At the recent PaleyFest 2026 in Los Angeles, the attention of fashion critics and tattoo art enthusiasts was drawn not only to 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 to Zendaya’s recent outing, where she also showcased a new piece in the same area. However, if one looks at the chronology, it becomes clear: Collins isn’t following trends, she set them ten years ago.
Interest in rib tattoos surged anew after Zendaya revealed 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 work 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 hasn’t lost its charm or symbolism.
Symbolism and Aesthetics: What the “Fairytale” Tattoo Conceals
Lily’s rib tattoo is done in a fine graphic style. It depicts a fairy (resembling Tinkerbell from “Peter Pan”) comfortably perched 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 that 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 ordeal 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 nod to her name (Lily). Here are the main elements of her collection:
| Placement | Description of 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 appearance, which often misleads people, she possesses immense inner strength and resilience.
Evolution of Tattoo Trends: From 2016 to 2026
Comparing the works of Collins and Zendaya, 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 touch, while Lily’s work is a complete picture that tells 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 photographs 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 views. In a world where trends change weekly, loyalty to a choice made a decade ago is truly inspiring.