For generations, people associated tattoos with rebellion or cultural identity. But something has shifted in our mindset just a few decades ago. Now, tattoos became a strong form of self-expression and firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world.
Tatt-evolution: How Tattoos Has Changed Across Time
Tattoos have come a long way from mere decoration. For example, ancient Egyptians adorned themselves with symbols of gods, protection, and devotion to reflect their religious beliefs and social status. Then, another example — Polynesian tattoos, a sacred record of lineage, achievements, and identity.
Fast forwarding a few centuries, tattoos were associated with rebellion and lower social classes, like slaves, prisoners, or even bikers (they are cool, but many people didn't perceive them as such back then).
Compared to that, today, our perception of tattoos is changing rapidly. The idea of expressing themselves through body art became so popular that more and more people practiced getting tattoos. If you're inspired by the evolution of tattoos and looking to create your own piece of history, check out dream tattoo ideas by InkMatch.
The Rise of Tattoos in Fashion
This newfound acceptance has transformed tattoos from hidden marks into proudly displayed works of art, seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Taboos became mainstream, finding a place in offices and social circles alike. Of course, not everywhere; in Asia, you'll have to buy special body stickers to hide your tattoo at work or in a sauna.
Stereotypes no longer influence inks. Tattoos became a major trend, which you can observe in glossy magazines and catwalks. Of course, this cultural shift hasn't gone unnoticed by famous designers.
Many creators have incorporated tattoo-inspired motifs and patterns into their collections, as seen in Alexander McQueen's iconic skull prints or Jean Paul Gaultier's historic 90s line inspired by body art.
But tattoos aren't just a runway phenomen — they've also made their way into street style. Inks influence trends and inspire fashionistas over the world. Media platforms like Instagram have become virtual galleries for artists to showcase their work, allowing clients to discover new professionals and find inspiration for their next piece.
Ink as an Accessory
Body art offers a unique way to showcase your personality using permanent ink that complements any look — or even personality development, as our mindset changes over time, like fashion. Unlike a necklace or a pair of shoes that you can swap out easily, tattoos are a lifelong investment that reflects your inner world.
What is the easiest way to combine your look with the inks? A good choice of clothing styles and colors is a way to go. For example, larger pieces go along well with tops and bottoms that will expose them at any angle. Such a contrast will add some boldness and radness to your outfit. The idea is simple, show off your tattoo proudly!
Layering is also a great choice! But not that kind of layering when you overload yourself with clothes. Use your tattoos as a base for accessories. Stack a few bracelets or rings to draw attention to wrist designs, or line up a necklace to bring up that chest, neck, or collarbone tattoo.
Wouldn't you agree that black and white combine perfectly? Contrast and balance is a key between your tattoos and accessories. You don't want your tattoo to blend with accessories, the goal is quite the opposite — to make it stand out. Black and gray tattoos are one deal, they fit with everything, but for a colored tattoo, consider something neutral or muted.
Let's not forget about hair! We can choose between so many head accessories: headbands, hairpins, clips, or scarves to draw attention to head and neck designs. A perfect mix of color or design of your hair accessories with tattoos makes a cohesive and stylish look.
Subcultural Fashion & Tattoos
The 70s exploded with the birth of punk rock, a movement that ripped up the rulebook and slammed a fist in the air for individuality. And what couldn't be more perfect for a fierce soul than a tattoo? Once a social stigma, but a powerful weapon for a punk. Forget dainty butterflies and script lettering — punks embraced a bold DIY aesthetic, often inked by themselves or relying on fellow rebels.
Anarchist symbols like anti-establishment slogans screamed rejection of the authorities. Scrawled scratchers on their arms and chests became battle cries against the supposed social conformity. The punks turned their bodies into living testimonies of discontent.
Goth subculture is another story. Drawn to the dark and mysterious, it played another key role in tattoo popularization. A goth-styled tattoo art often reflects this gloomy imagery that delves into the morbid and supernatural. Think of lace patterns reminiscent of Victorian attire, or eerily ghost portraits and other spectral figures haunting you for eternity in the form of tattoos.
Lastly, let's discuss hip-hop tunes, cityscape energy, and a robust sense of self-expression. It all comes together in... streetwear. This subculture draws inspiration from raw city life energy, vibrant colors, bold lines, graffiti art, and music. No wonder tattoos suit those folks well, it's like a perfect tune, an extension to their body. Forget generic designs, because these inks are all about uniqueness. Which will you get? A design of your favorite kicks on your ankle, or a quote from a legendary rapper?
Tattoo artists excel at capturing this urban energy. They can translate your love for modernity onto your skin, with hyperrealistic Brooklyn Bridge renditions or abstract geometric patterns echoing the city's towering skyscrapers.
You may find similar traits in niche communities like skateboarding and surfing, where body art acts as a powerful symbol of their passion and adrenaline. Imagine a wave crashing on your shoulder, a long-lasting memo of catching the perfect ride. Or a deck rising into the air, representing the rush of that sport.
The most important element of combining tattoos with your style is confidence. Just rock your ink, and go with the flow! The most impactful pieces are those that tell a story. Don't be afraid to experiment with designs, sooner or later you'll find the one that resonates with the real you.
Tattoo Art in High Fashion
More famous designers and legendary tattooers are blurring boundaries between the worlds of high fashion and tattoo art. Creators like Riccardo Tisci, Alexander McQueen, and Jean-Paul Gaultier easily incorporate tattoo themes, patterns, and some techniques into their collections.
One of the most famous examples was a partnership between the great tattoo artist Scott Campbell and Louis Vuitton. Campbell's captivating creations adorned everything in the Spring/Summer 2011 menswear collection, from silk scarves to leather coats. The result was a stunning fusion of fashion and body art, taking tattoos to a whole new level.
Similarly, Dr. Woo's signature fine line tattoos inspired the Dior Cruise 2019 collection. Back then, delicate floral motifs and geometric patterns adorned clothing and accessories. This collaboration demonstrated opportunities of tattooing in the fashion world and highlighted the beauty of handmade luxury.
The impact extends beyond the fabric. Models with tattoos, like Grace Neutral and Rick Genest (Zombie Boy), have become potent representations of inclusiveness and variety. They've dispelled myths and upended conventional notions of beauty. These people helped to open the door for a new breed of models who proudly display their body art on the catwalk.
This artist-designer collaboration has undeniably transformed the world of high fashion. It has given the runway a fresh perspective, where models with tattoos naturally accentuate their clothing. As this relationship between fashion and tattoos continues to grow, we can expect even more captivating and innovative designs to capture the imagination of audiences for years to come.
Conclusion
As we can see, tattoos really paved the way to a runaway. Today, tattooists are recognized as legitimate artists, influencing fashion design in groundbreaking ways.
High-end fashion houses have collaborated with renowned tattooers to create unique prints and patterns for their collections. This elevates tattoos to the level of high art, showcasing them on the prestigious platform of haute couture. The influence goes deeper than just collabs. Designers are inspired by the vivid colors, complex patterns, and powerful lines of inks to use similar features in their apparel and accessories.
Fashion has embraced the edgy and diverse spirit of tattoo culture, as shown in the graphic shirts with tattoo-inspired designs and the leather jackets covered with traditional tattoo iconography. As long as society supports individualism and self-expression, tattoos will surely continue to influence fashion development.
