from Audigier again.
Ed by Ed Hardy line,pictured above, was debuted at Magic Feb. 13.
