Australian Boots

With all of the television buzz and celebrity gossip that surrounds us, not to mention our fast-paced lifestyles, we are sometimes left with little time to focus on fashion. Maybe that's why when a brand comes along that demands our attention, we can't help but jump on the bandwagon. Ed Hardy's unmistakable style and passion will draw you in whether you are seeking it out or not. Whatever the reason, Ed Hardy is a brand that the world just can't seem to get enough of.

Don Ed Hardy, the "godfather of the modern tattoo", took his California influence and combined it with Asian inspirations to come up with the unique style that defines the Ed Hardy clothing line. Hardy began his career as a tattoo artist in San Francisco, and later decided to merge his artwork into fashion design. The rest is history.

In 2002, the Ed Hardy brand came into the public eye when Don Ed Hardy was approached by Ku USA, Inc. The company was interested in producing a clothing line that would feature Hardy's artwork. Hardy Life immediately took off, and in only two years became a major fashion spotlight.

The Ed Hardy line skyrocketed in 2004 with the help of French designer Christian Audigier, who shares Hardy's passion for bold, colorful art and design. The primary force behind the rise of Von Dutch, Audigier linked Ed Hardy to the celebrity world, pushing the brand to the same, if not higher status that he helped Von Dutch to reach.

Madonna, Paris Hilton, Shaquille O'Neal, Busta Rhymes, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Denise Richards, Pharrell, Sylvester Stallone, and Shakira have all been seen sporting Ed Hardy.

The major defining point of Ed Hardy clothing is that the pieces are modeled from original tattoos, making them truly unique. Ed Hardy's mesmerizing imagery and vivid colors yield a clothing line that is not only trend setting, but industry changing.

Ed Hardy is more than just clothing...it's art, its counter culture, it's a world wide phenomenom. The Ed Hardy line has become an authority on what's hot and cool in the trendsetting urban markets. It's clear that their sucecess will continue to build momentum and the Ed Hardy / Christian Audigier team are revolutionizing modern fashion design, as the create fashion history.

Ed Hardy Bags are designed by Christian Audigier. Every Ed Hardy Bag is based on an original tattoo design by artist Don Ed Hardy.

Clarks Shoes is one of those companies that every now and then come up with a masterpiece that takes the world by storm. This has been the modus operandi since way back in the beginning when the first footwear was designed and made by the man who started it all; Mr. Cyrus Clark. It happened over 180 years ago and today Clarks Shoes has become a household brand in many parts of the world.

When the Clark brothers started their business in the 1830s sheepskin slippers were one of their first projects. Humble beginnings indeed but with no lack of determination they set forth at a more rapid pace when Singer sewing machines made their appearance. Hard work and continued improvement of the product as well as customer satisfaction guaranteed long term success.

Inventions that placed Clark firmly ahead of the pack

The next major breakthrough came when the "Desert Boot" made its appearance. During the fifties Nathan Clark designed this boot after being inspired by British Army boots for simplicity and comfort. This was a smash hit. Apart from the fact that Clarks was already a household name in many parts of Europe this invention ensured their continuing success locally as well as abroad.

During the sixties one of the Clark descendants, namely Lance Clark, created what became known as a "Clark Classic". The moccasin style shoe, named "The Wallabee", came into existence. At the time this particular style became enormously popular all over the west, and Clarks' popularity and success continued to grow and expand. The high standard set by the company in providing quality products as well as offering terrific customer service has become synonymous with the Clarks name.

One of the many reasons for their growing success is the fact that Clarks remains up to date with all aspects of existing as well as developing technology. Continuous research into all levels of manufacturing has led them to discover and use polyurethane in the shoe soles. The lightweight and hardwearing sole has remained popular up until now since its discovery in the early sixties.

The comfort that is provided by this particular sole has remained unsurpassed, and has become synonymous with the Clarks brand.

By today's standards, Clarks is up there with the best. No shoe company could survive for long if it did not keep up with the trends and fashions, and Clarks has done all that and more. The company's main focus is on comfort, quality and style, rather than glitz and glamour. Everything from casual to dress casuals, informal, sandals and clogs, pumps and boots and many more "everyday" shoes are available, for women, men, and children too. The huge range gets supplemented on a regular basis to meet the ever increasing demand for a quality as well as comfortable shoe. New styles are also regularly advertised and available online. Buying online has become a very convenient way to shop indeed. Clarks has made provisions for this situation as well as for those that find it difficult to get to a Clarks store. Every purchase comes with a money back guarantee if it does not meet the required standards. Service deliveries for online shoppers are known to be prompt and efficient.

Children's shoes are another division of Clarks that is not only sought after but a preferred first choice of many parents. The added bonus is that they will most likely find everything needed and suitable for all ages and does not have to go hunting around. Clarks have always paid careful attention to all aspects of improving children's shoes over the years. They remain up to this day the most popular shoe store for children in England.

Where are they heading?

Clarks ranks at the top of the shoe trade of the world. Over 40 million pairs of shoes are manufactured on a global scale annually. Amongst their success stories they have also managed to help under privileged and disadvantaged communities. One such community is in a township in South Africa where many adults have died of AIDS. Those that remain are left to take care of the many orphans and this has become a huge burden for the women that have taken on the responsibility.

Lance Clark came across this particular township and its plights and went on to establish a shoe manufacturing company called "Soul of Africa". This wonderful opportunity enabled the creative township women to be trained in shoe making and eventually improve their living conditions on all levels. This they have managed to achieve, and production has expanded to the United States.

Well done, Clarks. Definitely another success story! Clarks Shoes has managed to evolve with the times and stay in fashion with comfortable, attractive styling as well as a corporate culture that is equally innovative.

Jeremy Foster writes articles about a wide range of subjects including the business world and companies in the fashion industry such as Clarks Shoes.