History is Made at Ravenna’s First Ever Fashion Tattoo Show

Ravenna – Why did the Flamingo cross the road? To show off her tattoos of course! That is exactly what Julie Semock, Master Piercer for War Horse Ink, did to display what she calls her “artwork collection” during Saturday’s Fashion Tattoo Show on N. Chestnut St in Ravenna. On her back on is a flamingo with ballet Pointe shoes representative of her sister (Jenny). Julie has other tattoos for various members of her family such as Pink Floyd album covers because it is the music she grew up listening to with her Dad. “This way I can have them with me all the time,” Julie explained of her various tattoos which do include other pieces of artwork meaningful to who she is as a creative person.

This is just one of the examples exhibited by both male and female models who walked in the fashion show. Unique artwork with an individualized touch was evident everywhere you looked. It was like walking into a museum of skin art! A sunny day had 100s of people gathered for the ‘Going Wild Block Party.’ And Oh man it was a wild time! 

Chestnut street served as the runway for the models to walk down, lined with rows of chairs. All of which had complementary reusable bags on them with promotional items inside free for the taking. A large black area rug with Rock-style guitars on it was donated as a raffle prize by D&L Carpet along with a $50.00 gift certificate for Delciello Ristorante and Lounge.

Several of the models were dressed by Sommer Shaw owner of the Roots and Wings Boutique. She chose clothing which complemented the location of tattoos on the model’s body while highlighting her stylish wardrobe. 

Shaw’s Facebook page states her boutique is “…on a mission to help all women draw confidence from their roots and give them wind under their wings to fly!” From the positive vibes coming from the models wearing Shaw’s pieces it seemed they Exceeded a confident attitude. Some twirled their hair, spun in circles, performed tricks or did as Madonna recommends and just “Vogued” as they went down the runway. 

Julie Semock wore a black romper with leopard print booties. Her hair, styled by Heather from Salon Next was lined with wire to transform her dreadlocks in what she described as an “earthy” to represent her free-spirit. Josie Cottom had on a cami top that showed her shoulder tattoos while her black hair was styled in extremely long pig-tails, inspired by outer-space, and portioned off in rounded sections with multi-colored zip ties. 

Shaw, who wore an eye-popping snakeskin skirt with a black Johnny Cash t-shirt, expressed her hopes that it becomes an annual presentation. “There was great exposure for her boutique and networking with other businesses,” she said.

The models had enthusiasm for the runway with smiles all around as the skin art culture was being proudly demonstrated. Many of the male models wore black WHI logo tanks and some had man-bun hairdos. Shaun Adams had tons of fun going down the runway as he ripped off his top to reveal his chest and back tattoos some of which he did himself. 

War Horse Ink was a primary business involved in the of the promotion and development of the event. General Manager, Samantha Coster, not only helped organize the show but was also a model. She rocked a Mohawk hairstyle to display writing on her scalp along with neon pink iridescent high heel platform boots. She was a sight to behold! Coster later was helping to put on temporary tattoos in the children’s booth. (And she may have gotten her hands on a certain writer who shall remain nameless. It’s me in case you haven’t guessed!)

Clint Marsh, owner of WHI, was happy with the turn out since it was the first event of its kind and assembled practically overnight. “First and foremost, we did this to help support local business and we want to liven up Ravenna,” he said with pride in his voice at everything that had been accomplished in such a short amount of time. 

Brittnay Nutter and her mother Sherrie Natcher came out to support the show by setting up a table for Brittnay’s Bargains. She gave out sample bags of Avon Products sold in her store and coupons good for 10% off. These savvy business ladies already have ideas for next year they think more businesses should get involved along with area artists and possibly massage chairs. 

Nutter commented the music was upbeat and an excellent addition for the enjoyment of the audience. Fallon Schwab-Davis, DJ of We Play It Right, was the voice of the event who played all the groovy tunes.    

Shannon Hrdlicka, a client of WHI and model, said she had been nervous, but enjoyed being the center of attention. The fox and rose tattoo created on her leg is to commemorate her mother (Dawn) who passed very young. Shannon wore a black blouse and her space-bun hair style was crafted by Tina Reynolds, owner of Salon Next. 

To know us is to love us! One could say of Ravenna as it grows and changes with surprising events spontaneously happening. Salons, a clothing boutique, tattoo artists and restaurants joined together an effort to host a new and interesting program. It seems the goal was accomplished.

Shirts commemorating the event are $20 and can be purchased at the Area Chamber of Commerce while supplies last. Proceeds go to funding Chestnut Street as a future art district.  

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