The 20 Best Model Tattoos Ever

By Janelle Okwodu,  VoGUE

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.

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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.

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Eve Salvail 

As fashion’s girl with the dragon tattoo, Eve Salvail turned heads throughout the ’90s thanks in large part to the unforgettable ink—on her head. Making the decision at 18 to shave her head and get marked while traveling through Japan, Salvail was spotted by designer Jean Paul Gaultier who elevated her to It-girl status almost immediately.

Carolyn Murphy

All-American beauty Carolyn Murphy may look stately in ads for Estée Lauder, but her koi fish tattoo hints at a wilder side. On display here in a photo by Craig McDean, it’s one of the largest and most intricate designs on any model. 

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Freja Beha Erichsen 

Though Danish star Freja Beha Erichsen has several notable tattoos—including a gun on her arm and the word “redemption” on her left forearm—her most memorable is “float” written in cursive along the left side of her neck. 

Catherine McNeil 

Having been described as a “tattoo addict,” Catherine McNeil has transformed her body with over a hundred works of art. One of the largest, the rose tattoo that covers a side of her torso, has been immortalized in countless ads and magazine covers around the globe. 

Photo: Shawn Brackbill

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Daria Werbowy 

An avid sailor known for spending months at a time at sea, Daria Werbowy’s abstract wave tattoo pays tribute to her love of the open water.

Jourdan Dunn

As a mom, model, and businesswoman, Jourdan Dunn chose to put the symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis on her upper back, as she too is a deity of sorts representing motherhood, spirituality, and protection.

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Cara Delevingne

Created by Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, the man behind Rihanna’s Egyptian-influenced ink, Cara Delevingne’s lion tattoo has inspired countless imitators. The supermodel initially only wanted the word “Lion,” but Bang Bang convinced Delevingne that an image would be even badder.

Isabeli Fontana

Isabeli Fontana’s loving tribute to her first child, the gothic-scripted “Zion” tattoo with angel wings surrounding it, is undeniably cool.

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Slick Woods 

Slick Woods’s in-your-face personality has made her a modeling sensation, and her body art only furthers her appeal. And with a mini machine gun at the center of her chest, she keeps things cheeky.

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Erin Wasson 

It seems fitting that fashion’s ultimate rock chick would have song lyrics tattooed somewhere on her body. Erin Wasson’s choice of “This heart will start a riot in me” on her right arm comes from Paramore’s “That’s What You Get” off their 2007 album, Riot!

Omahyra Mota

With insects, roman numerals, and other symbols covering her body, Omahyra Mota has plenty of body art to chose from—but the “Dios altisimo” on her arm is especially memorable.

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Gisele Bündchen 

With a teensy star inked onto her wrist, Gisele Bündchen joins the ranks of tattooed models. And why shouldn’t she? Keeping the celestial theme going, the supermodel also has a moon tatted on her ankle.