Christian Audigier Gone At 57: Ed Hardy And Von Dutch Designer Dies After Battling Cancer

The 57-year-old famous fashion designer, Christian Audigier who is behind street wise and unique designs for Ed Hardy and Von Dutch, passed away early Friday morning, July 10, at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, CNN reported. Michele Elyzabeth, Audigier’s friend and former publicist announced the news via her LATF style website.

Earlier this year, Audigier was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow disease. According to TMZ, the designer underwent chemotherapy treatment before receiving a bone marrow transplant on March 19. After the transplant, Audigier reportedly made frequent visits to Cedars Sinai for check-ups and treatments.

Audigier was only 14 years old when started working in fashion, stated ABC News. He was born in Avignon, France and later moved to the U.S. where he became famous for his edgy, colorful and street wear concepts. He was best known for his Von Dutch and Ed Hardy designs.

During the 2008 Los Angeles Fashion Week where he presented his Ed Hardy creations, the designer said that people would soon be preferring casual street wear rather than couture fashions. His collection paid homage to the 1980’s street style and brilliant colors, depicted in sparkly, embroidered jeans and motifs of dragons and rose against colorful backdrops. The French designer described the casual wear as something that can be matched “with all the clothes you have.”

Aside from Von Dutch and Ed Hardy, Audigier also worked with other labels such as Levi’s, Guess, Bisou Bisou, Diesel, American Outfitters and XOXO. His designs where made famous by celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan, Justin Timberlake and Jon Gosselin. Audigier’s creations were also supported by Michael Jackson and Madonna.

One of his celebrity supporters, French singer Johnny Hallyday even took to Twitter to pay tribute, reported ABC, writing in French how he will miss the designer. "My friend forever. I will miss you terribly. I love you," Hallyday tweeted.

Christian Audigier is survived by his wife and four children.

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