Over the years, the indelible ink that once marked the situs of rebellion and nonconformity has smoothly sailed into the realms of modern day fashion, catapulting tattoos as an art form into an influential fashion force to be reckoned with.
With that in mind, today we’re unravelling the fascinating journey of how tattoos have permeated contemporary fashion and exploring how you, too, can incorporate this once trailblazing trend into your individual style, without the lasting commitment of needle and ink.
Tattoos: The Marks That Spark Change
Tattoo-infused sartorial choices deepened their roots in the late 1970s and 80s when musicians began to flaunt their inked skin. Bands like Guns N’ Roses and icons like David Bowie sported their tattooed iconography, resonating with their supporters world-wide and subsequently setting off a seismic shift in conventional style choices.
Tattoos began to reinvent traditional fashion silhouettes, creating a new, stark language of style that was boldly worn by popular fashion brands. Notably, Alexander McQueen in the 90s featured tattoo-inspired designs that drew cohesion from the growing world of grunge. In 2015, his work once again drew heavily on the world of tattoo art.
Other couturiers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Ed Hardy have also played an instrumental role in bridging the gap between tattoos and fashion, showcasing designs with tattoo insignia and embroidery. In fact, Gauthier revisited his iconic 2009 collection TATTOO earlier this month with a timely update of the ensemble.
Indeed these days tattoos don’t merely beautify skin; they have seamlessly seeped into our wardrobes, too. They’re utilised as avant-garde prints on contemporary fashion, sporting tribal patterns, sailor motifs, dragons and traditional tattoo designs as high-street fashion that is both accessible and affordable.
Harnessing The Power of Tattoo-Inspired Fashion Without Actually Getting Inked
Whether you’re raring to unleash your inner rebel or simply seeking a whimsical addition to your wardrobe, tattoo-inspired embellishments have the power to uplift and individualise your stylistic statements. The beauty of tattoo-inspired fashion lies in the palate of versatility it offers, without the intimidating permanence of real tattoos.
Wearable Tattoo Art
Long-sleeved shirts, dresses and leggings, all adorned with tattoo prints, have graced runways across the globe in recent years. Be it trademark Ed Hardy T-shirts, or Alexander McQueen’s skull motif accessories, they all exude an alternative edge. Whether it’s a blossoming floral print or an old-school sailor tattoo illustration, they add a subversive yet elegant touch to any outfit.
Perhaps the most succinct realisation of this are tattoo-inspired t-shirts. In the early noughties, British designer Vivienne Westwood presented a collection of tees featuring vibrant old school tattoo images which thrust this trend into mainstream fashion’s orbit.
Now, whether you’re strutting around in a Boy George inspired tee or donning a shirt featuring designs inspired by Motorbike gang culture, you are sure to stand out.
Jewellery & Accessories
There’s hardly a greater way to pay homage to the yesteryears of tattoo culture (and its current renaissance) than by dripping in jewellery and accessories tracing the journey.
Anklets, bracelets, and chunky neckpieces with stencil-like designs, classic roses or nautical stars offer an exciting and impermanent foray into the thrilling world of tattoos. Reading glasses, belts and even phone cases are also featuring tattoo-inspired designs, thus contributing to the influential sweep of tattoos in daily life and fashion.
Read: How to select jewellery that aligns with your personality traits
Statement Shoes
Shoes with tattoo-themed designs capture the soulful, unique individuality that tattoos have always embraced. Many shoe manufacturers have followed suit, presenting sneakers, boots and stilettos with floral, nautical or tribal prints that would look as home on your arm as a sleeve tattoo as they do on your feet.
Temporary Tattoos
If you’re game to sample the visual appeal of actual tattoos minus the potential for a little residual pang of regret (and all that pesky aftercare), stick-on tattoos are your best friend. These temporary stamps employ a wide spectrum of designs, allowing you to experiment with your fashion aesthetic as often as you fancy!
The Bottom Line
Irrespective of the rapidly altering inclinations within the world of fashion, tattoo-inspired clothing and accessories have progressively gained popularity and established their presence as a lasting trend.
Enabling the integration of this cherished art form into everyday fashion statements ensures the perpetual growth of personal expression, enabling both the wearer and observer to partake in the captivating allure that tattoo culture artfully provides. This provocative yet stylish integration of tattoo and high-street fashion symbolises the charming intersection of self-expression, personal stories and, quite simply, a genuine love for fashion’s relentless innovation. Keep it audacious, make it fabulous— keep inking-or at least, dressing like you do!