Madrid

Step into the captivating world of Classic American Tattooing in Madrid, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene. Madrid's rich tapestry of art and culture extends to its tattoo studios, many of which are recognised for their expertise in the time-honoured tradition of Classic American Tattoos.
Classic American Tattoos, also known as traditional or "old school" tattoos, hold a significant place in the annals of tattoo history. Known for their bold black outlines, limited yet striking colour palette, and iconic imagery such as anchors, skulls, roses, and swallows, this style was brought into prominence by revered tattoo artists like Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins. Despite the rise of numerous tattoo styles, Classic American Tattoos continue to remain a preferred choice for many.
In Madrid, this tradition of Classic American Tattooing is not only preserved but also creatively reimagined. From the bustling streets of Malasaña to the vibrant corners of Lavapiés, Madrid's tattoo scene embodies the city's dynamic and diverse spirit.
Whether you're a seasoned tattoo collector or just beginning your journey into the world of ink, Madrid's tattoo studios provide a platform where art, storytelling, and personal expression come together. The city's skilled artists continue to innovate within the framework of Classic American Tattoos, lending their unique flair while staying true to the style's rich heritage.
Across the city of Madrid, these studios stand as testament to the lasting appeal of Classic American Tattoos. Here, tradition meets innovation, as elements of the past are skilfully intertwined with contemporary creativity. In Madrid, the art of tattooing continues to thrive, with each Classic American design underscoring the enduring legacy of this distinctive art form.
- La Mujer Barbuda: Known for their variety and versatility, this place is a solid choice for American traditional tattoos.
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Moro Tattoo: This studio is popular for their classic American traditional tattoo designs.
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V Tattoo: This shop, renowned for their traditional American tattoos, offers a unique experience with their highly talented artists.
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Kike Bugni Tattoos: This studio stands out in Madrid for its work in American traditional tattoos.
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The Inker Tattoo Shop: With a mix of styles available, their take on American traditional tattoos is something to look out for.

Swallows & Daggers

The Early Days
Swallows and Daggers started life as a digital labour of love with the original blog documenting and dissecting classic american tattooing. From these small viral roots grew a community of like minded misfits, shaping and influencing the evolution of the brand. We garnered a global audience – through vast and varied daily content, the s&d website became a reference point for artists, brands and tattoo aficionados alike. In the process we broke down tattoo culture for anyone who had respect for the craft but not the access to the knowledge. Soon, a physical zine evolved out of the website, followed by a series of collaborative t-shirts with artists Simon erl and matty d’arienzo.

The Glory Days
Since the 2000's swallows and daggers has offered a fashion collection riffing off our obsession with tattoo culture, taking inspiration from artistry of the skin onto the cloth. Alongside our mainline collection, we’ve facilitated small, exclusive drops with some of the most exciting names in the industry. From Ross Hell to Ashley Love and most recently jack the grim. We have always intended to create a product that provokes and amuses offering a slice of off-beat original style.

The Reset
2020 has been a hard year for all. We’re not going to pretend that as a small business the events of this year have passed us by. We’ve taken the time to pause, reflect and reset. All our clothes are now created from certified organic cotton with each piece cut, sewn and printed in association with our longstanding well trusted factory in Turkey. If you have any questions about our process, then please ask. We are committed to complete transparency over our process, from cotton field to your back. At Swallows and Daggers we represent the freaks, the geeks, the weirdos, the misfits, the drop outs and the ne-er do wells. The misunderstood, the misanthropic, the dreamers, the artists, the scarred, the brave and the unique. S&D has always been a labour of love, we’ve never lost that spirit. We’re going to keep evolving and hopefully bring you all along for the ride.