I read a lot of fashion blogs.  I would love to say that I do this because my job is in the realm of fashion (or anti-fashion depending on your opinion).  Of course, the real answer is that I simply like fashion.  It’s probably the closest thing we have to popular artwork in today’s society.  The attention to detail, flawless design, and creativity in today’s leading fashion designers is a wonderful thing to watch.  I don’t necessarily pay attention to who is wearing what – that’s more gossip than fashion in my opinion – but I can’t help but pay attention to the trends.

One trend I’ve been noticing lately is Tattoo art in mainstream fashion.  This is generally attributed to Ed Hardy’s recent dash to the mainstream. (Shoeblog has a great summary of Ed Hardy’s history and how he wasn’t an overnight success). As much as I love a lot of the design and the aura and feel that Tattoo art exudes – I can’t help but think a lot of the stuff will be relegated to the back ends of the closet as the trend comes to an end.

Except when done subtly.  A lot of trends – be in pop colors or niche designs like tattoo – can become longer lasting than the trend themselves when done in lesser extremes.  Take for example these heels from Gucci:

The subtle tattoo rose design makes the peep toe pop while still maintaining a certain amount of class and dignity.  In a lot of ways, it’s like a well placed tattoo.  While a sleeve or full back tattoo can be beautiful and awe inspiring, over time it is too much.  Yet a subtle tattoo, hidden away only for those special enough to see, can often have a lot more lasting impression.

Will people be buying Ed Hardy shirts at thrift stores 5 years from now?  Or will the trend stay somewhat mainstream?  As with all fashion, it’s a wait and see game.