MEET THE TATTOO COLLECTION

MEET THE TATTOO COLLECTION

Tattoos are special. They are the words, pictures, ideas that we love. Like really, really love so much that we chose to cut them into our skin with indelible ink.

This season, we were super happy to work with local Seattle tattoo artist Sara Purr, on some specific Oiselle and running-inspired designs. We love Sara's vintage tattoo vibe and knew her style would lend itself to words and art we love.

WOMEN RUNNERS, WE GOT YOU SOMETHING. This “No Cat Calls” tattoo design is so good, many of us are considering getting inked with the real deal. Personally, I thought I might put it on the back of my neck, under the hair line, so when I’m running with a pony tail, I can get my ink out.

We also loved having Sara extend her style to the classic Head Up, Wings Out, as well as a Not Yours design.


We’re also continuing our partnership with TIME’S UP in support of their mission: INSISTING ON SAFE, FAIR, AND DIGNIFIED WORK FOR WOMEN OF ALL KINDS. Here, Sara created a new version of the iconic Rosie arm flex, with a TIME’S UP tattoo of her own. As with all of our TIME’S UP styles, 20% of proceeds are donated directly to TIME’S UP to support their continuing work, including prosecutions like that of Harvey Weinstein, where he was recently found guilty and sentenced to 23-years in prison for decades of sexual assault. Woman up, indeed!

Even “mistake tattoos” can be positive reminders of our humanity.

 

"I have a tramp stamp, and I'm on the cover of Vogue." - Amy Schumer

Even “mistake tattoos” can be positive reminders of our humanity. I loved Amy Schumer’s take in her memoir, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo: “I have a tramp stamp, and I’m on the cover of Vogue. Fuck yes, I regret getting this ugly tattoo that I thought signified toughness when it really just symbolized how lost and powerless, I was when I was an eighteen-year-old girl. But I forgive that girl. I pity that girl, and I love that girl. Ironically, the tattoo represents the opposite for me today. It reminds me that it’s important to let yourself be vulnerable, to lose control and make a mistake. It reminds me that, as Whitman would say, I contain multitudes and I always will. Beautiful, ugly, funny, boring, smart or not, my vulnerability is my ultimate strength."

Do you have ink? Do you have a story? We’re doing a call out to all the athletes out there who want to share what moves them, and what it means. Share on social with the hashtag #AthleteInk, and as always, HEAD UP, WINGS OUT!

No Catcalls! stickers will be included in all web orders while supplies last.

— Sally Bergesen
Tagged: style
Older articles Back to Oiselle Blog Newer articles

Comments

I LOVE this! I’m an inked runer who gets looks at a lot of events because of my ink. And not the positive kind. Runners are not “one size/look/shape fits all” and this story is another example of this. In addition, I admire how the artist has worked traditional tattoo elements into progressive, feminist themes. Bravo!

— Rachel Cleary

I love your MOJO Black and White Ink because it is a style and status symbol.

— Tony Geinzer

MORE STORIES

Core Routine For Runners: The Dozen

Core Routine For Runners: The Dozen

I was introduced to the "The Dozen" in the winter of 2012 by my favorite Oregon running family. I love this set of core exercises for its efficient targeting of core muscle groups, and because no gym equipment is required! You can do this on a grass field, in your hotel room, or really anywhere you can lay on a flat surface.
Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird

Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird

This past August, we launched our Year of the Underbird program: an open application for aspiring Olympic Trials marathoners, with a promise to select 5 women for a 6 month contract encompassing a stipend, gear, storytelling, and community support. As we reach the end of our flight with our selected athletes, we invited each of them to share a few reflections on their past 6 months as teammates.
Black History Month: Celebrating Our Athletes

Black History Month: Celebrating Our Athletes

We are honored to support five exceptional Black women athletes challenging norms in the running industry: athletes, advocates, and powerful voices in the sport. We invited each of them to reflect on their journeys through sport: how their identity has affected their development, and how they hope to impact the rising generation of athletes. Hear from Madie Boreman, Kendra Coleman, Brenna Detra, Carmen Pelar Graves, and Ari Hendrix-Roach.