Dress Code: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly (Inked Edition)

The Bollywood frenzy is nothing new. Since the 1970’s, Mumbai, India’s cinematic epicenter, produces the most films per year in the entire world. In the past decades, Bollywood films are predominately romantic musicals, featuring dynamic group dance segments that combine traditional North India folk dance (Kathak) and Western dance influences like Broadway, disco and hip hop, which have gained international audiences by the millions. “Bollywood” has even been added as a dance category in the nationally syndicated TV show and dance competition, “So You Think You Can Dance”. As a dance and musical genre, it’s often grandiose, joyful, energetic and a bit fantastical; it’s easy to become engulfed by the sensational production powerhouse of Bollywood, and the costumes only add to the visual impact. Traditional elegance of plentiful fabric draped throughout the body, combined with bold, bright colors and glitzy detailing (embroidery, beading, dangly mirrors and metallic pattern work) flourishes in movement. Dance gives life to fashion.

The Bad: (as in, badASS)
This week’s pick is the Seattle Tattoo Expo.

Author Margo DeMello managed to summarize the complex, ancient societal phenomena that is body art into one solid, unwavering axiom: “The tattoo attracts and also repels precisely because it is different.” Tattoos may not be so “different” nowadays, but no matter how many caricatures or symbols are reproduced over and over again, the tattooed wear them differently—in purpose and attitude. Tattoos can reflect and initiate societal trends, or they revolt against them; regardless, tattoos will always have a relationship with fashion.

And fashion will always love tattoos because fashion is obsessed with confidence and audacity. So it makes sense that thousands of body art enthusiasts and hundreds of tattoo and piercing shops come out to the Seattle Tattoo Expo to celebrate tattoo culture and community. We interviewed tattoo artist and Tattoo Expo veteran, Eric Marts, of Seattle’s oldest parlor, Seattle Tattoo Emporium, about this weekend’s convention and more.

What’s the best thing about the Seattle Tattoo Expo?

The beauty of conventions is that there are tons of artists, from Spain and Italy to Japan; you get to shop around. It’s one of Seattle’s only opportunities to get all that exposure.

What’s a day like at the Expo—what happens and what should we expect?

For me, it’s about 10 hours of tattooing. I’ve tattooed at the Detroit, New Orleans, Phoenix and Tucson conventions, and I’ve gone 12 straight hours tattooing, way past closing... But you do what it takes—that’s what the business is about.

Where was your favorite Tattoo Convention?

Detroit. That was awesome 'cause I met Eddie Munster in the elevator and he had a mullet.

Tell us about Seattle Tattoo Emporium—it’s kinda more traditional and old-school styled tattooing, right?

Well, we do everything and are open to anyone who wants to be tattooed. Primarily we do custom work, but we’re adept at any style and are a well-rounded shop. All our guys have 20 plus years experience, except for one guy, Tony, who is our shining star. We are the oldest parlor in Seattle—Danny Danzel, a tugboat operator and tattoo artist, opened it up in 1941 in a back room at the Pioneer Tavern on the Waterfront, I believe. Back then it was pretty traditional to operate in a small room in a bar or penny arcade because that’s where you got your clients. Now Tattoo Emporium is in the old Apple Theater, which was the last porno theater in Seattle.

So tell us the truth, does it drive you nuts when someone comes in and wants a butterfly on their lower back?

No, no. My outlook is that every tattoo is valid, and it’s not our job to judge. The little butterfly is just as real or important as the pirate ship or a fighting squid. I just love tattooing, all styles.. There’s no greater job, really. Everyday there are different challenges and being acceptable and polite is a good thing.

Tell us about one of these challenging days tattooing… have you ever done a Tasmanian devil?

Oh yeah… in 95’ I had a gang banger who came in and wanted a Tasmanian devil in diapers, with a 45 and an uzi, and a tombstone behind it that said, “RIP Little Killer”, in memory of his two month old baby who died in a drive-by shooting. That was a dilemma for me… but I did it.

Who is your typical client?

People that get tattoos are from so many different walks of life. I’ve tattooed an 87 year old lady—she wanted a drunken monkey with a moonshine bottle hanging off the tail. But I tattoo everyone, from drudges of society to QFC clerks, doctors and lawyers. Every type of person gets tattoos.

What’s the best thing about tattoos, in your opinion?

Tattoos are self-empowering and it just makes you feel good about yourself. It fascinates and excites me, and makes me proud to be who I am and to do what I do.

And the Ugly:

2008's "Worst Tattoo Contest" winner. The 2009 winner was of a squirrel on a dude's inner thigh, with a caption that read, "Mmm, nuts". We couldn't post that one.