Sailor Roman

His name is Romain Foucher; but in Paris, he's known as Sailor Roman. A quick glance at his designs reveals why. Growing up by France's northwestern coast, Foucher developed a special affinity for the sea that eventually translated into a passion for sailing. When he stumbled into tattooing almost by accident – only a chance encounter with the Californian tattoo artist Sunny Buick convinced him to try his hand at it – nautical designs were an obvious choice of specialisation. As per tattooist tradition, Buick chose her disciple's pen name, giving him the sobriquet by which he's known today.

In the comforts of his boutique in the 11th, Foucher paints the skins of the Navy Seals and ship captains who flock to him in droves. Yet his client base is by no means confined to seafarers. 'I'm interested in using my style of drawing to express what the customers want to say about themselves,' he tells us. 'I tattoo sailors, but I'm also a traveller – and travellers aren't restricted to ships.' Having only set up shop in 2011, Foucher may be fresh off the boat; yet his uniquely romantic style has already made his name on the scene.