ETHNIC GLAM
Yes, that body chain, choker and wristband are all metallic tattoos! To make it more dramatic, beauty pro Bridgette Jones has used golden metallic dot tattoos on Sneha’s forehead. “These tattoos go well with Western as well as Indian outfits. During a wedding, these can easily replace the bindis used on the bride’s forehead. I first saw metallic tattoos in California, and I had to share it with the city’s fashionistas! These are great for the beach, pool parties, weddings and clubbing,” said Bridgette. Who wants to pile on chunky jewellery when a tattoo can easily do the job and do it better!
COOL CASUAL
When you don’t want something too dressy, go easy with small silver tattoos. Sneha’s got them on her collarbone and the side of her left wrist, and three tiny squares around her belly button.
“Both the looks with the tattoos are very distinctive. The one with the silver tats is subtle and casual; the second made me look glamorous, it was also a very contemporary look. I’m totally in love with metallic tattoos now!” said
Sneha Ghosh, our model for the shoot
Make-up: Bridgette Jones; wardrobe: model’s own
What are metallic tattoos?
Also known as flash tattoos, these are shimmery, temporary tattoos that are mostly worn and as substitute for accessories. Available in shades of gold, silver and black with a tinge of shine, it’s the newest fashion trend in the West and is fast catching on here. If taken care of properly (which means not scrubbing your tattoo with soap, moisturiser or oil) these tats last six to seven days.
Where to get them?
Mostly available online, look up MissChaos (www.facebook.com/misschaosankiebinc) In Calcutta, they are available at Bridgette Jones Fashion Salon (78B, Vinayak Building, Sarat Bose Road). Also at Koovs (www.koovs.com)
How to wear a metallic tat?
These tattoos come in strips with various kinds of designs. Pick the pattern that you wish to get and pull out the thin strip of paper attached to it. Make sure the body part where you want the tattoo is clean and oil-free. Place the tattoo strip on that area and dab it with a wet cotton ball for around 30 seconds. Now slowly remove the sheet. Ting! It’s done.
Cost: Depends on the size of sheets. Usually ranges from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per sheet.
BOHEMIAN
Metallic tattoos and the boho-chic look go hand in hand. Keeping the vibrant magenta off-shoulder dress and side-swept hair in mind, Ankita Banerjee of Miss Chaos placed silver and golden metallic tattoos on Sahiba Walia’s right shoulder and back to accentuate her features. Two layers of gold and silver tattoos were used like an anklet.
“I love these tattoos so much that I am not going to take these off! So cool and innovative. I am super happy to have done this shoot with t2. Thank you!” said Sahiba Walia, a student of IIHM.
NIGHT-OUT
You can do so many things with metallic tattoos to jazz up your party dress. Wear them as hand harness or handcuff or midi rings — these temporary blingy tats are bound to draw attention and be the talking point! If you are wearing a crop top or an LBD, placing the tattoos strategically on the portion of the back that’s peeking out will definitely add a quirky touch to your look. The more you mix and match, the more eye-catching your tattoo would be. “The best thing about metallic tattoo is that it’s painless, easy-to-wear and can be done anywhere. You need not worry about forgetting accessories anymore,” said Ankita.
Make-up: Kaushik; wardrobe: Miss Chaos
Text: Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: Pabitra Das
