fashion and tattoos Archives

We first spoke to Leeds-based tattoo artist Tina Caruso (@tinacarusodot) in November last year (read our interview) and it was incredible to hear all about her mastectomy tattoo project. But Tina has been busy with a brand new project, so we decided to have another catch up to find out all about her beautiful tattooed corsets…

What inspired you to want to put tattoos on a corset?

I’ve always loved the way a corset frames the body and moves with it. It felt natural to combine that shape with tattoo art, so the piece becomes something you can actually wear — art that’s alive and in motion.

How did you come up with the designs? Are they like the tattoos you create on skin?

Not really — they’re quite different from my tattoo work on skin. With the first corset I made, I realised I needed to simplify the design so it would work on this type of fabric. So I started to play around with thick and thin lines to give contrast and impact while still keeping the flow along the body’s shape.

How many corsets have you made? Are they one of a kind?

So far, I’ve made one original design, it will be available in three sizes (S/M/L). It’s still a one-of-a-kind piece — each one is made individually, so no two will ever be exactly the same.

Are the corsets on display anywhere?

Not yet — I’m just about to launch my online shop, so they’ll be available there soon.

How do you go about tattooing the corsets? How different is it to skin?

It’s completely different to tattooing skin. Fabric doesn’t stretch, so the design has to be adapted and transferred differently. The ink also behaves differently, so it’s slower and more technical — but the end result is worth it.

Have you customised other objects with tattoos?

I’ve tried tattooing a few different materials, for practice, but corsets are my favourite, they look so elegant once finished. And I’m already looking at different forms of corsets and new projects to start with.

Thank you for chatting to us Tina, it was great to reconnect. Follow Tina on Instagram to find out when her online shop launches.

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Interview with Stefania Crasta, owner of The Wildness Jewellery.

How did you get into jewellery making?
I have been into jewellery all my life, when I was a child I loved to adorn myself and make jewellery out of leaves and flowers. From childhood to teen and adult age, I believe that jewellery has always been present in different forms and shapes – decorating myself and my feelings. Like all the early passions in life, it developed into a way of being, into a research of the different techniques in the making and design process.

What inspires you?
The main inspiration for my designs is nature in its wildest principle.
Only nature contains perfect shapes, shades, scents and colours, emotions and sensations. It’s life and death, it’s unchangeable, but in some ways changing, it’s stable but alterable – an eternal contradiction. My love for poetry, philosophy and art transcends into each pattern of design and it reflects the sinister rebelliousness of my emotions.

What draws you to jewellery?
Jewellery has marked a fundamental part in the history of designing in different eras and cultures. I believe that jewellery is an extension of beauty and the expression of its power.

What is your favourite piece that you have created?
My favourite piece that I have created is the skull and butterfly ring part of ‘Les Fleurs du Mal’ jewellery collection inspired by Baudelaire’s poetry. It’s a skull ring blinded by a butterfly, it’s love and death… Another of my favourite pieces is also the Dante Alighieri ring – the author/genius behind the journey to hell (Divine Comedy).

Is your work inspired by tattoos?
My work is definitely inspired by art, and different combinations of art such as tattoos. I think that jewellery and tattoos follow a parallel meaning of expression in body adornment. It’s a very similar statement in my opinion. I love ornamental patterns, that are also used on tattoos and sometimes I incorporate them into my designs.

Can you tell me about the tattoos on your body?
My back is fully tattooed with paisley, flowers and geometric ornaments. This back piece was done by Matt Black at Divine Canvas. My sides are a work in progress by Silvia Zed from Shall Adore, it’s a beautiful Victorian filigree pattern. I also have two symmetric tribal tattoos done a long time ago by Silvia Zed on my upper arm, old Love and Freedom scripts on my wrists and lines/rings around my ring fingers. My aim is to have most of the back of my body tattooed…

Stefania's back by Matt Black — Stefania’s back by Matt Black

Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
I’m totally in love with Victorian filigree, (designs and shades) of ornaments done by Silvia Zed and also her black and grey roses designs, she is definitely one of my favourite tattooists and also a dear friend of mine. I also love the geometric work of Xed LeHead and the amazing fine work of Philip Milic.

Part of Stefania's collection — Part of Stefania’s collection

Do you think there is a relationship between tattoos and fashion?
Tattoos have became more and more common. I believe that, in our days, tattoos are one of the most popular forms of self expression and definitely related to the fashion world. The aim of fashion, in my opinion, has always been to create a form of statement and that’s exactly what tattoos are about. I think there has always been a strong link between art and fashion that in the modern society has finally extended into the world of tattoos and body modification.

What’s next for The Wildness?
I believe that the steady path between imagination and creation of The Wildness will evolve into many more creations. I’m also working on different collaborations with fashion designers. The ‘Next’ for the Wildness is to keep and progress with the wild pattern of designing and to adorn the best corners of the world with handmade creations…

Check Stefania’s full collection on The Wildness website, www.thewildnessjewellery.com

Tag: fashion and tattoos

“Art that’s alive and in motion” – Tina Caruso’s tattooed corsets