Tattoos have moved from being airbrushed out of photos to becoming an essential part of the fashion conversation. It’s no longer unusual to see models proudly display their distinctive body art, and with women like Ruby Rose and Cara Delevingne almost as famous for their ink as their onscreen presence, tattoos do more than serve as self-expression. For models—and supermodels—a beautiful design is a calling card.
When it comes to tattoos, most models can be divided into two categories. There are the artfully inked stars like Catherine McNeil and Freja Beha Erichsen, whose ever-growing collections of body art turn their skin into walking canvases. With bold tattoos from head to toe, they fearlessly embrace tattooing as a way of life. Then, there are the beauties with artwork that is carefully concealed. With teensy, personal tattoos hidden in plain sight, their designs are discreet (who knew Gisele Bündchen was even inked?) but no less inspiring.
Whether they go big with a spray of flowers across the shoulder à la Tasha Tilberg or keep things understated with a hidden Kendall Jenner–style lip tat, each tattoo holds a special meaning for its owner. Song lyrics, art history references, and even marriage proposals are symbolized in the eye-catching designs. Here, a look back at 20 of the very best in model tattoos—and the stories behind each work of art.