Image via Complex Original
What does Pirelli, a corporate tire company, have to do with gorgeous women? Aside from the pursuit of excellence, absolutely nothing. But that hasn't stopped the half-century-old calendar from becoming one of the most prestigious credits a model can attain. Choosing nothing but the most exotic locations with the most highly acclaimed photographers, Pirelli has created an exclusive product that is not sold in stores, but that is specially delivered to clients as a corporate gift. The calendar celebrates the artistic element of the naked female form, drawing a wide array of models.
In celebration of the calendar's upcoming 50th anniversary, we have ranked the top 50 models ever to appear in the Pirelli calendar. Although we can't show the pictures themselves, we have provided links to some of them. And we suggest you wait until after work to check them out. Enjoy!
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50. Isabeli Fontana
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Nsfw Link(s): 2003, 2005
Photographer: Bruce Weber, Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Beard, Karl Lagerfeld
We can't read a single thing on her Twitter account, but when she's posting pictures with Alessandra Ambrosio, that's really not of concern.
49. Laetitia Casta
Country: France
Years Featured: 1999, 2000
Nsfw Link(s): 1999 (1), 1999 (2), 2000
Photographer: Herb Ritts, Annie Leibovitz
Not only did Laetitia get to participate in the calendar two years in a row, but the second time around was the millennium calendar shot by one of the most famous female photogs ever.
48. Mariana Weickert
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2001
Nsfw Link(s): 2001
Photographer: Mario Testino
Because of Mariana, we discovered a website called Wikifeet. We're definitely not into that kind of thing, and that almost ruined her shot at making our list, but she was too attractive not to include.
47. Sienna Miller
Country: United States
Years Featured: 2003
Nsfw Link(s): 2003
Photographer: Bruce Weber
Unlike many of these models, whose IMDB entries list only "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" (we didn't realize that qualifies you as an actress), Sienna has played major roles in movies like Alfie and G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra.
46. Karen Alexander
Country: United States
Years Featured: 1994
Nsfw Link(s): 1994
Photographer: Herb Ritts
If we were to describe Karen Alexander in one word, we'd have to choose "elegant." She just exudes class, something every magazine wants on its cover. Alexander was one of the first 50 people on People's original list of most beautiful people. Here's a little knowledge she dropped: When she was pregnant, she described herself as feeling ugly and beastly up to that point in her life. With a baby on the way, she felt beautiful for the first time.
45. Noémie Lenoir
Country: France
Years Featured: 2001
Nsfw Link(s): 2001
Photographer: Mario Testino
Though she was in some not-so-great news a couple years ago, Noémie is a pure beauty that was, and still is, well deserving of her spot in the Pirelli calendar. She is also a big horse rider, and you know what Drake says about women who ride equestrian.
44. Sophia Loren
Country: Italy
Years Featured: 2007
Nsfw Link(s): 2007
Photographer: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin
Possibly one of the most amazing models on the list, Sophia was 71 years old when she posed in '07, and she still looks good. The illustrious actress was quoted as saying that she had never consider plastic surgery, which is extremely refreshing. Natural will forever be our preference.
43. Brittany Murphy
Country: United States
Years Featured: 2002
Nsfw Link(s): 2002, 2002 (2)
Photographer: Peter Lindbergh
Brittany Murphy was one of those girls who had a contagious smile and laugh. It's impossible to look at her smile and not be happy. Unfortunately, the actress known for her roles in Clueless, 8 Mile, and Uptown Girls passed away at age 32.
42. Inés Sastre
Country: Spain
Years Featured: 1997
Nsfw Link(s): 1997 (1), 1997 (2)
Photographer: Richard Avedon
It's funny to think that something as small as a fast food commercial can spark a career, but that was the case with Inés. It's also interesting that she refused a modeling contract with Elite at one point to finish her degree at the Sorbonne. In addition to modeling and acting, Inés is a UNICEF ambassador.
41. Angela Lindvall
Country: United States
Years Featured: 1999, 2001
Nsfw Link(s): 2001
Photographer: Herb Ritts, Mario Testino
Angela has separated herself from the modeling herd by founding The Collage Foundation, a non-profit meant to inform and help spread environmental awareness. In 2007, she helped run the first green fashion show at the Natural History Museum in New York.
40. Carolyn Murphy
Country: United States
Years Featured: 1998, 1999
Nsfw Link(s): 1998, 1999
Photographer: Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts
In 1999, Vogue named Murphy one of the "Models of the Millenium." We concur.
39. Iman Abdulmajid
Country: Somalia
Years Featured: 1985
Nsfw Link(s): 1985
Photographer: Norman Parkinson
When you've been called your native country's most famous export, it's safe to say that you are one of the hottest people ever. The Washington Post described Iman's impact as changing fashion into entertainment and models into personalities.
38. Heidi Klum
Country: Germany
Years Featured: 2003
Nsfw Link(s): 2003
Photographer: Bruce Weber
Heidi Klum has modeled, acted, written books, hosted shows, launched shoe collections, and been made into a superhero. She is easily one of the most famous models on this list. While that didn't make her shoot up the rankings, it does mean that you can play with a puzzle of her face.
37. Bridget Hall
Country: United States
Years Featured: 1999, 2003
Nsfw Link(s): 1999, 2003
Photographer: Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber
When you look at Bridget's IMDB, she is always the same character: herself. That should tell you something right there. Nobody wants her to act like anybody else, because she is great just the way she is. Apparently, she's a bit on the wild side considering she's tried 'shrooms, coke, and acid.
36. Karolina Kurkova
Country: Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic)
Years Featured: 2003, 2004, 2014
Nsfw Link(s): 2003
Photographer: Bruce Weber, Nick Knight
At 18 years old, Karolina was named "Model of the Year" at VH1/Vogue's Fashion Awards. In one of the strangest advertising moves for one of these models, Karolina gave Dell a major boost by becoming a spokesmodel for the computer company.
35. Aurélie Claudel
Country: France
Years Featured: 2001
Nsfw Link(s): 2001
Photographer: Mario Testino
Though Ricky Martin looks creepy in his "Private Emotion" video, you get to see Aurélie lookin' good under a sprinkler. Ricky's selection of women is a bit tainted, but we give him two thumbs up on his choice for that video.
34. Kiara Kabukuru
Country: Uganda
Years Featured: 1998
Nsfw Link(s): 1998
Photographer: Bruce Weber
Being a strong and self-sufficient woman is extremely attractive. Growing up in Uganda, Kiara was forced to develop a thick skin, dealing with civil unrest and an extended separation from her parents. A church in Los Angeles saved her, and she went on to become the face of CoverGirl.
33. Valentina Zelyaeva
Country: Russia
Years Featured: 2005
Nsfw Link(s): 2005 (1), 2005 (2), 2005 (3), 2005 (4)
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
Valentina started out a shy one before attending modeling school to learn how to work the cameras and wow the crowds. Now, she's sitting pretty on Forbes' money list, and has become one of the biggest models to ever come out of Russia.
32. Caroline Trentini
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2008
Nsfw Link(s): 2008
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
Caroline began modeling at the young age of 13. She has been seen in Vogue and in the Victoria's Secret fashion show.
31. Doutzen Kroes
Country: Netherlands
Years Featured: 2008
Nsfw Link(s): 2008 (1), 2008 (2)
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
Victoria's Secret has one thing right: This bombshell is definitely an angel. In 2010, Kroes was fifth on Forbes' model money list, and she has her killer curves to thank for it. Before she began modeling, her dream was to become a professional speed skater.
30. Elisa Sednaoui
Country: Italy
Years Featured: 2011
Nsfw Link(s): 2011
Photographer: Karl Lagerfeld
Elisa might grab your attention, but it's often for reasons other than the objects she is modeling. Elisa likes to keep things simple, preferring little makeup and no extravagant accessories. Ladies, take note.
29. Fernanda Tavares
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2001
Nsfw Link(s): 2001
Photographer: Mario Testino
Here's a question to ponder for even the most bashful people: If somebody wanted to pay you $1 million to pose nude, would you? That's what Fernanda did when fragrance company Guerlain came calling. She also takes a different view on fashion from an animal rights perspective, doing ads for PETA to help fight cruelty of animals.
28. Bianca Balti
Country: Italy
Years Featured: 2011
Nsfw Link(s): 2011 (1), 2011 (2)
Photographer: Karl Lagerfeld
In 2003, Elite Model Management rejected Bianca. We don't know what they were smoking that day, but company execs surely regretted that decision. Bianca has gone on to cover numerous magazines, pose for Playboy, and become the face of Missoni.
27. Natasha Poly
Country: Russia
Years Featured: 2011
Nsfw Link(s): 2011
Photographer: Karl Lagerfeld
Don't try to tell a model that she has it easy. Natasha did 250 shows over a span of two years before becoming a major spokesmodel for Calvin Klein.
26. Abbey Lee Kershaw
Country: Australia
Years Featured: 2010
Nsfw Link(s): 2010
Photographer: Terry Richardson
Oh, you thought athletes were the only peopel to work through injuries? During the Summer of 2009, Abbey reportedly fought through knee pain to finish her campaigns. When she returned home, she found out she had multiple torn ligaments and had to have them removed. In an interview with W Magazine, she revealed that her favorite place to shop is the Salvation Army, and her favorite body parts are...her hands! Sorry, Abbey, we'll agree to disagree on that one.
25. Michelle Buswell
Country: United States
Years Featured: 2005
Nsfw Link(s): 2005 (1), 2005 (2)
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
It's obvious to see why agencies from New York, London, Madrid, and Paris have all wanted Michelle to model for them. After playing flute in the high school band and studying nursing for two years in college, this Florida-born beauty was discovered while staying at a hotel where a modeling convention was taking place. Maybe everything really does happen for a reason.
24. Gisele Bundchen
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2001, 2006
Nsfw Link(s): 2001, 2006 (1), 2006 (2), 2006 (3)
Photographer: Mario Testino, Mert Alas, Marcus Piggot
No matter how much we make fun of Tom Brady, we all know deep down inside that we secretly want to be him. Mainly so we can go home to Gisele at the end of every day. Considering that she inked a $25 million contract with Victoria's Secret, making her the highest-paid model on the planet, Tom Brady might actually be the trophy wife model.
23. Kate Moss
Country: England
Years Featured: 1994, 2006, 2012
Nsfw Link(s): 1994, 2006, 2012
Photographer: Herb Ritts, Mert Alas, Marcus Piggot
Kate Moss is a vet in this Pirelli game, and in the modeling scene in general. She was discovered in 1988 and shot her first cover in 1990. She was once engaged to Johnny Depp, but that didn't work out. On her journey to becoming one of the highest-paid models in the world, she opened up her own shop in New York, and she continues to set the bar for opening and closing shows.
22. Monica Bellucci
Country: Italy
Years Featured: 1997
Nsfw Link(s): 1997
Photographer: Richard Avedon
Modeling started out as a way to pay law school bills for Monica. After she started to spend more time in the scene, she figured out that she could make a ton of money and see the world simply by being her gorgeous self. Soon enough, after doing campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and Revlon, she set her sights on acting. Still going full steam ahead today, she has appeared in the Matrix movies, Passion of the Christ (as Mary Magdalen), and Shoot 'em Up.
21. Shirley Mallmann
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 1999
Nsfw Link(s): 1997
Photographer: Herb Ritts
Yet another Brazilian. Shirley has appeared in more advertisements than we can count. She won E! Celebrity of the Year in 1999 and was featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue in 2001. She got her start working in a shoe factory until she was 18.
20. Navia Nguyen
Country: Vietnam
Years Featured: 1996
Nsfw Link(s): 1996
Photographer: Peter Lindbergh
Nguyen was the first Asian model to appear in Pirelli's calendar, and she made an enormous impact on the international modeling scene with her unique look. Simply spotted while walking in New York, Nguyen never planned on modeling, especially when she didn't see Asians as model material. Years later, she was named one of People's "50 Most Beautiful People."
19. Chandra North
Country: United States
Years Featured: 1999
Nsfw Link(s): 1999
Photographer: Herb Ritts
Chandra originally left her home in Texas to move to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a professional ballerina. When she saw an opportunity in modeling, she moved to Paris, but came back after a not-so-successful visit. Staying persistent, she finally hit the big time in Sports Illustrated and for Victoria's Secret.
18. Daria Werbowy
Country: Poland
Years Featured: 2011
Nsfw Link(s): 2011
Photographer: Karl Lagerfeld
Even after doing numerous shows, being on tons of magazine covers and advertising multiple products, Daria still describes the feeling of seeing herself as an out-of-body experience.
17. Bridget Moynahan
Country: United States
Years Featured: 2002
Nsfw Link(s): 2002
Photographer: Peter Lindbergh
We don't expect you to know Bridget from Sex and the City. Or from Coyote Ugly. So we'll remind you that she's Tom Brady's ex. As a kid, Bridget actually skipped drama to focus on soccer. But when you look like her, you're going to get noticed regardless of what you're doing.
16. Naomi Campbell
Country: England
Years Featured: 1987, 1995, 2005
Nsfw Link(s): 2005 (1), 2005 (2)
Photographer: Terence Donovan, Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier
Naomi is one of the best known people on this list. She has incredibly been modeling for more than 25 years, and hasn't lost a step (probably a shoe or two, though). She has appeared in music videos for Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., and Prince, to name a few. If there is some sort of modeling guidebook, Naomi's definitely written a major portion.
15. Yamila Díaz
Country: Argentina
Years Featured: 2003
Nsfw Link(s): 2003 (1), 2003 (2), 2003 (3)
Photographer: Bruce Weber
Saying so many of these girls are exotic gets old and cliche. But it's true! There's something about the women from South America that captures us in such a mesmerizing manner that we can't look away. Yamila was discovered while studying economics in Buenos Aires, and eventually went on to be the first South American spokesmodel for CoverGirl.
14. Cindy Crawford
Country: United States
Years Featured: 1994
Nsfw Link(s): 1994
Photographer: Herb Ritts
Many of these people model for other companies, but Cindy doesn't play that game. She's more than a model; she's a brand herself. Cindy has her own home line and her own style line with JCPenny. And she is a huge fitness advocate. Before she got into modeling, her first jobs included babysitting (commence daydreaming) and working in the Illinois cornfields.
13. Tatiana Zavialova
Country: Kazakhstan
Years Featured: 1997
Nsfw Link(s): 1997
Photographer: Richard Avedon
Yes, she's from Kazakhstan. We don't know for sure, but we doubt she knows Sacha Baron Cohen. Tatiana has modeled sunglasses, jeans, skincare, and just about everything else.
12. Marija Vujovic
Country: Montenegro
Years Featured: 2005
Nsfw Link(s): 2005 (1), 2005 (2)
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
Finally, somebody not born in Brazil or Italy. Despite becoming a talented pianist after seven years of lessons, Marija used a modeling contest at age 18 to vault her into a modeling contract. She found it a great honor to be chosen for the Pirelli calendar the same year as Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima.
11. Liliane Ferrarezi
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2005
Nsfw Link(s): 2005
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
All we need to say is that Liliane has won the Brazilian segment of the Supermodel of the World awards. Additionally, she might say: "Excuse me, I'm the Supermodel of the World winner. I'll take that G6 to New Zealand, then fly in a helicopter to the top of a mountain from there, be fed nothing but fresh food from a top chef everyday, and have top musicians hold release parties at my mansion. Thanks."
10. Ana Beatriz Barros
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2010
Nsfw Link(s): 2010 (1), 2010 (2), 2010 (3)
Photographer: Terry Richardson
We're kind of thinking that Sports Illustrated and Victoria's Secret might just want to build a new headquarters in Brazil. It doesn't make any sense to look anywhere else. The facts that Alessandra Ambrosio is Ana's best friend and she's worked with Jay-Z for Rocawear instantly give her major points. Not that she really needs any...
9. Miranda Kerr
Country: Australia
Years Featured: 2010, 2014
Nsfw Link(s): 2010 (1), 2010 (2), 2010 (3)
Photographer: Terry Richardson
There are different kinds of sexy, and Miranda Kerr has being sexy in a cute way on lock. Additionally, modeling was actually second to her schooling. She was first noticed back in 1997, but she finished high school and studied nutrition and health psychology at the Academy of Natural living before getting paid to take her clothes off. Born and raised in Australia, Kerr is now one of the biggest Victoria's Secret models. She is the founder of an organic skincare line and she has released a book, "Treasure Yourself."
8. Elsa Benítez
Country: Mexico
Years Featured: 1999
Nsfw Link(s): 1999
Photographer: Herb Ritts
It seems like this is the trend: Sports Illustrated to Marie Claire or Vogue to Victoria's Secret to Pirelli. Elsa got her start in Mexico before moving on to bigger things in the U.S. and Europe. One of her biggest achievements came in 2001, when she took over Sports Illustrated's swimsuit cover. No question she was in.
7. Penelope Cruz
Country: Spain
Years Featured: 2007
Nsfw Link(s): 2007 (1), 2007 (2), 2007 (3), 2007 (4)
Photographer: Inez van Lamsweerde, Vinoodh Matadin
Born to a merchant and a hairdresser, Cruz studied ballet and jazz before bursting onto the big screen. Cruz has won nine Goya Awards (Spanish Academy Awards). Most known for movies like Blow and Vanilla Sky, the sultry Spanish actress last ventured into the world of Pirates by joining Johnny Depp once again in the Disney series.
6. Gracie Carvalho
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2010
Nsfw Link(s): 2010
Photographer: Terry Richardson
Gracie is relatively new to the scene. She was born in 1990, so she started doing big things only in the past five years. New or not, she has made a big impact on the modeling scene, working with Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Allure, Elle, and Vogue. If you don't like what you see here, you better check yourself.
5. Jennifer Lopez
Country: United States
Years Featured: 2006
Nsfw Link(s): 2006 (1), 2006 (2)
Photographer: Mert Alas, Marcus Piggot
As you all know, Jennifer Lopez is most known for her awesome Fiat commercials. Wait, is that right? We think she sings too, so maybe you know her for that. J.Lo and her beautiful backside exploded after her singing career, giving her the opportunities to act and create her own fashion line. Even as she has gotten older, she's become more attractive.
4. Rosie Huntington Whiteley
Country: England
Years Featured: 2010
Nsfw Link(s): 2010 (1), 2010 (2)
Photographer: Terry Richardson
If you're a Complex follower, you already know how we feel about this woman.
3. Emanuela de Paula
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2009
Nsfw Link(s): 2009
Photographer: Peter Beard
Forbes estimated that Emanuela was earning $2.5 million a year BEFORE signing with Victoria's Secret.
2. Alessandra Ambrosio
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2003, 2014
Nsfw Link(s): 2003 (1), 2003 (2)
Photographer: Bruce Weber
Another Victoria's Secret model? How shocking! Ambrosio has been a spokeswoman for VS for more than 10 years and was the first to head the "Pink" line when it debuted in 1999. She has appeared in shows like Entourage, Gossip Girl, and How I Met Your Mother. She is also an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
1. Adriana Lima
Country: Brazil
Years Featured: 2005, 2013
Nsfw Link(s): 2005 (1), 2005 (2)
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier ('05)
There was absolutely no doubt in our minds who would be the top pick on our list. Adriana has it all: the body, the eyes, the exotic element. The "Voluptuous Virgin" keeps strict Christian values, and she waited for marriage for her first time. She has topped just about every list of beautiful people, and we had no problem following suit.