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.