Angelina Jolie, a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty and impactful humanitarian work, has once again captured the spotlight, this time revealing a fresh piece of ink that’s as meaningful as it is stylish. The actress, producer, and activist debuted a delicate yet powerful “Stay Gold” tattoo on her wrist at the opening night of The Outsiders on Broadway, a production she’s passionately backing. This new addition to her extensive collection of body art sparked immediate curiosity, and for good reason.
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The phrase “Stay Gold” isn’t just a random selection; it’s deeply embedded in literary and cinematic history. As Allure aptly pointed out, these two simple words carry immense weight, originating from S.E. Hinton’s classic novel The Outsiders. The novel, adapted into a renowned 1983 film by Francis Ford Coppola and now a Broadway musical, uses “Stay Gold” as a poignant symbol of youthful innocence, resilience, and the preciousness of good in a harsh world. For fans of The Outsiders, and now for tattoo enthusiasts, “Stay Gold” resonates as a powerful mantra.
The Significance of “Stay Gold” in Tattoo Culture and The Outsiders
The phrase “Stay Gold” gains its profound meaning from a pivotal scene in The Outsiders. The character Johnny Cade, in his dying words, tells Ponyboy to “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.” This line encapsulates the core theme of the story: preserving your inner goodness and optimism despite facing adversity and the inevitable loss of innocence. It’s a message that has resonated with generations, making it a popular choice for tattoos for those seeking a reminder of hope and perseverance.
In tattoo culture, literary quotes have always held a special place, offering a way to carry meaningful words and philosophies on your skin. A “Stay Gold Tattoo” transcends a simple quote; it becomes a personal emblem of inner strength and a commitment to maintaining a positive outlook. The beauty of this tattoo lies in its simplicity and universality – it’s a message that speaks to people from all walks of life.
Angelina Jolie’s “Stay Gold” Tattoo and the Broadway Production
Angelina Jolie’s connection to “Stay Gold” runs deeper than just appreciating a literary phrase. She is producing The Outsiders Broadway musical, bringing this timeless story to a new audience. Her daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, is also involved in the production, working alongside her mother as a producer’s assistant. This family affair adds another layer of personal significance to the “Stay Gold” tattoo for Jolie.
During the opening night event, Jolie shared with PEOPLE how dedicated Vivienne is to the production, highlighting her daughter’s serious approach and attention to detail. This collaboration on The Outsiders likely solidified the “Stay Gold” message for Jolie, making it a symbol of their shared project and the enduring themes of the story.
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A “Stay Gold” Tattoo Trend Among The Outsiders Creative Team
It turns out Angelina Jolie isn’t the only one embracing the “Stay Gold” ethos through ink. Justin Levine, a key creative force behind The Outsiders musical as the co-book writer and score creator, also got a matching “Stay Gold” tattoo. He shared his new ink on Instagram, tagging the renowned tattoo artist Mark Mahoney, known for his single-needle black and grey style and founder of the iconic Shamrock Social Club.
Mahoney, a friend of Jolie’s, was invited to her Atelier Jolie to tattoo not just Jolie and Levine, but also other members of the creative team, including director Danya Taymor. This collective tattoo experience highlights the sense of camaraderie and shared passion amongst the team working on The Outsiders. The “Stay Gold” tattoos serve as a permanent reminder of their collaborative journey and the powerful message they are bringing to the stage.
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“Stay Gold” Style: Jolie’s Golden Dress and Thematic Consistency
Angelina Jolie’s commitment to the “Stay Gold” theme extended beyond her tattoo. For the opening night, she wore a stunning golden Chloé x Atelier Jolie dress, complemented by a vintage rust-colored cape and mixed metal earrings. This stylistic choice further emphasized the “gold” concept, showcasing a cohesive and thoughtful approach to the event.
Atelier Jolie also contributed to the outfits of some The Outsiders cast members, focusing on sustainable fashion by utilizing vintage materials and deadstock. This commitment to ethical practices aligns with the underlying message of The Outsiders, adding another layer of depth to the “Stay Gold” theme.
Angelina Jolie’s “Stay Gold” tattoo is more than just celebrity ink; it’s a symbol of personal connection to a powerful message, a tribute to a collaborative project, and a stylish embodiment of a timeless literary theme. For those inspired by the sentiment of “staying gold,” this tattoo serves as a beautiful reminder to hold onto your inner light and resilience, no matter what challenges you face.
