Yeah, they work. Not sure why right off hand, but the B&W photo fails to recreate the whisper-white looks it is trying create. Its the look you get when you use a gold reflecter, B&W film, a red filter, and diffused low angled back light. It gives the skin a glow that isn't usually picked up in B&W.
Oh sheesh, there I go, rambling again.
The second image is spot on.
Best,
Jerry