Lucien Pellat-Finet offers cashmere sweaters and diamond watches brandishing tattoo skulls in NYC for $1,200-$3,500.

The exploitation of a counter-culture, when its monetary value is discovered, is painfully inevitable - but, the sole blame is not always on the hoitey-toiteys. Legendary tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy said of designer Christian Audigier, “This guy is at ground zero of everything that’s wrong with contemporary civilization. However, if he wants to make a lot of money with my art, and it’s not overtly negative, then what the hell.”

The oh-so-trendy Ed Hardy is not alone in his thinking. Check out the top five clothing designers fashioning tattoos as couture in our inked up modern society.

Sailor Jerry

Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins (1911-1973) is considered among many as the reigning American tattoo artist of his time. His artwork epitomizes the old-world sailor tattoo: winking maidens with shapely thighs and pert knockers, ships on the bounding main, skulls, red roses and taunting women embracing serpents - respectively. In 1999, protégés and tattoo legends Don Ed Hardy and Mike Malone partnered with a Philadelphia clothing company to establish Sailor Jerry Ltd., producing clothing and other items such as ash trays and shot glasses. The company also makes batches of 92-proof spiced rum featuring a Sailor Jerry hula girl on the label. www.sailorjerry.com

Christian Audigier

THE MAN behind modern day, tattoo-inspired consumerism. Christian Audigier acted as chief designer for Von Dutch in 2002 - creating the edgy style that turned the company into a pop-fashion phenomenon. He was granted the exclusive rights to the designs of iconic tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy and launched Ed Hardy, one of the hottest labels in the world. Thousands of celebrities don his gear, including Britney Spears (what!), Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Marilyn Manson, Madonna, and countless athletes. He often premieres his latest “underground” lines at the annual Mercedes Benz fashion week. www.christianaudigier.com, www.donedhardy.com

Sleeves, Inc.

Based in LA, Sleeves Inc. was conceived by Christien Tinsley, Oscar-nominated make-up artist (2005, The Passion of the Christ). Sleeves Inc. came onto the fashion scene in 2003 and the buzz was far reaching. Brad Pitt selected pieces to wear in a 15-page layout of L’Uomo Vogue.

Sleeves’ PR boasts: “Want to look like you’re punk rawk without jeopardizing your chances at that cushy white-collar job? Visit Sleeves for the ultimate in instant cool: a line of shirts designed to look as though you’ve been ferociously tattooed. Running from $80 to $100 bucks - they’re a small price to pay for looking cool without actually having to go under the needle.” www.sleevesclothing.com

Inkslingers USA

Inkslingers owner Mike Jezkiah has a chain of tattoo studios in Michigan, inking the likes of Brad Pitt, Eminem, Kid Rock and the Dixie Chicks, and has screened his original designs onto tees, denim and leather jackets. Sporting stitched back-pockets and wrinkled fabric, this clothing line goes for the vintage-look. Accessories and sneakers will soon be added to the collection. www.myspace.com/inkslingersusa

Vato

LA-based designer Rodney Rodriguez started his tattoo-inspired Vato line by giving away his shirts at clubs to generate word-of-mouth business. Now Rodriguez, 32, sells his garments in some of LA’s hippest shops - Madison, Fred Segal and Traffic - as well as stores in New York, Hawaii and Tokyo. His pieces can be seen on the chests of Jennifer Lopez, Pink and Christina Aguilera, and he has established a Vato line for children with many of the same graphics…just smaller. www.vatoclothing.com

Check out more tattoo industry products and gear here.

From her expanding personal ink style to her graphic canvas paintings, coveted slip-on shoe fashions, extreme sports gear designs, and new steel artistry, Taylor overlaps the tattoo industry with fashion, art, and lifestyle - all while keeping her cool, looking good, and never, under any circumstances, stopping the parTAY.

I say, she could take Kat Von D in a fist fight – after a few TAYquila shots – but no liquor is needed for this feisty SoCal artist to out-smart Hollywood starlets in the talent arena. Get to know artist, fashion designer, tattoo collector and tattoo artist: Taylor Reeve, and make sure to listen to all this Taylor Says.

Q: What are the current trends that now tie together the tattoo and art industries?

A: Tattoos are just another form of art, so of course they’re tied together. The difference I see lately is that tattoo images on clothing are now being worn by soccer moms and your average Joes … with diamonds and shit. Usually it’s those moms that give me dirty looks too, and hold their daughters close, probably saying: “Please don’t ever do that to your body.”

Q: How are tattoos represented in your artwork?

A: I like to paint girls or figures with tattoos - it’s just an extra thing for someone to look at. Usually people don’t notice them right away, either. So when they do it’s just an extra treat for someone to enjoy.

Q: How is your artwork represented in body ink?

A: I like to work with lines, so a lot of my tattoos are just line-work. I’m saving the rest of my back to incorporate a lot of my paintings into one piece that should be pretty sick. I love all of my tattoos but my favorites are the portraits of my family members I have been getting on my left arm.

People usually assume they’re my kids or they’ve passed on or something. My responses to those questions are: Hell no how old do you think I am? And, no they’re still alive … I’m just a family gal I guess. People trip on the portraits because they’re really well done and realistic looking … thanks to Mike Suarez.

Q: What other body art do you have planned?

A: I plan on finishing off my left arm and adding more to my ribcage and back. I came to the conclusion that I’m going to be heavily tatted … sorry Mom and Dad. Piercings are finished for the moment.

Q: Do you feel your tattoos have enhanced your reputation in the art and fashion communities?

A: I think my tattoos have given me an extra edge. It’s funny when people first hear about me because they assume I’m a dude (having the name Taylor apparently makes you male). Then when a tatted up blondie shows up, I think it’s a nice surprise for everyone.

Q: What opportunities have come your way via recognition of/responses to your tattoos?

A: I’ve had some pretty amazing opportunities come my way so far. I’ve hooked up with several companies that are into the tats. One in particular being Tattoed Steel. They have been using my images to laser onto their steel products, such as cuffs, dog tags, rings, etc.

I’ve gotten to work with some big names in the industry as well. I’m totally name dropping, but it’s the likings of Jesse Rooke, Brad Pitt, Ryan Sheckler, Carey Hart, Sunny Garcia, Ellen Degeneres, Troy Lee, and some more. Ok I’ll stop. Keep an eye out literally in 2009 - I have a collection coming out with Dragon Optical!

Q: Have you been denied any industry opportunities due to your tattoos?

A: Hell no. And if I was to be denied because of them, it’s their loss.

Q: As a tattoo collector, do you see yourself being more receptive to other industry figures also with tattoos, as contrasted with people without tattoos?

A: I definitely notice and appreciate ink - especially good ink. It doesn’t steer me clear from people who don’t have them. It seems everybody these days has something - it’s more of a surprise when they don’t. People who do judge should go someplace else, because this ain’t the industry for that bullshit.

Q: How do you feel about extreme piercings?

A: I don’t know how I feel about piercings to tell you the truth. Sometimes when people get a lot of piercings on their face it’s kind of distracting. I’m talking like heavy piercings, like 12 eyebrow rings or something. Me painting people a lot, I notice features and what not, and there’s some real beauty in them, so when there’s a bunch of metal hanging everywhere, it’s kind of hard to see around them. I also don’t really understand the whole ribbon/piercing deal that I’ve been seeing lately. It’s weird to me to be honest. But if that’s something someone wants to do then go right ahead, it’s just not for me.

I have my nose, Marilyn Monroe, belly button, and ears pierced. I don’t plan on getting anymore, I feel like what I have is enough for my likings.

Q: Rumor has it you’re learning to be a tattoo artist?

A: Tis true. I finally got sick of designing a tattoo for someone, to just have some tattoo artist butcher the design and make it their own. That’s when I realized: shit, instead of drawing things up for people, I should just do it all myself. I never realized what an art in itself tattooing really is. There’s so much to know it’s crazy and somewhat overwhelming.

Q: Can you give us a taste of your entertainment and fashion/art industry involvement?

A: I’m blessed to be working with some amazing people and companies such as Dragon, Redbull, Tatttoed Steel, Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, Wahoos, and Jesse Rooke.

Dragon will debut in 2009- I can’t wait it’s going to be awesome. Tattooed Steel is also amazing. Seeing my designs on products like theirs is a trip for me, I love it. Getting to rock my own gear is something else too. Jesse Rooke has opened up a whole other world for me by letting me paint on his custom motorcycles. I’ve always appreciated motorcycles and never thought I would be able to do something like that.

Last year at the X Games I painted on motocross boots belonging to Jeremy McGrath (pictured), Twitch, and Taka. They rocked them while competing and were all over ESPN. Sheckler loves the paint added to his Redbull hats as well. I’m also currently working on my own clothing line which will include tees, hoodies, and hats - should be pretty sic!

Q: So, what’s next?

A: My next step is building up TaylorSays as a brand and clothing line. Tattoos will also be a fun extra spice in my life.

Check out Taylor Reeve’s amazing art, apparel and jewelry designs, extreme sport stylings, and much more at TaylorSays.com and MySpace.com/canvasbytaylor.

Professional photos by Rich Van Every and Collin Erie

Party in your Pants

For the first time women can masturbate to the beat of their favorite tunes. Love Honey presents iBuzz, a vibrator that attaches to your iPod or Mp3 player to bring euphoria along with the bass lines. Check out the iBuzz for a new experience in music.

56.81 USD
29.99 GBP

Mmmmmm….chocolate….

Coca Cola and Godiva have combined their powers to create “Godiva Belgian Blends”…three flavors of the new, tasty beverage have just hit your local supermarkets: Dark Chocolate Mocha, Milk Chocolate Mocha, and French Vanilla Latte.

$1.89/bottle

Check out these shoes!

Signature limited edition Pin Up Panther canvas Chucks are covered head to two with traditional Sailor Jerry flash. Tattoos are also inside the shoe and under the tongue. Unisex sizes 3-13 Men order ½ size smaller than shoe size Women order 2 sizes smaller than shoe size.

$50

Respect your art!

Ink Fixx aftercare is a natural way to heal tattoos, offering a rich blend of vitamins and minerals to rejuvenate and revitalize skin cells naturally.

$65

What’s on YOUR ass?

If you are going to get a tattoo on your ass, it better say DURKL. If you are going to intern for DURKL, you better have a tattoo on your ass. Lovely Denver is flaunting her tat, while taunting you. She comes on duper-soft white or pink shirts.

$23

Exploding with Flavor

Bomba Energy Drinks explode inside the body and with a positive effect on your energy levels. Just pull the pin to detonate the flavor!

1.99 per bottle