When it comes to content, Vogue Japan is always audacious: diva themed editorials are par for the course, but Crystal Renn never fails to add her own panache. With bright makeup by Jessica Nedza and a host of equally vibrant ensembles chosen by Anna Dello Russo , Crystal looks stunning in Giampaolo Sgura‘s lush images.

Making polka dots look classy is no small feat. The graphic circles are most often associated with retro kitsch rather than modern elegance, but George Cortina manages to create a series of beautiful looks on Saskia de Brauw in Mikael Jansson‘s story for Vogue Japan. Using pieces from Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and McQueen, Cortina crafts ensembles that work perfectly with Saskia’s androgynous and refined persona.

HAIR Anthony Turner MAKEUP Mark Carrasquillo MANICURE Christina Conrad SET DESIGN Jean-Hughes de Chatillon

A good beauty story can make you see cosmetics in a whole new light and Vogue Japan‘s lovely beauty feature by Raymond Meier takes eye makeup to that next level. Featuring the talents of Makky and the gorgeous faces of Luisa Bianchin and Yulia Terentieva, the images show exciting ways to play up eyes with loads of liner and bleached brows.

HAIR David von Cannon MANICURE Jin Soon Choi PRODUCTION VS + Company

Aline Weber.
Camilla Akrans .
Vogue Japan.

A colorful and subtly sexy story in the Akrans’ signature style. Sissy Vian mixes the best in lingerie from La Perla with streamlined pieces from Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, while Odile Gilbert and Fredrik Stambro provide the perfect hair and makeup.

Hedi Slimane.
Sasha Pivovarova.
Vogue Japan.

Classic Slimane imagery that is clean, minimal and super sleek thanks to Christian McCulloch‘s glamorous makeup and Jimmy Paul‘s fashion forward hairstyles.

It doesn’t take much to make Lily Donaldson look lovely but Jem Mitchell goes above and beyond the call of duty, with an appealing beauty story for Vogue Japan. Elegant waves by Neil Moodie, makeup in shades of pale pink by Lloyd Simmonds and some very pristine poses by Ms. Donaldson make for a gorgeous edit.

Josh Olins‘s minimalist photography.
Stella Tennant‘s timeless charm.
Sissy Vian‘s eclectic styling.
A simple, to the point Vogue Japan story that focuses on the season’s most stylish pieces.

The seemingly unstoppable Daphne Groeneveld strikes again: the Dutch beauty’s striking Vogue Japan cover by Mario Sorrenti has her sporting a furry look from Miu Miu, a center part by crafted by Recine and a pair of seriously bleached brows. George Cortina‘s styling and subtle makeup by Aaron de Mey keep the picture sweet, but Daphne’s trademark glare prevents things from getting sugary.