Posted by Mansi

A friend recently commented that I’m the last person he imagined would jump onto the “tattoo bandwagon”, and I could see where he’s coming from: I’m essentially sceptical of things that are permanent, because I can’t imagine how they’ll remain relevant in lives that are changing as rapidly as the ones we inhabit today.

I am, therefore, the least likely candidate for a tattoo. Yet I have not one but two, and am well on my way to acquiring a third.

For me, a tattoo represents a state of mind, a place in time, a perspective on life that deserves to be preserved. I got my sailboat during my second year in Mumbai, when I was beginning to feel stagnant and wanted to remind myself of the many journeys to come, as well as celebrate the fact that I was after many years back at home, in a safe, unsinkable place.

Would I still want a boat riding the nape of my neck when I turn 50? Probably not. But hopefully I’ll still want to remember the 27 year old who felt profoundly enough about something to have it etched into her skin forever. And here's the other thing - getting one hurts a lot less you would imagine. Really, I found it less traumatic than having my eyebrows done (Thank you Sameer Patankar at Krayons, Bandra).

Plus , tattoos can be super attractive (when they’re not a complete disaster). Case in point: Frances Bean, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love’s 18 year old daughter, who was recently photographed by the amazing Hedi Slimane.

Take a look. If these pictures can’t convince you to get one, nothing will.