The proposed product. Image: © T Junction LtdThe proposed product. Image: © T Junction Ltd

A Malta-based entrepreneur is hoping to find up to two local tattoo artists to create designs for innovative underwear and swimwear that will be launched internationally within a year.

The clothing will feature designs printed on a transparent fabric triangle on the back of a normal G-string, which will look like a tattoo on bare skin.

Terry Bird, whose family were involved with textiles in Malta in the 1980s and 1990s, said the designs were ideal for women who wanted a back tattoo but were put off by its permanence.

“Our research shows that 43 per cent of women think tattoos are sexy and 15 per cent find them trendy – some are scared of being committed to one tattoo for life. Although tattoos can be removed, it is certainly not easy,” he said.

“Tattoo2Inspire will offer them the possibility of having a tattoo design visible on their lower back: the most popular place for a tattoo on a woman.”

The Englishman has spent decades working with textiles in Asia and recently put together a consortium of specialists ranging from design and retail to his own speciality: supply chains.

The potential success of the “tattoo string” rests on the fabric, which is seamless and clear.

The market is huge, he said, especially in Brazil and eastern European countries, where G-strings are most common.

“We are talking to major brands at the moment, offering them a concept based on high-end packaging, with price tags that compare very favourably with other underwear and bikinis on the market. We are targeting sales of five million and 2.3 million pieces annually,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the production cannot be done in Malta for technical and economical reasons.

“We want original tattoo designs – we will be having one limited edition design and two new designs every season, apart from the brand signature design.

“Additionally each season there will also be an original tattoo design chosen from a global consumer campaign, created by a member of the public.

“This will make a line-up of five tattoo designs per season.

“Because of my ties with Malta, I am hoping to get a maximum of two local artists to come up with original designs.

“There are some excellent tattoo artists in Malta and Gozo and I have already identified two possible ones,” he said.

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