While visiting the 12th Milan Tattoo Convention this past weekend, I had one of Fractal's tattoo "don'ts" on my mind. I've always found it amusing how fashion often goes straight out of the window when it comes to tattoo conventions, and Milan was no exception.

I stopped briefly to chat with Marisa_DiMattia, and we had a good giggle at some of the fashion mishaps we'd seen so far.

Everyone was desperately scrambling to have their photo taken, and in order to increase their chances they wore the most revealing clothing possible so that we could see all of their wonderful tattoos. After reviewing the photos I'd snapped I found myself wondering whether most people would normally wear this type of clothing when it's less than 10°C outside. In fact, it was amazing just how few people even showed any sign of warm outer clothing draped over their arms. Having said all this, there were some people that didn't overdo it at this convention. I would expect nothing less from one of the fashion capitals of the world, and a little taste goes a long way.

So, without further ado, here is a small sample of the snaps from the weekend...

- My first victim was a lady that I spied sporting the SuicideGirls spaghetti top designed by Courtney Riot. I love this top and I do actually think it's perfect for showing off tattoos without being over-the-top, or like wearing underwear. Kudos to this lovely lady for having some taste. It went well with her trousers too.

- This friendly gentleman was having the back of his calf tattooed by Dimitri HK. He stood in the same position for hours. While he had quite a lot of coverage, he was less about showing off his tattoos and more about his style. Rocking a brightly coloured waist-coat, no less.

- Now this is a sign of trying too hard. This guy was having his forearm worked on, yet he was wearing the most trashy looking wife-beater. It looked like he'd been wearing it in bed for the past five years. I guess one could argue that he didn't want to get ink on anything nicer, but I personally think he just wanted to show off his super sexy sleeves. What is with those giant arm holes?

- No one knows modesty like the Japanese. This lady could have easily sat there in a thong and nothing more, showing her beautiful bottom off to the whole world. Instead, the artist had kindly covered everything up. Notice the little kid in the background using the laptop? It's a family affair.

- Of course the other alternative is to take your clothes off all together. I'm not even sure this was a request, but this person started undressing and stood on the artist's stand to bare his full body suit to the world. Luckily both the body and the suit were mighty fine. Fully excusable.

- As a pretty girl nothing will get you noticed more than a fancy corset. This lady had people queueing (in Italy? Never!) all day to take her photo.

- This outfit irritated me a whole deal. Why go to the effort to expose your back tattoo only to wear a bikini top and completely detract from the overall effect? With the abundance of commercially available support systems for breasts (and backless clothing) you'd think it wouldn't be difficult to complete the ensemble in the neatest way possible.

- This is our very own SuicideGirl LaMiss. Her outfit is classy and stunning. A perfect example of giving people a glance of your tattoo work without flashing everything. I only wonder how she was keeping warm outside before and after the convention?

- It seems like at every convention I've attended there's been an old lady or two that have helped me embrace my body ageing. I really can't wait to be an old lady, proud of my tattoos and most importantly proud of my fashion sense. She was hanging out at the Sunny Buick stand and was one of the most approachable and friendly people I have ever met at a tattoo convention. A real icon!

- This is a big no-no. Wearing tops that are too small for you (and this shiny) in a vague attempt at showing off every single tattoo on your upper torso just really isn't worth it. I think she would have been better off wearing just her bra. The back of this top was so bad I couldn't bring myself to take a photo.

- Although very unattractive and usually a big EN-OH these Adidas "rip" trousers are actually great for being tattooed. I'd never thought about it before, and this is a perfect example of them being put to practical use. I congratulate this gentleman on an innovative use of a fashion mishap and a very creepy tattoo.

- Last but certainly not least is the best tribal cliché of the weekend. Earlier on in the day he had been walking around topless but due to the crowds I'd been unable to stop him for a photo. Unfortunately (or not) at this point he'd reclothed himself. The worst thing about this outfit for me is the truly terrible socks and giant backpack with what seemed to be all of his worldly possessions.

All in all I enjoyed my time at the Milan Convention and I'd highly recommend it to tattoo enthusiasts out there. There are always a large number of world famous artists, and the atmosphere is fun. However, I desperately encourage you think twice about your convention wardrobe.

MrShun

Duluth, GA

February 2007

FEB 21, 2007 01:30 AM

Every time I glimpse a tattoo magazine with convention photos, I'm amazed at the number of nasty fashions sported by convention-goers. I understand wanting to show off your tattoos and, hey, I wear wife-beaters...some of which have seen better days. But for a convention? No, I think not. Tattoos are an accessory in a sense but what better way to show them off than by drawing attention to yourself with good fashion sense? If you have that, people will look more at your tattoos and do less giggling behind your back at the ridiculous get-up you're wearing. Great photos, however, and yay for convention coverage.

Battles

United Kingdom

February 2003

FEB 21, 2007 02:10 AM

If some of these were the worst offenders at a well attended convention, perhaps tattoo convention attendees have better taste than the general public?
Or perhaps our reporter was too kind to show the really bad examples?