Out of Africa

Although we are one month into the year I just came across these photos from the 2009 Pirelli Calendar. The calendar has an African theme and was shot in Botswana by famed photographer Peter Beard. Featured models include Isabeli Fontana, Malgosia Bela, Daria Werbowy and Mariacarla Boscano posing in front of the most beautiful backdrops in the world.

Calendar Girl

The Pirelli calendar produced by the Pirelli tire company's UK subsidiary has reached international stardom since its inception in 1964. The calendar cannot be bought or sold and is only available as a corporate gift to an exclusive group of VIPs.

For over forty years each Pirelli calendar is a collection of images celebrating feminine beauty and form. Every image captures glamour and fashion while dabbling in eroticism.

Appearance in the calendar is a mark of distinction amongst photographers and models. Pirelli has consistently commissioned the top photographers of the world including Harry Peccinotti, Arthur Elgort, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Peter Lindbergh, Bruce Weber, Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier. The models who have been chosen over the years include Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, Angela Lindvall, Frankie Rayder, Adriana Lima and Karolina Kurkova to name a few.