Chanel channels tattoos: Stylish ways to decorate yourself through the decades

Tattoos have existed thousands of years, dating back to the Inca civilizations when one would use ink under the skin as a method of healing the body or warding off demons. Today this art has evolved to be more decorative than protective, but certain markings still denote clans and tribes, from Asian sub cultures to soldier's sleeves.

Different tattoos can mark someone as part of an era, and it's interesting to look at what symbols evoke in popular culture. Chanel is joining the fray by creating temporary tattoos, which will be available from March in boutiques. They've chosen to create a design which is ultra feminine with a delicate floral and bead design. Their £49 tattoo transfer is destined to be a sell out, but what other tattoos have existed that have marked certain stages in human culture?

A tattoo artist friend of mine was remarking on the current craze of star tattoos being so 'noughties' and that got me thinking about the tattoos that have become icons of the decade, and what they mean to people. The Chanel fake tattoo seems destined to be the hit of 2010, so I'll take you back through the last twenty years and see what was popular the

The noughties: Stars

Whether its sprinklings, starbursts or a lone star, this tattoo is forever going to be associated with the early 21st century. Loved by Lily Allen and the Primrose Hill set!

The defining moment: The girl who had 56 stars tattooed on her face, and accused her artist of doing it whilst she was asleep because she didn't want to tell her parents!

The late Nineties: The Asian symbol

It seemed everyone was returning from pilgrimages to the East, and were inscribing interesting looking Chinese and Japanese symbols all over their body. They were symbols of 'self discovery' and epitomized 'one finding ones-self'.

Defining moment: When an 18 year old boy unwittingly had 'Ugly Boy' tattooed on his arm by an artist with a mean sense of humour.

The eighties: Barbed Wire tattoo

The barbed wire seemed to reflect the harsh reality of life, and looked so defiant and dramatic against the pale flesh of the arm. This tattoo screamed non-conformist and rebel, whilst the amount who chose to have it, meant that it was actually fairly mainstream.

Defining Moment: Pamela Anderson got this tattoo- and starred in a film of the same title.

What other tattoos meant something to you, and what do you feel should be included in this list?

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