Christian Audigier Dead -- Ed Hardy Designer Dies at 57

Christian Audigier -- the fashion designer behind the successful clothing lines Ed Hardy and Von Dutch -- has passed away. He was 57.

His longtime publicist, Michele Elyzabeth, told the website LATF USA, "I just heard the news and I am truly devastated. Christian was an incredibly brilliant man. He will be missed."

As TMZ first reported, Audigier was diagnosed with cancer in January. He told us it was MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), the same bone disease "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts was diagnosed with back in 2012.

Audigier has a net worth of nearly $250 million and has worked with Guess, Levi's, Diesel, American Outfitters, Bisou Bisou, and XOXO.

His own brands are currently available in over 40 countries.

Christian is survived by his 4 children.