It's actually a perfect analogy, IMO. Tattoo, is a form of (typically chosen) self-branding. A lot of companies make great products and then deminish them by thier mis/use of branding. Usually in a tactless way. This is a prime example of that.
A lot of people buy products because of the branding. How many people would buy a YETI cooler if or a Coach bag if it didn't have the branding to show off that they have a YETI cooler or a Coach bag? It's conspicuous consumption.
I think those two in particular might be poor examples, since they generally do quite a bit of de-branding on their products. I know what you mean however. Supreme is a prime brand for this. Nobody is buying a Supreme t-shirt for any other reason than the logo. Whatever thoughts on people who buy things to impress others may be, those kind of people exist and to each thier own. They at least made the choice to let everyone else know what they value.
