When Haider Ackermann filled his S/S13 runway with transparent creations emblazoned with black and white dots, it seemed like an unusual move. Polka dots are a fashion standard dating back years, but the diminutive patterns are more often associated with the prim styles of the 1950s than with the kinds of cutting-edge wares favored on Paris’ runways. The designer so known for his innovative use of lush, saturated color was showing another side, taking one of the most uncool of motifs and making it feel new.

In keeping with the current craze for all things graphic, stylists have embraced the versatility of these simple circles, working Ackermann’s creations into a variety of editorials. On occasion the interpretations don’t veer too far from the runway approach (fashion abides by the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ mantra whenever it can) but the excitement comes when the spots are complimented by clashing patterns to create a dynamic visual treat. Whether it is layering in another of Ackermann’s prints from S/S or adding a bold kimono for interest, the real fun lies in the mix which offers stylists an opportunity to show their creativity.

W Magazine | Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott | Fashion Editor/ Stylist:Edward Enninful | Hair: Malcolm Edwards | Makeup: Lucia Pieroni | Set Designer: Poppy Bartlett | Manicurist: Anatole Rainey | Model: Ondria Hardin

Vogue China | Photographer: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Nicoletta Santoro (New York: Management + Artists, Paris: Management + Artists) | Hair: James Pecis | Makeup: Tom Pecheux | Manucurist: Gina Viviano | Casting: Piergiorgio Del Moro | Model: Arizona Muse

032C Photographer: Jamie Morgan | Styling:Jodie Barnes | Hair: Tomo Jidai | Make-up:Laura Dominique | Model: Arizona Muse

Elle France | Photogrpaher: Bjarne Jonasson | Stylist: Michele Beaurenaut | Model: Xiao Wen Ju

Vogue Thailand | Photographer: David Bellemere | Stylist: Anna Schiffel | Model: Anna de Rijk

Numero | Photographer: Greg Harris | Stylist: Sheila Single | Model: Stef Van Der Laan

Elle Italia | Photographer: Alexei Hay | Casting: Paul Hunt at JN Casting | Model: Pau Bertolini

Vogue China | Photographer: Sharif Hamza (Cadence New York) | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Tiina Laakkonen | Hair: Esther Langham | Makeup: Francelle Daly | Model: Ji Hye Park

Marie Claire Magazine | Photographer: Danilo Gallinari | Fashion Editor: Enrique Campos | Hair: Javier Palacio | Makeup: Tatyana Makarova| Manicure: Lucia Cheptene | Model: Harmony Boucher

W Magazine | Photographer: Tim Walker | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Jacob K | Hair: Julien d’Ys | Makeup: Stephane Marais | Set Designer: Rhea Thierstein | Model: Tilda Swinton

10 Magazine |  Photographer: Robert Schoerner | Fashion Editor/Stylist: Sophia Neophitou | Model: Kristen McMenamy

Vogue Russia | Photographer: Tom Craig | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Olga Dunina | Model:Arizona Muse

i-D Magazine | Photographer: Mari Sarai | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Erika Kurihara | Hair: Tomo Jidai | Makeup: Janeen Witherspoon | Casting: Shelley Durkan | Model: Soo Joo

Vogue Turkey | Photographer: Cuneyt Akeroglu | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Semra Russell| Hair: Colin Gold | Model: Stina Rapp Wastenson

British Vogue | Photographer: Josh Olins| Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Clare Richardson | Hair: Shon | Makeup: Sally Branka | Set Designer: Kadu Lennox | Models: Meghan Collison and Juliana Schurig

Once you get past the main editorial and its glossy tribute to the timeless Jerry Hall, the new Vogue Italia offers you a look at another iconic blonde beauty of the 1970s. Though perhaps lesser known than some of her disco-era ilk, Donna Jordan ranks among the most influential models of all time. Before Lara Stone was even born, Donna was the bleach browed, gap-toothed beauty who set the trend. Whether she was being shot by photographers like Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin and Oliviero Toscani, or appearing in Andy Warhol films Donna demanded the attention of the fashion crowd. Paolo Roversi‘s colorful tribute to her unique style casts Iselin Steiro as the titular 70s beauty and captures her look wonderfully.

THE ORIGINAL

Donna covers Vogue Italia & Vogue Paris, 1970

With fellow super star, Pat Cleveland

Donna by Oliviero Toscani for Vogue Paris, 1972

THE INTERPRETATION

‘A Singular Blond Beauty by Paolo Roversi- styled by Jacob K, Makeup by Sam Bryant | Image courtesy D and V Management, see the full story on D and V’s website

Some collections are made for editorial greatness, on the runway they’re good but when a talented team gets ahold of things the stories those garments can tell are limitless. One collection that has found new life editorially is Comme des Garcons‘ excellent fall/winter showing. The exaggerated proportions, bold patterns and plays on dimension have made for some truly striking imagery. Stylists seem to love playing with Rei Kawakubo‘s artful creations, and there are a few looks that keep popping up in magazines month after month. Whether they’re worn by the likes of style legend Iris Apfel, transformed into samurai gear for Meghan Collison, or made part of David Sims‘ stark imagery, it is impossible to miss a CdG piece. Take a look back at some of the most memorable uses of the collection thus far and see how different stylists dealt with some of the more popular pieces.

Meghan Collison by Craig McDean, styled by Karl Templer in Interview

by Sarah Moon, styled by Jacob K for 10 Magazine

Meghan Collison by Fabien Baron, styled by Karl Templer for Interview

Cara Delevingne by Jean Baptiste Mondino, styled by Carine Roitfeld for CR Fashion Book

Saskia de Brauw by Mario Sorrenti, styled by Emmanuelle Alt for Vogue Paris

Erjona Ala, Lida Fox, Lula Osterdahl, Ophelie Rupp and Ros Georgiou by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

Magdalena Langrova by Sebastian Kim, styled by Katie Mossman in Vogue Germany

Kati Nescher by Mario Sorrenti, styled by Joe McKennafor Vogue Paris

Dorothea Barth Jorgensen by Charlotte Wales for Vision China, styled by Clare Byrne.

Laura Kampman by Philippe Vogelenzang, styled by Jos van Heel in Vogue Netherlands

Franzi Mueller by Mel Bles, styled by Vanessa Reid in Pop Magazine

Iris Apfel by Jeff Bark, styled by Robbie Spencer for Dazed & Confused

Kasia Struss by Knoepfel & Indlekofer for WSJ

Anais Pouliot by Paolo Roversi, styled by  in Purple Fashion

Mackenzie Drazan by Mikael Jansson styled by Karl Templer for Interview

Kati Nescher by David Sims for American Vogue

As two of fashion’s most popular doll-faces Kirsi Pyrhonen and Audrey Marnay make frequent appearances in editorials that call for otherworldly beauty. In the latest Vogue Italia  Tim Walker casts the duo as wind up toys, complete with marionette inspired makeup and mechanical add-ons. With a sly nod to drag legends the Cockettes, fairytale styling by Jacob K and a few puppets added for good measure, Walker creates images that are unmistakably his.

i-D Magazine‘s Pick Me Up issue is filled to the brim with content that will bring a smile to your face and Benjamin Alexander Huseby‘s achingly pretty portraits of Valerija Kelava are no exception. Dressed in pattern covered separates chosen by Jacob K and posed against a blue backdrop, Valerija looks gorgeous. We’re especially keen on the shots where the nature peeks through and you can see a bit of the grassy scenery.

For more check out i-D Online

Ben Toms shoots a colorful and kinetic story for Dazed & Confused featuring girl of the moment, Saskia de Brauw. The out of sight styling by Jacob K, mixes print and pattern for a fresh spin on some of the season’s popular pieces, while hair and makeup by Shon and Hiromi Ueda, add to the overall feeling of off-kilter cool. We can’t help but love Saskia in this and those studded flats that feature prominently.

Paolo Roversi has found a muse in Valerija Kelava, the duo’s second editorial collaboration of the month (take a look at their first in Man About Town)  is a moody tale in Vogue Italia. Roversi captures the haunting quality of Valerija’s look perfectly with his ethereal photos and stylist, Jacob K, adds a touch of wintry beauty via the lush selection of richly textured pieces.

Image Credit | Fashion Does It Better

Paolo Roversi puts his masterful touch on a retro editorial celebrating the great jazz era in the latest Man About Town. Clement Chabernaud and Valerija Kelava, play the charming couple and wear the timeless classics effortlessly styled by Jacob K.