Tove Lo celebrated the release of her sophomore album Lady Wood by getting this tattoo on her arm on November 27, 2016, a month after the album’s October 28th release date. Tattoo artist Mark Lonsdale created a simple minimalist outline from Tove Lo’s new vagina logo, which was designed for this album cycle. The illustrated image shows the full vulva with labia surrounding the vaginal opening. The circle at the top and cross at the bottom together represent the female symbol ♀ while the circle on its own is a clitoris. This logo appears on the Lady Wood cover art in place of the letter “O”s in her name. She and her whole tour crew have matching vagina jackets.
Tove Lo wrote an essay for Teen Vogue where she explains that the female anatomy is nothing to be ashamed of:
To some people “showing off” the vagina in any way is seen as something shocking and scandalous. I don’t know if it’s their religious or cultural beliefs that make them think it’s something to be ashamed of, but I know for sure I don’t feel that way: You should be proud of your vagina — it’s a cool and positive part of you! Being open and free about the body and self-love (the way I am) can be provocative — but that doesn’t mean that it’s bad or dangerous.
My vagina tattoo reminds me not to make myself smaller, which is often what’s expected of women. To be loud is to be seen as being a troublemaker. As girls, we’re often not encouraged to speak up. I’m allowed to claim my space. The symbol, which is also on the cover of my album Lady Wood, is a reminder to go for the things that scare you but also give you a rush. People tell me all the time that I’m a chick with balls. It’s supposed to be a compliment, but really it’s insulting. Women don’t need balls to be brave. Our vaginas will do just fine.
The album title Lady Wood itself shows how female sexuality and female power in general is often viewed through a male perspective.
