Kat Von D is renowned for her striking tattoos, which are as much a part of her identity as her makeup artistry and entrepreneurial spirit. For years, her left leg served as a canvas for a diverse collection of ink, a personal “yearbook” of sorts, featuring designs from friends and significant moments. However, in a recent move, Von D has been systematically covering these tattoos with solid black ink, sparking curiosity and discussion among fans and tattoo enthusiasts alike.
The “Yearbook Leg” Concept
Von D herself described her left leg as her “yearbook leg,” a unique space dedicated to tattoos not necessarily from professional artists, but rather as a collection of memories and personal connections. This leg became a tapestry of different styles and meanings, reflecting various chapters of her life and relationships.
Tattoos Covered in Black Ink
Among the diverse array of tattoos now concealed under a layer of black ink, several stood out due to their personal stories or unique origins:
David Letterman Caricature
Before making an appearance on David Letterman’s show, Kat Von D decided to get a caricature of the host tattooed on her leg as a surprise. This spontaneous and humorous tattoo showcased her playful personality and willingness to embrace unconventional ideas.
Skull Tattoo
Originally designed by Kore Flatmo, the skull tattoo was a piece Von D inked herself. As a tattoo artist, this was a significant piece for her, further emphasized by the challenging aspect of tattooing it upside down on her own leg, as she detailed in her book “High Voltage Tattoo.”
666
Adjacent to the skull, Von D had the number “666” tattooed. This wasn’t a solo decision; it was a matching tattoo she shared with Scott Ian of Anthrax, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, and other figures in the music scene, representing a bond and shared experience within that community.
Repiola
“Repiola,” an Argentinian slang term roughly translating to “really cool,” held a special place for Von D. In a heartwarming and unconventional moment, her mother tattooed this word onto her leg at a tattoo convention, in front of a live audience, highlighting its personal significance as her mother’s “fave word.”
Oliver Peck Portrait
At the top of her left thigh, Kat Von D had a portrait of Oliver Peck, her first husband. Their marriage, lasting from 2003 to 2006, marked a significant period in her life, and the tattoo served as a permanent reminder of that relationship, until its recent cover-up.
‘J’ Tattoo
Von D’s first foray into the world of tattoos was a thick letter ‘J’ near her ankle. This initial tattoo, acquired at the age of 14, was a tribute to her first boyfriend, a common rite of passage for many young people, and a starting point for her extensive tattoo journey.
Conclusion
Kat Von D’s decision to cover up her “yearbook leg” tattoos marks a new chapter in her evolving personal narrative. While the reasons behind this transformation remain personal, it highlights the dynamic nature of tattoos and their ability to reflect change and growth in one’s life. Even as she covers some, Kat Von D’s legacy within tattoo culture remains indelible, built upon her artistry, her iconic designs, and her fearless self-expression through ink.
