The word “Fetish” is emblazoned on the cover of this month’s Numéro magazine, while Katie Holmes and Claudia Schiffer both don leather and lace with a side of kink on the covers of Vogue Spain and Germany. A pattern seems to be emerging…

Lately there has been a flood of fashion editorials that dive into the world of fetish and fantasy, where the dominatrix rules (and don’t forget the occasional sexy maid). Fashion and pop culture have come together for the perfect storm with sinister fall collections from labels like Louis Vuitton (remember his show was titled “Fetish”), Givenchy and Alexander McQueen, while Rihanna is loving S&M, and Lady Gaga performs in Gianni Versace’s bondage collection. It’s no surprise that fashion editorials are experiencing the trickle down effect.

Thierry Mugler once described fashion as a “very cruel…very demanding mistress,” and we couldn’t agree more. It’s an apt description and helps to explain why the dark world of fetish and fashion have always been, well, bedmates. Masks, PVC, whips and latex don’t have much of a place in real life but since when was high fashion concerned with practicality and reality? The fashion editorial is the perfect place to be a little naughty.

In celebration of sin we’d like to take a look back on the dominatrix and her partner, the submissive, in fashion photography. Caution: Fetish, riding crops, and nudity ahead.