As you look around, tattoos seem to be everywhere these days.

You have one you think is definitely really meaningful. Your mates have a couple from when they chipped in for that tattoo guy off eBay and needed to practise. Hell, even your mum has a cheeky one that she got when she went on holiday ‘with the girls’ last year.

Once something that was associated with the very alternative side of society… or convicts, tattoos have now hit the mainstream. Hard.

Not only does every one seem to have them, tattoo designs have crept into fashion, with big name designers such as Chanel, Rodarte and Jean Paul Gaultier incorporating them into their catwalk shows for Spring/Summer 2010.

Chanel even released a pack of temporary tattoos (very much like the ones you used to get free in packs of chewing gum) for fifty quid which include chain designs, swallows, flowers and of course, the crossed C logo which were hailed as a saving grace by the fashion pack for those who didn’t want a real one, but couldn’t afford the jewellery option of their favourite designers either.

Even videos were put up on YouTube telling you how to apply them to perfection.

So you’ve got the tattoos (real or otherwise). You may even drink Sailor Jerry’s rum. Now you need the t-shirt.

And no I’m not talking that Ed Hardy stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I have a massive Ed Hardy poster in my bedroom. I’d even go as far as to say I love the old-school designs.  But the clothing? Uh no. I’ve never seen anyone wear it that even had a tattoo. Or probably anyone that knows who Ed Hardy even was.

No. I’m talking clothes that subtly include tattoo influences.

Kelly Goss from Rock ‘n’ Needle clothing has the right idea.

“I was surrounded by mass produced gothic clothing and wanted to produce something more original,” she said.

“It doesn’t surprise me that tattoos and rock ‘n’ roll culture are becoming increasingly popular as I think people have become bored with clothing and from a designers perspective I find clothing far more interesting with a bit of attitude! I thought the transfer tattoos looked great with Chanel outfits, it was a modern twist with Chanel’s style and represented the original rebellious roots of the Chanel brand”.

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