As a brand, Gucci is known for its quirky and sometimes out-of-the box aesthetics. Few other companies could have triggered such a widespread interest in fringe, and even less can pull of that countryside chic look that they worked last season. For its 2009 Cruise collection, not many eyebrows were raised about Gucci’s eccentric choice of theme: tattoos and tortoise prints.

Now, many of you might have gotten excited when Gucci’s whole love for tattoos began last year with the Tattoo Heart bags, a charity effort for global nonprofit UNICEF. And for its new collection, the brand brings the tattoo several steps further – literally.

At first, the term ‘tattoo-print shoes’ almost sounds like an oxymoron. The first image associated with a tattoo is a tough biker guy, not a Gucci boutique. But Frida Giannini and her design team execute the whole tattoo concept with so much finesse, you’d wonder how you survived so long without a pair of these in the first place.

If you’re still not convinced, check out Exhibit A: this tattoo-printed peep-toe slingback stiletto . From afar, it looks like any other pair of Gucci shoes, especially with the mild color and the double-G logos. Get closer, though, and it reveals its wilder side with the tattoo-style rose print.

More conservative fashionistas, however, might want to take the alternate route with the other trend that Gucci’s starting this season: tortoise. Just like with Gucci’s fascination for tattoos, the design is applied sparingly but to great effect. It’s a subtle touch that adds lots of drama to a single pair of shoes.

These off white stilettos , for example, would look like any other pair of office shoes in the store. Those 3 ½” tortoise shell heels, however, will make you look for objet d’arte than office worker. Gucci didn’t use much, but you know that every inch of those heels make a big impression.

Just in case your bank account’s of the recession-proof variety, you might want to pair your trendy new shoes with a matching tattoo-print or tortoise-finish bag from Gucci. Every fashionista knows that you’ve got to take a trend all the way to make a statement.

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