BBC VS. ED HARDY

Pick Your Poison!

Billionaire Boys Club:In 2005, Pharrel, one half of The Neptunes partnered with Japanese fashion icon Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE). The two collaborated together to create and launch two new luxury streetwear brands: Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. The brand suffered many setbacks after its original conception due to disputes between Pharrell and Reebok. Reebok was originally set to release the clothing line alongside the Ice Cream sneaker line. Although the sneakers made it, the clothing line was postponed and all projects came to an end in late 2004/early 2005. It was at the very end of 2005 when the brand was finally launched as a sister company to A Bathing Ape. Celebrities known to wear Billionaire Boys Club include: Jay-Z, T.I., Lil Wayne, Nigo, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Big Sean, Teriyaki Boyz, Bow Wow, Omarion, Fabolous, Young Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri, Guy Jones, Ludacris, Mitchillionaire, Bun B, Slim Thug, Erik Raney, Chris Brown, Wale and Lupe Fiasco among others.

ED HARDY:

In 2002, Hardy was approached by Ku USA, Inc. to produce a line of clothing based on Hardy's art and a licence agreement was signed. Within two years, the collection had drawn the interest of Saks companies. Hardy and Ku USA formed Hardy Life LLC, which holds the trademark ownership as well as the copyrights to all his images.
In 2004, Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the high-end Ed Hardy clothing line, which is based on Hardy's imagery. Prior to the Ed Hardy clothing line, Audigier was the Head Designer at Von Dutch Originals, which marketed the imagery of Kenny Howard. Audigier has attempted to replicate the marketing techniques employed by Von Dutch Originals, by marketing directly to celebrity clients and by opening stores in high profile fashion districts. Ed Hardy stores are located in many locations internationally including the Americas, Europe, Asia & the Middle East.