A Little Ink Never Hurt Anyone
Sure, tattoos and body art have been criticized in many professions and aspects of life, but lately, they are considered more acceptable. The fashion world has recently allowed models to show their tattoos while on the runway; even at major fashion shows. A hint of ink never hurt anyone in the perfect world of fashion. Some designers prefer to cover up models tattoos on the runway to preserve the aesthetic impact of their design. However, from time to time, other designers embrace the ink and show it off along with the garment itself. It is written in Vogue US that Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 1994 Ready-to-Wear collection was thrilling and mysterious. A mixture of graffiti styles, tattoo motifs strutted down the runway and has been a staple for Gaultier’s work ever since. Alongside Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino also introduced tattoos in his fashion with is fall-winter 2014 accessories campaign. His idea was to mix the feminine and delicate style of his brand with the intense visual aid of a sleeve of tattoos. The two images are creative and make for a brilliant ad campaign, drawing the viewers in with fascination. As a woman who is interested in fashion, and has 16 tattoos herself, I am curious as to how the fashion industry views tattoos.
"Woman With Back Tattoos in Black Dress" / Image Credit: Pexels
How did something that was once associated with criminals, sailors, and low-lives, become acceptable in one of the most expensive, and not to mention high expectational industries in the world? Well, it does make sense if you think about it. Fashion, like tattoos, is an expression of one's self-identity; individuality, personality, aesthetic, etc. Match personal fashion with personalized body art, and you have created something new and exciting!
Some articles have mentioned their ideas about tattoos in fashion and they make some strong points. Electric Ink mentions, “ the fashion industry has always been an expression of your own self and your creativity through fashion…with the rise of body art, the fashion industry also uses this to permanently express your self with a tattoo.” The different styles of tattoos also have a place in haute couture world. Watercolor, black lined, traditional tattoos all have their own aesthetic and therefore, can be used in different fashion looks around the world.
"Runway Model in Evening Attire" / Image Credit, Sk, Pexels
Being a woman with tattoos can be more harmful than rewarding. Men with tattoos are held as a more acceptable stereotype in society, far more than women. Psychology Today had this to say about the topic, “when men saw the woman with the tattoo, they judged her as less athletic, less motivated, less honest, less generous, less religious, less intelligent.” For decades, women have been judged for getting tattoos and when they do, which type of tattoos were acceptable and ‘feminine.’ We can only hope that as the years go on, so will people's open-mindedness about body art and how people can express themselves. Fashion and tattoos are both true works of art. Both take time, effort, and passion. Being a designer along with wearing what you want, expressing yourself, is highly acceptable in society. Why can’t the same standards for tattoos be accepted? In the fashion and haute couture world today, tattoos are in and are here to stay.
