At the recent PaleyFest 2026 in Los Angeles, the attention of fashion critics and tattoo art enthusiasts was drawn not only to the outfits but also to body art. Lily Collins, the 37-year-old star of „Emily in Paris,“ appeared on the red carpet in a striking red velvet top that revealed her delicate rib tattoo. This appearance sparked a wave of comparisons with Zendaya’s recent showing, where she also displayed a fresh piece in the same area. However, if one looks at the chronology, it becomes clear: Collins doesn’t follow trends, she set them ten years ago.
Interest in rib tattoos reignited after Zendaya showed a miniature letter „T“ – a touching tribute to her partner Tom Holland. But Lily Collins proved that her „fairytale“ design has stood the test of time. The world first saw this piece at the Vanity Fair Oscar party back in 2016. A decade later, the design has faded slightly, which is quite natural for fine lines in this mobile anatomical area, but it has not lost its charm and symbolism.
Symbolism and Aesthetics: What the „Fairytale“ Tattoo Hides
Lily’s rib tattoo is done in a fine graphic style. It depicts a fairy (resembling Tinkerbell from „Peter Pan“) comfortably settled on a crescent moon. The mythical creature holds a dandelion in its hands, and nearby is the calligraphic inscription „fragile thing.“ In the context of modern tattoo culture, choosing such a design in the mid-2010s was a bold move. It represented a shift from rough tribals to delicate, almost watercolor-like detailing, which dominates the industry today.
From an expert’s perspective, the rib area is considered one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. The skin here is thin, and the proximity to the bones makes the artist’s work a real challenge for the client. Choosing this location emphasizes the intimate nature of the tattoo: it is hidden from view most of the time and is only displayed on exceptional occasions, becoming part of a carefully crafted image.
Lily Collins‘ Tattoo Collection
Lily has never aimed to cover her body with dense „sleeves,“ preferring precise, meaningful pieces. Currently, the actress has five tattoos, most of which have floral motifs – perhaps a tribute to her name (Lily). Here are the main elements of her collection:
| Placement | Description of the Design | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist | Delicate floral pattern | Femininity and connection to nature |
| Foot | Rose with a quote | Resilience and the ability to „bloom“ against all odds |
| Ribs | Fairy on a crescent moon | Fragility of the inner world and dreaminess |
| Back | Two separate pieces | Personal symbols, hidden from public view |
A special place in her heart is occupied by the rose tattoo on her foot. As the actress herself has admitted, the phrase „the nature of this flower is to bloom“ reflects her life philosophy. Lily notes that despite her outward fragility and petite size, which often mislead people, she possesses immense inner strength and resilience.
Evolution of Tattoo Trends: From 2016 to 2026
Comparing Collins‘ and Zendaya’s works, one can see how the approach to „celebrity“ tattoos has changed. If ten years ago, narrative illustrations with fantasy elements were in vogue, today micro-realism and extreme minimalism reign supreme. Zendaya’s tattoo is a barely noticeable stroke, while Lily’s piece is a full-fledged picture telling a story.
The fact that Collins‘ tattoo has slightly „blurred“ and lost its former sharpness over ten years opens up an important topic in tattoo culture – the aging of skin and pigment. For the professional community, such photos are the best argument for the fact that a tattoo lives with a person. It doesn’t have to look like a fresh print on a t-shirt forever; its transformation adds depth to the owner’s story.
Lily Collins at PaleyFest 2026 not only reminded us of her tattoo but also confirmed her status as a style icon who is not afraid to showcase the natural changes in her body and her views. In a world where trends change weekly, loyalty to a choice made a decade ago looks truly inspiring.