‘Tiny Tats:’ A High Fashion Accessory
To me, tattoos are art, not taboo. They are the most unique way a person can express themselves by (literally) wearing a part of them on their sleeve. In the age of celebrated diversity and inclusion, tattoos have become the mark of the individual. Whether it’s a mark with a story behind it or a fun addition that expresses some facet of your personality- tattoos are the ultimate form of self-expression.
I myself have some ‘tiny tats’ in red ink that make me feel like one powerful woman, and let me tell you – my confidence has skyrocketed. Not only do I feel more comfortable in my own skin, but I’ve also noticed that tattoos feel like something of an accessory- elevating my look that much more. Think about it, accessories complete a look by adding a new dimension and personal flair to the mix. Just like everyday jewelry, tattoos are a design or phrase that we wear to visually represent who we are to others.
It’s no secret that designers and models alike have also recognized the added element tattoos bring on the runway. While models are trained to be high fashion machines with fierce facial expressions – their personality and overall look play a role in if they will be cast to walk in a show. The pairing of show and model allows the collection to come to life, translating the designer’s vision to the public.
Model’s whose ‘tiny tats’ peak through on the runway add to the visual storytelling of the collection. For instance, top model Teddy Quinlivan’s ‘tiny tat’ was on full display at the Dior Spring 2017 show, adding a personal touch of edge to her witchy dress.
Dior utilized this element of high fashion storytelling by drawing temporary tattoos onto models’ collar bones, in what Vogue calls haute couture slogans. According to Vogue, Dior’s Spring 2018 collection was inspired by the surrealist movement, featuring surreal motifs, optic prints, and quotes by surrealist author André Breton. Multiple quotes were drawn on the models, however, one quote that stuck to me was “L’imaginaire est ce qui tend à devenir réel” or “The imaginary is what tends to become real.” The quote speaks to the collection’s whimsical absurdity due to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s use of checkered patterns, feathers, geometric shapes and dreamy skirts. Breton’s words as temporary tattoos not only translated the collection’s vibe as a whole but gave us more insight into Chiuri’s own personal thought process- slipping a piece of herself on the runway.
With February being an action-packed month in the realm of high fashion, keep an eye out for ‘tiny tats’ on the runway. You may just get some insight into your favorite model’s personality and understand the collection’s overall vibe more. Or, maybe it will just inspire you to brainstorm your very own ‘tiny tat’.
Strike Out,
Writer: Peyton Boudreaux
Editor: Lindsey Valenti
Orlando