Showcasing select pieces from the Dior Haute Couture collection, the Harper’s Bazaar Singapore June 2012 editorial is utterly glamorous. Nevertheless, while the photos look as though they were inspired by Old Hollywood photography and films, there is a modern edge to each that is hard to deny. From headbands to kimono-like blouses, the outfits blend two generations together beautifully.

The Harper’s Bazaar Singapore June 2012 editorial was captured by photographer GT Gan. Shot in Shanghai, China, it stars model Liu Wen. The Chinese beauty was flawlessly styled by Kenneth Goh, who was tasked with the job of “celebrating the voyage of couture going from Paris to China,” as written by Fashion Gone Rogue. The elegant ensembles were perfected with a sleek cropped hairdo and smokey eyes by beauty artist Greg O.

The April 2012 edition of Interview magazine features gothic outfits from New York-based, French designer Ludivine Poiblanc, as photographed by Fabien Baron.

Gothic fashion is nothing new. It is derived from a sub-culture that was at its height in the 80s, and has been creeping its way into the high-fashion world of photoshoots and runways for years. The difference between the editorials featured here and everything else is the degree to which Poiblanc embraces this dark aesthetic.

An all-black outfit can make for a striking ensemble. Simply emphasizing this shade, though, will not necessarily achieve an edgy look. If you adorn your model with earrings and nose rings more reminiscent of medieval weaponry than jewelry then drape them in wispy black veils fading into flowing dresses made from pleated, feather-like fabrics and photograph them in black and white like Poiblanc and Baron have done, you will have achieved a decidedly gothic and elegant look.

In this Almaphotos ‘Desolata’ series, the viewer is exposed to elegantly flowing black veils, sharp contrasting shades and undulating throngs of mourners. The photographs are dark and elegant. This harmony of graceful aesthetics overlaid upon moody undertones is something that the Milan, Italy-based photography collaboration is adept at. Its portfolio is overflowing with photographs in the same vein as Desolata. Still, this series in particular is a telling example of the quality of their work.

One of the most striking features of the series is simply the number of people involved. When capturing a single moment as participated in by many people, there is always the risk of incoherence and messiness. Yet, Almaphotos conveys an effortless grace.

When a birdcage veil is in play, instant glamor ensues and the Vogue Paris June 2012 editorial is no exception. It helps that the photography style itself appears to be inspired by the ‘50s film noir genre. Shot completely in black and white, there is a blurriness to each photo that adds more intrigue and drama to the already mysterious images.

The Vogue Paris June 2012 editorial was shot by seasoned photographer David Sims. It stars model Nadja Bender, who makes her debut on the pages of Vogue Paris with this striking photoshoot. The Danish beauty was styled by Joe McKenna, who introduced his signature use of panaches, visors and veils to great effect. The editorial showcases a predominantly black wardrobe filled with designs from such labels as Balmain and Stella McCartney.