When tattoos were first introduced to the masses they most commonly adorned the skin of soldiers, prisoners, and outcasts. Nowadays you can’t go to a lecture hall or café without sitting down next to a girl with the word ‘breathe’ written in a swirly script across her wrist, and in the warmer months you can’t help but notice the surge of tribal tattoos on the arms of the men on campus.
There’s no denying that tattoos have undergone a serious redefinition in the past 100 years, but as we work our way deeper into the 21st century, it would appear that tattoos are no longer content to settle with the label of ‘socially acceptable’, but rather seem to be working their way towards ‘socially expected’.
What’s truly interesting about the modern tattoo-bearer is not the tattoo itself, but their outlook towards their tattoos. When you look at the word ‘breathe’, you may think of it as a rather redundant reminder to do something your body takes care of habitually itself, but what the bearer of the tattoo is reminded of when they look at it is likely something else – and hopefully whatever that is, it’s not regret.
Although inkless myself, I admire people with the confidence and conviction to make such a lasting decision. And I admire it more because of the belief that tattoos aren’t symbols of adolescence and rash decisions, as some may be led to believe, but rather they are a form of art, they are a statement, and at that, they are a fashion statement, one that you wear every day.
Tattoos are an accessory to each and every outfit in your wardrobe. Like a necklace, bangle, or pair of heels they can change the whole ‘tone’ of what you’re wearing. Automatically, the world map that you have etched on your forearm becomes the statement piece of your day’s jeans and t-shirt, or leggings and blouse, or sundress and cardi. Every day your tattoo is a work of wearable art that will either complement or contrast with the rest of your outfit.
More recently, tattoos have begun a slow advancement into the world of high fashion, seen on runways (such as at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2012), and gracing the covers and spreads of magazines including Elle, Vogue, W, and more. Tattoos on models are being photoshopped out less and less, and are in fact occasionally painted on to add to the theme of the collection or campaign (in the case of advertisements).
Fashion has long been a way to express yourself. It’s part of your identity, and as many fashion designers and photographers would likely vouch, is in itself a work of art. A tattoo is like any other fashion accessory, but even more personalized. No one will have exactly that tattoo in exactly that placement, and unlike a pair of earrings or a scarf, it is with you always. With this fact in mind, remember that fads come and go; I’m sure you wouldn’t be caught dead in platform flip-flops or a black-and-pink floral scrunchy. So when you take ink and needle to skin, remember that tattoos are a powerful statement about yourself, one that you will make for the rest of your life (ignoring the possibility of laser removal). Despite the fact that One Direction is your life right now doesn’t mean that the same will be true in ten, fifteen, or lets be real, five years. So maybe a permanent mural to the boy-band that covers your entire back isn’t the best idea.
Photo Sources:
http://lisabellesworld.blogspot.ca/2007/07/breathe-tattoo.html
http://www.ourvanity.com/photos/Beyonce-got-tattooed-2.jpg
http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/originals/36/d0/4d/36d04d1d490639b579c6b29bab0757d4.jpg