TORONTO - From streets to slope, Ed Hardy covered a lot of terrain at its fall 2009 runway at Toronto fashion week last night.

Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier "Swim and Snow" show was a rock 'n' rollin good time as boys and babes with bikinis and 'boards were ready to hit the surf and slopes at Toronto's LG Fashion Week held at Nathan Phillips Square. The Ed Hardy tattoo-inspired designs were festooned on sleek monokinis, bikini bottoms, hoodies, baggy pants, tight boy shorts and puffy ski vests. (JACK BOLAND/SUN MEDIA)

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The edgy line — designed by Christian Audigier and loved by celebrities from Paris Hilton to David Beckham — featured outfits for two opposing seasons, from European-styled glam monokinis, string bikinis and board shorts to quilted, fitted ski jackets and rolled up snow pants.

“There's snow that we ski in in the winter which melts, turn to water that we swim in in the summer,” said Roy Perlumter, CEO of Ed Hardy's Canadian distributor, Luxury Life Brand Inc.

He said he got the idea of blending swim and ski wear while driving in Montreal, when he saw snow melting into ice.

“I said, there we go, I can have my two favourite lines,” Perlmuter said.

The line, based on the work of Don Ed Hardy, known as the godfather of modern tattoos, featured rock 'n roll clothing, with other themes running throughout, such as the Japanese geisha girl or the tiger.

Their most popular theme, 'love kills slowly,'” was seen plastered to the tiny bikinis and ski wear.

Colours included green, purple, tan, black, pink, red and blue.

New to the line this year is a technique called sublimation, in which colours are painstakingly inserted into fabrics.

Launched in 2002, the Los Angeles line teamed with Audigier, a French designer and entrepreneur in 2004.

But far from resting on laurels, the Ed Hardy clothing line is said to expanding to include dresses in spring 2010.

A model presents a Christian Audigier creation during the Mercedes-Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring 2008, Smashbox Studios Culver City, CA (10/16/2007). Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

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Christian Audigier was born in the southern-French city of Avignon. In the last twenty years, Christian Audigier has become an icon in the world of fashion, working with names such as Diesel, Naf Naf and Von Dutch.

His celebrity clientele has a long list that includes Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Brad Pitt, Paris Hilton, and Mariah Carey. His signature line, Christian Audigier, pays tribute to California culture.

"Godfather of Street Chic" Christian Audigier presented his runway show at the Mercedes-Benz LA Fashion Week Spring 2008 in the main tent at Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA, Tuesday, 16 October 2007.

The designer added a special French twist to L.A. Fashion Week with his "La Vie en Rose" themed 2008 Spring Collection. Inspired by the United States' liberation of France in 1944.

Audigier's latest collection pays homage to the beauty of his French roots and the ingenuity of his adopted American homeland. The designer reflects that the influence of French and American style and sensibility upon each other's culture after the war can still be felt today in art, music, and, especially, fashion.

The much-anticipated show was reminiscent of 1940s France that incorporated architectural landmarks as part of the set, exploiting the visual appeal of men in uniforms, and reproducing the highly stylized looks of Marlene Dietrich and chanteuse Edith Piaf. The feel, including accentuated pencil-thin eyebrows, may be post-war, but the fashion was 100% modern.

"My collection," states Christian Audigier, "is based on a vision that celebrates the full spectrum and exuberance of today's American lifestyle culture, which includes rap, pop and rock 'n' roll."

Among others David Hasselhoff with his daughter, Brandy, Bai Ling, and chart-topping singer Bettina graced the front row during the show.

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A model presents a creation from Ed Hardy Swimwear by Christian Audigier at the runway show during Mercedes-Benz Spring / Summer 2008 Miami Fashion Week, July 19, 2008.. Photo Credit: Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com

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Talking about his vibrant bikinis Christian said, "I did the best collection ever of swimsuits this is why everyone is wearing them."

As to how he kept churning out fresh designs, Christian said, ''I have now 150 employees -- they're all young and fresh. I listen to a lot of people."

France born Christian Audigier, branded 'The King of Jeans', has been in the fashion world for the last twenty years. He has made a distinct impression in the industry by styling reputed brands such as American Eagle Outfitters, Diesel, Lee, Levi's, Liberto, Kookai, Naf Naf and Von Dutch before launching his own brands.

He launched the Ed Hardy brand in 2004. Based on the work of tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy, it is one of the hottest brands favored by celebrities and ordinary people alike. His clients include - Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, Mariah Carey, Mickey Rourke, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Usher, Marilyn Manson, Madonna, Shakira, Ciara, Heidi Klum, T.I. and Jaime Foxx.

Audigier currently resides with his family in Los Angeles, California.

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