Where Tattoos Meet High Fashion: Founder Kayhan Kiani answers questions behind his luxury tattoo empire INK'D London
As the founder of INK'D London, Kayhan Kiani has transformed the perception of body art, bringing a luxury experience to clients seeking high-quality tattoos and piercings.
His journey from refugee to entrepreneur displays his resilience and determination to succeed against all odds.
From London to new markets like Dubai, Kiani is on a mission to redefine the tattoo experience globally. In his interview with GQ, Kiani shares insights into his story, the story behind INK'D London, and his ambitious plans for the future.
GQ: Mr. Kayhan Kiani, you were a refugee when you first came to London. Can you please describe this time in your life and how it shaped your dream?
Kayhan Kiani: Coming to the U.K. at the age of seven, unable to speak the language, and feeling isolated from my peers was deeply challenging. Fashion and art became my escape, a way to dream beyond my circumstances.
I have always believed that where you come from fuels your ambition—it gives you the drive to create something meaningful. INK’D London was born from that desire: a brand rooted in individuality, self-expression, and a commitment to leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world.
GQ: What inspired you to enter the tattoo industry, and how did you identify the need for a luxury tattoo experience?
Kayhan Kiani: Tattoos are deeply personal—they are stories etched onto the skin. Yet, when I started getting tattoos at 16, I could not find a space that treated this art form with the sophistication it deserved.
Imagine walking into a Louis Vuitton boutique or a Dior atelier. You feel welcomed, understood, and surrounded by luxury. That is exactly what I wanted to replicate in the tattoo world.
INK’D London was born to bridge the gap, offering clinical cleanliness, top-tier artists, and a luxurious, bespoke environment.
In 2018, I opened our Fulham studio with that vision, and today we are proud to be a leading name in the industry.
GQ: How does INK’D London differentiate itself from other tattoo studios, particularly in terms of customer experience and service quality?
Kayhan Kiani: INK’D London is not just a tattoo studio—it is a luxury experience.
From AI-powered design tools that let clients visualize their art in advance to a concierge-level service that ensures every detail is perfect, we have revolutionized how tattoos are done.
Our studio feels more like a high-end gallery or boutique, where our clients would feel special. More than getting a tattoo; it is a world where body art meets high fashion.
GQ: What are some of the core values that guide your business practices at INK’D London? How do these values reflect in your work with clients?
Kayhan Kiani: We believe tattoos are an extension of personal style, no different from wearing a Gucci suit or carrying a Dior bag. Our mission is to help clients express themselves with art they will cherish for life.
At INK’D London, we combine craftsmanship with care. Like haute couture, our tattoos are custom-made, celebrating individuality while delivering the ultimate luxury experience.
GQ: Can you elaborate on the significance of hygiene and professionalism in your studio? How do you ensure these standards are met consistently?
Kayhan Kiani: Hygiene is non-negotiable—it is the foundation of trust in our industry. Our team at INK’D London follows strict protocols, and we partner with the finest cleaning services to ensure the studio is spotless.
Clients step into a space that feels pristine and polished, much like entering a designer showroom where every detail matters.
GQ: What role do you believe tattoos play in personal expression and culture, especially in regions where they may not be widely accepted?
Kayhan Kiani: Tattoos are the ultimate luxury in self-expression. Just as a Dior dress or a Louis Vuitton bag communicates something about its wearer, tattoos tell a story.
Over the years, body art has moved from being a niche subculture to becoming a fashion statement embraced by everyone, from CEOs to celebrities. INK’D London treats body art with the same reverence as high fashion.
GQ: How do you envision the future of body art in markets, such as Dubai, that have traditionally been resistant to tattoos? What changes do you hope to see?
Kayhan Kiani: Dubai is a hub for luxury and cultural fusion—the perfect place for INK’D to expand. Tattoos are gaining acceptance globally as a form of art and self-expression, much like the evolution of streetwear in high fashion.
I see a future where tattoos in Dubai are celebrated alongside the city’s designer boutiques and galleries. INK’D Dubai will set the standard, offering the same luxury and professionalism we’ve established in London.
GQ: Aside from expanding to Dubai in 2025, what are your other long-term goals for INK’D London? How do you plan to continue evolving the brand?
Kayhan Kiani: We are always pushing boundaries. This year, we are launching innovative AI tools that allow clients to design and customize tattoos interactively, turning the process into an engaging experience.
We are also developing a line of luxury tattoo aftercare products that blend functionality with elegance, akin to skincare brands like La Mer or Tom Ford.
GQ: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who may be experiencing the same challenges as you were but are also aiming to build their own businesses?
Kayhan Kiani: Fashion teaches us to turn challenges into statements. Think of setbacks as the raw material for your design. Stay inspired by the luxury around you, but always add your personal twist.
GQ: What was the greatest lesson you learned in your journey toward where you are today?
Kayhan Kiani: Trends are everything. In fashion and business, timing and adaptability are key.
If I could go back ten years, I would remind myself to stay ahead of the curve, whether it is in technology, art, or global opportunities. The greatest lesson? Never be afraid to make bold, calculated risks. It is what sets apart the ordinary from the iconic.
Kayhan Kiani's journey with INK'D London is about resilience and innovation in the luxury tattoo industry. Through INK’D London, Kiani has shifted the perception of tattoos, elevating them from mere body art to sophisticated forms of self-expression.
INK'D London's success showcases the evolving cultural attitudes toward tattoos and highlights the potential in high-end markets, including unexpected territories like Dubai.