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THENEWNORMAL FOREVER TATS T attooing dates to at least Neolithic times and has been practiced worldwide ever since for religious, spiritual, military and artistic purposes. The symbolism and reception of this art has varied dramatically. In recent North American history, tattoos were typically considered taboo (even seemingly liberal businesses would make employees cover their ink — including Starbucks, until just last year). But adapters of the punk style readily assimilated this form of self-expression, and fashion brands have embraced it by allowing models to show their tattoos and creating tattoo- inspired clothing. Charlotte Olympia's latest smoking slipper comes with 52 leather adhesive letters and icons to change up your daily logo. ABC flats $695, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies. Models with tattoos are rampant in ad campaigns, editorials and on the runway. Catherine McNeil's tattoos are showcased in CR Fashion Book's Spring/Summer 2015 issue. The tailored, white button-down — a preppy staple — with Maison Margiela's version of a monogram. Maison Margiela Stamped men's shirt $650, at e-boutique. maisonmargiela. com. Maria Black earrings upgrade an "H" with an avant-garde twirl. $120, at net-a-porter.com. Above: Mary Katrantzou Initials, a limited-edition series of 26 unique coated-canvas tote bags, each bearing an artful letter. $1,070, preorder at matchesfashion.com. Right: Mary Katrantzou alphabet- themed sculpted initial clutches. M python and acrylic clutch $2,870, at net-a-porter.com. In 2013, Valentino debuted photographer Terry Richardson's Rockstud ad campaign, which featured Richardson's own inked-up arms. Right: The dragon, an ancient Chinese symbol for emperor, has historically been a popular tattoo. It also makes for an inspired china pattern. Mottahedeh Blue Dragon dinner plate $55, at Bering's, Events. Tattoo artist Joseph "JK5" Ari Aloi designed a second skin to be paired with traditional suiting for Comme des Garçons' Fall 2016 menswear. Above: Gents need a bespoke smoking slipper, too — Del Toro is on it. $455, at deltoro shoes.com. SHAWN BRACKBILL Scottish artist Jessica Harrison has given your grandmother's figurines an update in her "Painted Lady "series. Each unique work is made by hand-painting found mass-produced ceramic figurines. Painted Lady 10, 2014, and Painted Lady 3, 2014. Limited- edition photographs £75, at jessica harrison.co.uk. San Antonio artist Vincent Valdez explores the oppression, persecution and lynching of Latinos in Texas and the U.S. In his artworks, the ropes that bound them are removed, and the person remains. Vincent Valdez's The Strangest Fruit (3), 2014, at David Shelton Gallery. D&G was obsessed with candy-colored initials in its Fall 2011 collection. Evoke a swirled tattoo with a black lace Jimmy Choo Flyte lace-and- suede sandal $925, at Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2015 rose tattoo dress, collection at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies (Dolce & Gabbana boutique opening this fall at River Oaks District). Burberry caused a frenzy with monogrammed blanket shawls for Fall/Winter 2014. This version quickly sold out, but Burberry offers monogramming on the Heritage Cashmere Scarf. $575, at Burberry. Mary Katrantzou A clutch $3,300, at marykatrantzou.com. The intersection of marquee emblems of two subcultures of style: prep (monograms) and punk (tattoos), has become the new normal. Both symbols have rich, storied histories rooted in personalization and self-branding. While monograms have gone subversive at D&G and Maison Margiela, tats appear on the runways of Comme des Garçons and Alexander McQueen. And here, the twain shall meet. By Anne Lee Phillips and Michelle Aviña