The connection between tattoos and fashion is everywhere, with the fashion industry helping to bring body ink into the limelight more and more each year. The reason that the fashion industry relates to the concept of body art is simple: they both share the intent of self-expression. Fashion has long been an expression of self through apparel and accessories, so what better than expressing yourself permanently with a tattoo? It appears that modern society is finally beginning to accept the concept of tattoos and body modification due in part to fashion and art.
The Connection of Tattoos and Fashion
Body ink has slowly become more mainstream in recent years due in part to the exposure it has been receiving in the fashion world. The discourse that surrounds tattoos has undergone a transformation, with the growing popularity of tattoos being worn as accessories rather than being inked permanently on the body. Look at any fashion runway today and models are decorating their pristine bodies with temporary tattoos, 3D tattoos, tattoo jewelry, and some real tattoos. These "fashion tattoos" are less about the meaning behind the tattoo and more about connecting the wearer with a more pleasing aesthetic choice for their imagery. The traditional views of tattoos being deviant and anti-fashion appears to be falling by the wayside.
The Unique Transformation of Tattoos
Tattoos have always been viewed as a unique form of expression that has deep-rooted ties to an individual and their feelings. Regardless of what the world thinks, the person getting inked was only concerned about the meaning behind the artwork and not what society thought or felt about the imagery.Today, many people are making the move to body ink as an extension of their love for fashion. Fashion tattoos, while designed and considered carefully, are more influenced by what society finds acceptable today. There are many fashion trends that will identify more with some individuals than others, but the connection between tattoos and fashion truly gives everyone an outlet to be creative.
Individual Expression of Body Ink
The tattoos that are appearing more and more on runways is an indication that many models want to break free from the constraints of the modeling industry and express themselves to the world in their own little way. Body ink is a form of expression that announces that the model does not necessarily believe in the designer's vision, although they are wearing their clothing. While their hair, makeup, shoes, and wigs have to be identical to the vision of the designer, no one can take away the creativity and individual expression of a well-positioned and meaningful tattoo. These tattoos are often positioned on the neck, hands, ankles, arms, and anywhere else that the public can catch a glimpse of them.