Ed's journey of exploration into the world of art, architecture and history began in Grand Rapids,Michigan. Later, he received a BA from Colgate University, majoring in European history. He served in the Navy as a communications officer for three years in the Far East and soon after attended the California College of Arts and Crafts where he was awarded a BFA in Environmental Design. Ed went on to head Sotheby's Oriental Works of Art department in Los Angeles for four years before opening Ed Hardy San Francisco on Montgomery Street in 1976. An interim move to Post Street paved the way for the design and construction of the current premises which opened in 1994, across the street from the San Francisco Design Center.