Blog Archive

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The ultimate transfer: Why Daisy's chain tattoo is the latest trend in body art

By Tamara Abraham

Tatt's fashion: Daisy Lowe shows off a Chanel transfer tattoo at the launch of her Swarovski jewellery collection


It is nothing new for a celebrity to be seen with a new tattoo - in fact it's almost de rigueur if you want to make the A-list.

But Daisy Lowe's latest body art stunned onlookers when she launched her Swarovski jewellery collection last week.

It wasn't so much the chain design, or the Cheryl Cole-style arrangement around her thigh, that shocked, however. No, it was the discreet interlocking Cs - the famous Chanel logo.

Of course, the 20-year-old model had not really taken her love of the label to new extremes. She was one of the first to get her hands on a new series of transfer tattoos, inspired by body art seen on Karl Largerfeld's hay-strewn catwalk back in September.

Models wore chain and pearl designs around their wrists, thighs and necks, seemingly in lieu of jewellery. It made for an effect that was at once tough and delicate, in keeping with the bucolic country-inspired show.

The label, which has dubbed it 'decalomania', said: 'Both modern and poetic, they cleverly recall the emblematic codes of Chanel.

'Chains interlaced with leather wrap around wrists or form an elegant garter.
'Behind a leg, a bouquet of wildflowers adds a bucolic touch. As for the pearls, they adorn the skin with subtle radiance in a chromatic unison of black and skin.'

While the Chanel models had each been hand-painted for the show by make-up artist Peter Philips, March will see the launch of a collection of transfers inspired by the intricate designs.


Daisy chain: The model sported a link design with a tiny Chanel logo


Beauty branding: The transfers will be available exclusively from Selfridges and Chanel boutiques from March 1


Selfridges' beauty director David Walker-Smith said: 'Chanel tattoos will be on every beauty queen's lust list. Body art is a big trend for 2010 and we predict a waiting list frenzy.'

In fact the trend, dubbed 'beauty branding' by marketing experts, is set to be huge in 2010 - a stark contrast to the understated 'stealth wealth' look that has dominated the catwalks in recent years.

But fashion is a fickle thing and if tatts are on trend today, they are just as likely to be passé tomorrow. No problem for those working the designer transfer, but fashionistas with the real thing should start saving for their laser treatment now


Decalomania: Models were all hand-painted with the designs for the Chanel catwalk show by make-up artist Peter Philips


Body art: Models' arms and legs were adorned with tattoos at the bucolic Chanel spring/summer 2010 catwalk show in September


source: dailymail