Amy Winehouse Tattoos
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If Amy Winehouse was a drink, she probably would be a classic 50's martini with a shot of absinthe. Her fashion style was a hip mix of goth, punk, and soul, and the finishing touch was all the old school tattoos.
Most of Amy's tattoos reflect an era before tattoos were mainstream and considered an art form.
Before tattoo parlors were trendy and had their own reality TV shows, they were just places in back alleys were sailors got anchors tattooed to their arm. These old school tattoos didn't have a lot of vibrant colors or intricate designs, they were basic and to the point; a tribute to mom, a declaration of love, or a badge that said "I belong" to something.
Amy's tattoos, along with her iconic beehive hairdo, pay homage to this classic time. In this article, I will focus mostly on the tattoos (14 of them), because the complexity of Amy Winehouse's hair runs too deep.
Betty Boop
Amy Winehouse's first tattoo was this Betty Boop on her lower back. She got it when she was 15: young, carefree and cheeky (her own words). In an interview with the Sun in 2004, she explains that it's not a permanent tattoo and that she was going to have it removed.
Eagle & Ankh Cross
At the top of her back, Amy had a big ankh cross tattoo combined with an eagle and the American flag. In Egyptian mythology, the ankh cross symbolizes immortality.
She got the ankh because her dad and nan have always been fascinated by Egyptian spirituality. The flag is because her mother was born in Brooklyn, NY.
Horseshoe & "Daddy's Girl"
This design was located on Amy's upper left arm. The font was a fancy, whimsical cursive; all the letters were embellished with extra loops and ends.
The horseshoe itself was about 3" to 4" tall and wide, with a red center and blue outline. Obviously, it was stating that Amy was Daddy's Girl, but with the horseshoe included, it also can mean that either she was her father's good luck charm, or he was hers.
Pin Up Girl
Further down Amy's left arm was a bare-chested lady, posing seductively with both arms behind her mane of perfectly tussled hair.
The ink girl didn't seem to have any hang ups with herself; she's definitely proud to show off what she has been blessed with. So, what does this reveal about Amy? Well, Amy never seemed to be shy about her body, so maybe this girl represented that aspect of her personality.
Anchor & "Hello Sailor"
This typical old-school anchor tattoo was inked to the right of her bellybutton. Again, another colorless tattoo, but that's the vintage style that Amy seemed to prefer. The font was cursive, but not as flashy as the "Daddy's Girl" font.
Pin Up Girls with Hearts and "Cynthia"
On Amy's right arm, there were several different tattoos, but they seemed to be together as one theme. Two pinup girls, one was standing with medium length black hair, wearing a red, low cut blouse, black short shorts, and red pumps. Her hands were resting on her hips, and she has a pouty look on her face.
The other pinup girl was sitting down beside the first, half-naked and holding a huge Oriental fan that covers up the rest of her nakedness. In between the two girls, the name "Cynthia "was written in basic cursive.
A few red hearts were thrown in above the two girls. Pinup girls were all the rage back in the 50's, so it was common for men to get them tattooed. Again, Amy seemed to be honoring that style with these tattoos. However, the "Cynthia" element is more personal, probably a tribute to Amy's grandmother Cynthia, who died in 2006.
James Bond 007
Under the pin up girls, Amy has a gun with the number 007, referring to James Bond.
Bird & "Never Clip My Wings"
I have to say this tattoo is my personal favorite. It's definitely more complex in design than the other tattoos, therefore, not truly "old school". Her little birdy was perched on a tree branch located on her inside right arm. The tree was sprouting tiny leaves and spring time blooms. Two music notes and the bird's open mouth indicate that the bird is, indeed, singing. I believe this tattoo truly expresses the enigmatic nature of Amy's soul.
Lightning bolt
Located to the lower left of the bird, is a black lightning bolt, about 2"or 3" high. She got this tattoo because a lightning bolt is a rare natural phenomenon, just like her (her own words).
Single feather
On Amy's left inside arm was inked a solitary, colorless feather. The barbs of the feather were severely damaged and disheveled. This feather had been through a lot, maybe a portrait of Amy's chaotic life. For Amy, the feather symbolised courage and bravery.
Buttoned Pocket & "Blake's"
Back to the "old school" style, this tattoo is obviously an affirmation of love for Amy's ex-husband, Blake. Aptly placed above her left breast (close to her heart), the word "Blake's" is written in simple cursive above a drawing of a buttoned pocket.
Ace of Hearts
On her ring finger, Amy had a small ace of hearts tattoo.
Dove
The last tattoo Amy got before she died was this dove on the left side of her neck.
Amy Winehouse's singing made her famous, but her wicked twisting of style made her an icon. Her tattoos played a major role in that infamous look, and will always be remembered as part of her wonderfully unique persona.
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