Tattoos are for life, not just for fashion

Tattoos were once strictly for the wicked - bikers, ex-convicts and rebels of society displayed them with pride whilst the rest of us kept our skin peachy and bare. In 2012 however it's a different story, tattoos have risen from the fiery flames of hell right into the midst of a fashion trend.  

It’s almost a shock to meet somebody who hasn’t yet gone through the pain of ‘getting inked’ nowadays.  So it wasn’t a surprise when in 2010 tattoos hit the catwalk, with designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Rodarte all on board it was bound to be a hit.  Chanel’s range of temporary tattoos meant that individuals no longer had to go through the pain of a tattooist needle to sport the latest body art trend, but that didn’t stop everyone. When did I get my first tattoo? 2010, at the tender age of 16, turns out I was easily influenced by fashion trends.  I wish I could say that I got my tattoo for me, personal reasons... but I’m not sure how convincing that is once you see the wonky star permanently etched onto my leg.  

Chanel temporary tattoos

Whilst other fashion trends fade out of memory and sight, tattoos are around for the long haul.  And perhaps the reason that they’re still popular today is purely because they’re permanent.   

Kate Moss' swallow tattoos

Wish List

All clothing from Peter Doherty's capsule collection for The Kooples.

Printed silk jacquard shirt - £180

Shorts in light washed-out denim - £135

Vintage lace long skirt - £185

And of course I can't leave without including some pictures of the man himself modelling clothing from the mens collection.



"Being an outsider is really essential for me."

The photography of Ting Cheng is otherworldly, yet real.  I have always been drawn to photography which transports the viewer to another reality, that’s the dreamer in me. Nick Knight and Tim Walker capture this idea perfectly and will always be two of my favourite fashion photographers.  But unlike these two icons Ting Cheng doesn’t need oversized props, extravagant make up or an elaborate set in order to create this dream-like feeling.
 

Talking to Dazed Digital Cheng speaks of childhood mischief, the importance of being an outsider and the absurdity of everyday life.  Read the full article here http://www.dazeddigital.com/photography/article/12599/1/rise-ting-cheng and in the meantime indulge in the ethereal photography of Ting Cheng right here

All information and photographs from www.dazeddigital.com

The Film Project

Selfridges have found seven designers to create short films for them in celebration of the launch of the Womens Designer Galleries.  Each film celebrates femininity in a different way.  I've chosen my favourites - it's time to choose yours.  The whole collection is on display at The Old Selfridges Hotel until 25th March or available online at http://style.selfridges.com/womensdesignergalleries/thefilmproject#timings. 

Club Nouveau - Gareth Pugh

This one I could watch all day; I love it.  The foreboding music juxtaposed with the elegant dancing is so captivating.  I also love the unconventional beauty and the way they interpreted the brief of exploring femininity.

Obscure Desires - Alexander McQueen

I love the mystery and how throughout you just want to see more, so enticing! And the head pieces are reminiscent of the s/s McQueen collection I loved so much.

D'Amore Sill'Ali Rosee - Rick Owens

Again the music and sense of mystery really make this short what it is.  The use of lighting in it is also incredibly interesting.

The world of Blair Waldorf

Any girl, or guy, who watches Gossip Girl cannot deny that they have spent hours dreaming of having the life of Blair Waldorf.  The endless affection of Chuck Bass, marrying a Prince (although that one didn't quite work out...) and now winning the affections of Brooklynite Dan Humphrey, what's not to want?  Although I could happily go through life without Dan or Louie I'm not sure I can say the same about denying Chuck.  Not only does she have a string of admirers to die for but that wardrobe, the house and air of grace... I'm getting carried away.  I'm slightly ashamed to admit that the one quality I covet the most is how effortlessly she manipulatively schemes, there has been more than one moment in my life where a Blair Waldorf plan would fit perfectly.  So there it is, I had to get my undying love of Blair off my chest and where better to do it than a blog devoted to fashion, one of Blair's greatest loves.  We have that in common at least.

Here's a few of my favourite Blair fashion moments: