Despite the best efforts of a few weaponized criminals in the Gulf of Aden and an ill-informed branding campaign by the recording industry, this collection of pirate inspirations is proof that pirate-themed innovations remain popular, lucrative and affectionately embraced across the broad spectrum of our pop-culture zeitgeist.
From bejeweled eye patches to buccaneer-esque advertising, pirate inspirations such as these show how our culture's continuing affinity for roguish sailors living flamboyantly above the law remains a major driving force in business, art and fashion.
Whether there is something innately attractive within the archetype of idealized piracy or if it's just because of the popular Disney movie franchise, pirate inspirations like these undeniably demonstrate how businesses and artists around the world are able to capture our imagination by delving into the wonderful world of a mischievously captivating genre.
60 Pirate Inspirations
60
Swashbuckling Bedrooms
Steve Kuhl Has Built the Most Incredible Pirate Ship Room
59
Pirate Beauty Paintings
Charmaine Olivia is a Hipster Fashion Illustrator
58
Futuristic Pirate Photography
Model Gwen Lu is a Rocker Rebel
57
Pirate Nomads
Artist Swoon Recycles Trash into a Floating Artist Community
56
Bedazzled Eye Patches
Jorg Schieferecke Belinda Hirt Editorial Shows Avant-Garde Pirate Couture
55
Pirates Commandeer Parisian Runway
Jean Paul Gaultier SS 2008
54
Animated Fashiontography
Vogue Italia Brings Pirates from September 2009 Editorial to Life
53
Pirate Ship Hats
The Simona Smrckova Portraits II Series is Beautifully Fantastical
52
Pirate Queen Fashion
Helena Christensen For Agent Provocateur
51
Space Pirate Street Shoes
The Han Solo Adidas Kicks Will Keep You Out of the Carbonite
50
Poised Pirate Pictorials
'I am the Passenger' by Craig Owen has Nautical Panache
49
Markered Mustaches
Keira Knightley Playfully Poses for Vogue Italia January 2011
48
Haute Pirate Wraps
Liu Wen Makes Big Bonnets Beautiful in Vogue China
47
Totenkopf Skull Toaster- Burns a Skull and Crossbones in Your Toast
46
Ethereal Pirate Photography
The Haute Melissa Jelly Shoes for Spring/Summer 2010
45
Pirate Hat Fashion
Chanel 2010 Cruise Collection Features Three-Cornered Hats
44
Unisex Pirate Scarves
Superfine 'Rebel Yell' Spring 2010 Collection Channels Capt. Jack Sparrow
43
Confusing Timepieces
The HD3 Complication Black Pearl Watch is Perfect for Pirates
42
Remote Controlled Pirate Ship
41
Swashbuckling Fashion Shows
The Marni Spring 2010 Show Mixes '50s Femininity and Pirates
40
Tall Tale Pictures
Javier Lovera Photographs Story-Telling Images
39
Fierce Pirate Fashion
The LF Spring Lookbook is for Adventurous Young Hearts
38
Pixelated Pirate Fashion
The Augmented Reality T-Shirt is One Clever Design
37
Contemporary Captain Fashion
‘Escale' in Numero Magazine Plays on Pattern & Color
36
Real Life Pirates
Sudden Surge In Attacks In 2007
35
Luxe Jolly Roger Watches
The Bell & Ross BR01 Tourbillon Airborne is a Swashbuckling Timepiece
34
Passionate Pirate Ads
The Marisa Miller 'Captain Morgan Rum' TV Spot Will Fight to the Death
33
Sparkly Pirate Wear
Rhinestoned Eye Patch for the Urban Swashbuckler
32
Freebooter Fashion
The Pirate-Friendly Jean-Charles De Castelbajac Spring 2010 Collection
31
Pirate Bathrooms
Skull and Cross Bones Taps
30
Pirate Blouses
Natalia Vodianova in the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2010 Ad Campaign
29
Pirate Self Portrait
Eye Patch & Parrot Mirror
28
Pirate Hook Dolls
Sea Cuties by Hine Mizushima are Not as Innocent as They Seem
27
Parrot Sidekick Shoots
'Extravaganza' in V Magazine Spain April 2010 is a Pirate's Dream Editorial
26
Pirate-Themed Packaging
'The Spirit of Davy Jones' Rum by Amy Cesal
25
Pirate Lore Branding
Kraken Rum Blends Spiced Rum With Giant Creatures of the Deep
24
Pirate-Painted Gloves
The Tattooed gloves by Ellen Green are Sea-mingly Sweet.
23
Pirate Reality Shows
‘Pirate Hunters: USN' Is Timely With Hype Over Somali Pirates
22
Swashbuckling Pop-Up Shops
A Bathing Ape Pirate Store Makes its Way to Europe
21
Pirate-Themed Graves
Swashbuckling Skull and Crossbones Headstones
20
Swashbuckling Bags
Empire33 'Musashi' & 'Custer' Purses Are for Badass Fashionistas
19
Pirate-Inspired Logos
Pop Culture Adaptations of the Jolly Roger
18
Pirate Pop-Up Shops
A Bathing Ape Launches Swashbuckling NYC Temporary Shop
17
Pop-Up Pirate Promos
Johnny Depp Introduces "Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides"
16
Kiddie Pirate Apparel
Pirate Skull and Crossbones Beanie and Onesie Make for One Cute Matey
15
Urban Pirate Shoots
The 'Pagan Poetry' Editorial is Sultry and Romantic
14
Playful Pirate Patches
'Pirate' by Mariell Oyre Channels Childhood Days of Dress-Up
13
How to Raise Pirates
New Parenting Book
12
Sci-Fi Pirate Eyewear
The Dinofleur 24K Eyepatch is a Spiked Accessory Lady Gaga Would Love
11
Pirate Squirrel Fashion
Philip Tseng Tees Bring Sea Styles to Street Side Rodents
10
Tightrope-Walking Pirates
The Direct TV Cartoon Ads are Tightrope Tricky
9
Pirates Rejoice!
Research Shows That Filesharing is Not Hurting CD Sales
8
Street-Legal Pirate Ships
Denver DIYers Turn a Chevy Truck Into a Mobile Party Schooner
7
Alcohol Sashes
The Pirate Drinking Belt is Perfect for Nautical Themed Celebrations
6
Space Pirate Sweet Treats
The Han Solo Carbonite Candy is for Star Wars Fans with a Sweetooth
5
Swashbuckling Flash Drives
The Pirate USB Flash Drive Will Have Your Computer Walking the Plank
4
Pirates Inspired Playset
Isla Cruces with Spinning Waterwheel
3
Preppy Pirate Jumpers
Rugby by Ralph Lauren Sweaters Make Us Say 'Arghhh'
2
$64 Million Pirates
Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean 4
1
Swashbuckling Keyboards
The Pirate Keyboard Only Has One Letter
Related Ideas
Playful Ruffled Skirts
Glamour France April 2010 is Preppy Pretty for Spring
Tattooed LEGO Toys
The Extrafine Pilot Pen Campaign Adds Body Art to Iconic Objects
Pearl White Masquerades
The Naty Chabanenko Cushnie et Ochs Spring 2011 Campaign is Classy-Chic
Urban Warrior Photography
Darla Baker's Badass Editorial for L'Officiel Russia February 2011
Frigid Portraiture
Photographer Xi Chen Captures Cold-Hearted Beauties
19 Barely-Street-Legal Vehicles
From Ultralight Supercars to Gamer Autos and Bikes
Fresh Feminine Photography
Nika Shatova Focuses on Pure Portraits
Frosty Femme Photography
These Beautiful Oleg Ti Pictures are Fiercely Feminine
Ceramic Headless Brides
Twisted Porcelain Dolls by Jessica Harrison Are a Dark Take on Toys
Stick-Thin Photoshopping
Ralph Lauren Model Tao Okamoto was Photoshopped to be Rail Thin
Intricate Couture Illustrations
Magda Antoniuk Recreates Some of Fashion's Best in Pencil
Airy Fashion Editorials
The Ones2Watch 'The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage' Shoot
Junk Limos
Antti Rahko's Mercedes 300 Turbodiesel Limousine to be Auctioned on eBay
Colorfully Kooky Illustrations
Kimiaki Yaegashi Creates Quirky and Strange Scenarios
Hipster Children's Fashion
'Finger in the Nose' Clothing Makes Kids More Stylish than Grown-Ups
Beach-Lounging Duos
The Harper's Bazaar Australia November 2010 Spread Changes the Pace
Urban Geek Fashion
Caroline Wingberg Runs Around the City for Elle Italia April 2010
Imaginative Hybrid Artistry
SIT 'NOIR' is an Alluring Seduction of Acrylic Illustrations
Arousing Phallic Ads
Skyy Vodka Ad Gets Uber Naughty in Their New Campaign
Tongue-Snipping Illustrations
The Hayv Kahraman 'Heavy Art' Series is Strange but Fascinating
Ferocious Feminine Photography
Alfonso VQ Snaps Up Some Bold Females
Haute Religiontography
Melissa Rodwell's Photography Crosses Lines
Asian Diversification Editorials
Vogue China Presents an All Asian Fashion Portfolio
Futuristic Pirate Photography
Model Gwen Lu is a Rocker Rebel
Giant Glitter Tattoos
Simona Smrckova Portraits Exude Drama, Whimsy and Fantasy
Steampunk Flash Drives
Artist Rob Smith's 'back2root' Revamped USB Keys will Cause Envy
Augmented Reality Tattoos
Insane Holographic Skin Art by ThinkAnApp is Nerdalicious
Little Girl Chic
Hair Bows, Ruffles and Lolita-Inspired Fashions for Spring 2010
Summertime Nostalgia Shoots
Catherine Servel Shoots Models in a Sultry Seaside Setting
Bedazzled Eye Patches
Jorg Schieferecke Belinda Hirt Editorial Shows Avant-Garde Pirate Couture
Lavish Ruffle Fashion
Vogue Turkey March 2010 is Full of Flouncy Fashions
Singers Snapping Celebs
Bryan Adams' Celebrity Photography Reveals a Second Great Gift
Ethereal Lodging Spaces (UPDATE)
The Propeller Island City Lodge in Berlin is Visually Intriguing
Vintage Vixen Portraiture
Abbey Lee Kershaw by Willy Vanderperre for The Gentlewoman Issue 2
Fluffy Feathered Skirts
The Marchesa Fall 2010 Collection is Stunningly Beautiful
Soulful Eye Photography
Mark Peckmezian Captures Intimate Moments Between People
STD Boozevertising
Safe Sex Campaign by Derek Bowers Plays on Alcohol Labels
Poignantly Posed Photography
'New Attitude' by Milan Vukmirovic is Pensive and Poised
Diamond-Encrusted Headdresses
Elle Hungary March 2010 Shows ‘Madame Butterfly'
Curving Backdrop Photography
The Andrea Klarin for Pierre Cardin is Simply Stunning
Pirate Ship Hats
The Simona Smrckova Portraits II Series is Beautifully Fantastical
Splashtastic Celebtography
Olivia Munn Makes Waves in Maxim's February 2011 Issue
Cartoonified Portraits
Eye-Catching Illustrations by Sergio Saucedo
Curvaceous Corseted Celebs
The Kim Kardashian Glamour is Demure and Sultry
Doll Fashion Editorials
Esquire UK Captures Barbie's Stylish Boyfriend in 'Ken: Fashion Icon'
17 Automotive Watches
From Prancing Horse Watches to Southern Racer Watches
Space Pirate Street Shoes
The Han Solo Adidas Kicks Will Keep You Out of the Carbonite
Sporty-Chic Supermodels
The Coco Rocha ELLE Italia Spread Shows Different Sides of This Celeb
Abstract Papercraft Seas
Le Creative Sweatshop Showcases their Talents in an Awesome Shoot
Haute Gothtography
Couture Goes Goth with the Lens of Lynsie Roberts
Busty Rapper Alcohol Ads
Three Olives Vodka Promotes New Three-O Purple with Lil' Kim
Two-Faced Pin-Up Illustrations
Brandt Peters Shows Us that Innocence Has a Dark Side
20 Crazy Art Cars
From Tattooed Supercars to Priceless Paint Jobs
Fallen Down Photography
Simona Smrckova's 'Hotel Lights' Has a Modern Film Noir Quality
Collaged Victorian Dolls
Seiko Kato Figurines are Macabre with a Sense of Humour
13 Doll-Inspired Fashions
From Darling Doll Frocks to Mannequin-Like Campaigns
Simplistic Fall Fashion
Sara Phillips Fall 2010 Lookbook is Clean & Neutral
Punky Tattooed Pets
These Michael Pratt Animal Paintings Feature Inked Animals
Bare Back Celebs
The Katie Holmes ELLE Cover Shoot is Elegant and Sophisticated
Hip Hop Look Books
Kanye West for BAPE/A Bathing Ape's 2010 Collection
Skywalker Sneakers
Adidas 'Star Wars' Shoes are a Force to Be Reckoned Wtih
Baroque Fashion Campaigns
The Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Leon Max Fall 2010 Campaign is Decadent
Stunning Rogue Portraits
The Maria Flavia Shoot is an Alluring Collection of Seduction
Tropical Horseback Editorials
Max Abadian Shoots the Nika Lauraitis Flare Magazine Spread
Dieting TV Dolls
The Christina Hendricks Joan Barbie Doll is Not Lifelike
Fox Fur Fashion
These Violeta Hernandez 'Maquiavelica' Illustrations are Adorably Exotic
Ravishing Ruffles
Kate Moss is Sultry in 'Basic Instinct' for Vogue UK April 2010
Virtual Makeup Mirrors
Shiseido Makeup Mirror Lets You Try on Cosmetics With Augmented Reality
Timber Chip Tribal Tresses
‘The Mission' by Nicolas Valois Turns Primitive Hunters Hau
Psychedelic Children's Bedrooms
Karim Rashid Designs Colorful Furniture for Neoset
Gangster Dress-Up
The Crooks and Castles Summer 2010 Collection is Baby Badass
Standing Statue Photography
Heidi Lender Combines Intriguing Settings With Faceless Models
Tall Tale Pictures
Javier Lovera Photographs Story-Telling Images
3D iPhone Apps
Orange Telecom Israel Augmented Reality iPhone App
Futuristic Lifestyle Forecasts
Frog Designs' 'Augmented Reality' Predicts Your 2020 Life
Fierce Pirate Fashion
The LF Spring Lookbook is for Adventurous Young Hearts
10 Gold Watches
From Japanese Rapstar Time Pieces to Barbwire Watches
Interactive TV Screens
The Claro HD TV Print Campaign is Attention-Grabbing
Dirty Macho Mantography
The Olaf Wipperfurth 'Workers' Editorial Portrays Boys Being Boys
Finger Flash Drives
The 'Human Thumb Drive' is a Creepy Way to Store Data
Fiery Fashion Shoots
‘Tanz auf dem Vulkan' in Vogue Germany April 2010 is All About Dr
Sheer Toga Tops
Jordy Huinder & Elza Jo Pair Up for Nylon Mexico Editorial
Decade Celebratory Collections
The Bape Classics Fall 2010 Line Features Signature Pieces
Submerged Siren Spreads
Nella Balda Captures a Stunning Set of Fabulous Photographs
Movie-Themed Alcohol
The Skyy Vodka 'Sex and the City 2' Bottle is Glitterized Glamour
Galactic Instruments
The Millennium Falcon Guitar is Perfect for Star Wars Rockstars
Precariously Odd Photography
Cig Harvey Captures Peculiar Snapshots
Multi-Disc Timepieces
The Interestingly Geeky Bell & Ross BR 01-92 Compass Watch
Racy Red Ruffles
The Valentino Fall 2010 Collection Heats Up the Runway
Animal Kingdom Fashiontography
The Mariacarla Boscono Vogue Russia July 2010 Spread
Arm-Raising Photography
The Suresh Natarajan Elle Editorial is Full of Rebellion
Double Headed Dolls
Mariana Monteagudo Makes Unique Toys
Candid Childtography
'Children of the World' Captured by Stephan Faerber
Passionate Pirate Ads
The Marisa Miller 'Captain Morgan Rum' TV Spot Will Fight to the Death
Fluorescent Flash Drives
The Yoda with Illuminated Light Saber USB Memory Stick
Sparkly Pirate Wear
Rhinestoned Eye Patch for the Urban Swashbuckler
Bedazzled Brows
'Lukas Lederer Visage' by Simona Smrckova Gives a Modern Spin to Retro Style
Turbine Time Tellers
The Turbino Watch Will Tell the Time, But Won't Generate Power
Jersey Shore Juices
Ocean's Ten Bar Features Ron Ron Juice, a 'Jersey Shore'-Inspired Cocktail
Secret Keeper Playthings
The Echo Toy by Emi Schenkelbach Comforts Kids
Limited Edition Auto Watches
The Bell & Ross Infiniti Watch Will Keep You GQ in Your G37
Haute Red Riding Hoods
The 'Brand New Day' Editorial in Vogue Nippon August 2010
Anime Hotel Rooms
The Neon Genesis Evangelion Hotel Room Lets You Live the Giant Robot Life
Pirate Hook Dolls
Sea Cuties by Hine Mizushima are Not as Innocent as They Seem
Hipster Chic Playschools
The Israeli Designer Kindergarten Makes Me Want to Go Back to School
Disembodied Mannequin Abstracts
Sorin Bechira’s Unique Illustrations for SlashTHREE
Elegant Beaded Baubles
Krajewska & Wieczorek Capture the Beauty of Yes Jewelry
Intergalactic Sportswear Promos
The Star-Filled Adidas Star Wars Collection Campaign
Hardcore Footwear USBs
The Limited Edition Dr. Martens Boot USB Drive for the 50th Anniversary
Race-Changing Fashiontography
Asian Models Turn into Caucasian Celebs in W Korea 'Transformation'
Top Model Cosmetics Ads
Burberry 'Beauty Beauty' Fall 2010 Campaign Has Three Famous Faces
Bewildered Designer Photos
The 'Verano' Vogue Latin America June 2010 Spread
Parrot Sidekick Shoots
'Extravaganza' in V Magazine Spain April 2010 is a Pirate's Dream Editorial
Augmented Reality T-Shirts
T-Post 'Rock, Paper Scissors' Shirt Rocks
Luxury Car-Inspired Timepieces
The Bell & Ross Peugeot Watch Goes Nicely with Million-Dollar Autos
Aviator Timepieces
The Bell & Ross BR 01 Radar Puts You in the Cockpit
Japanese Rapstar Timepieces
The Nixon and NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND Watches are Sweet
Yoda Flash Drives
These 'Star Wars' MIMOBOT USBs Bring Out Your Inner Geek
'Star Wars' Tribute Soaps
The Han Solo 'Soap in Carbonite' Would Keep Jaba the Hutt Clean
Tattooed Booze Branding
Ashlee Beggs' Sleeve Vodka Labels Channel Classic Tattoo Styles
Urban Pirate Shoots
The 'Pagan Poetry' Editorial is Sultry and Romantic
Manga Flash Drives
The Izumi Konata Lucky Star USB Stick is Perfect for Comic Fans
Catty Flash Drives
The Hello Kitty Mimobot USB Collaboration is the Epitome of Cute
$1.3 Million Diamond Watches
The Blancpain Specialites Tourbillon Diamants Watch is Blinging
Tattooed Energy Boosters
Wicked Energy Drink Gets a Facelift From a Tattoo Artist
Remote-Controlled Space Cruisers
The RC Millennium Falcon from Hasbro is the Best Toy Ever Created
Treadmill-Powered Bikes
The Frankenbike by Patrick Vanderwyden is Made From Spare Parts
Tightrope-Walking Pirates
The Direct TV Cartoon Ads are Tightrope Tricky
Tattooed Telephones
The Mister Cartoon Motorola Phone Gives Your Cell Some Street Cred
Commercial Free TV
The Boxee TV Box by D-Link is Futuristic Entertainment
Three-Eyed Illustrations
Lauren Albert is a "Master of Psychedelic Figures and Worlds"
Celebrity Mocktails
The Mel Gibson 'Bi-Polar Cocktail' is The Oak Bar's Newest Drink
Nasty Nesting Dalls
The Monstrous Fang Matryoshkas May Bite You If You're Not Careful
Militarized Streetwear Fashion
The Bape/Stussy Collection Celebrates Stussy's 30th Anniversary
Harmonious Time Trackers
The Yin Yang Watch Keeps Time and Spiritual Balance
Playboy Liquor Spokesmen
Hugh Hefner for Stolichnaya Vodka is a Strange Pairing
Curious Upcycled Characters
The Amy Arnold 'Peepwool' Collection is Entirely Eco-Friendly