What do you get when you have an Italian tyre manufacturer gather a group of scantily clad (if at all) petite beauties for a photo-shoot with the world’s leading fashion photographer? It’s quite simple really, you get the world famous (some would say infamous) Pirelli calendar!

Some might call it artistic, some might call it a publicity stunt, and some might even call it a gift, but the fact of the matter is that the Pirelli calendar is actually all of those things and more. From its birth 47 years ago, the Pirelli calendar has been considered one of most celebrated icons of corporate communication, which has helped the Pirelli logo (with the classic long P) achieve very nearly the same level of recognition as the Ferrari prancing horse or the Coke bottle.

Appearances on the calendar are a mark of distinction for the (clearly photogenic) models that are selected – not to mention the photographers commissioned to produce the images used. Some of the most famous supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Heidi Klum have been featured in the calendar, which primarily celebrates feminine beauty.

This year, the artistic theme drew inspiration from the Greek Gods and their mythology. The calendar features 50 year old American actress, Julianne Moore, who poses as Hera – the Greek goddess of marriage. Women are, as ever, the essence of the calendar, but for the first time ever, the calendar also features the much less delicate dimensions of a male model.

Nevertheless, to make you lust that little bit more, there’s an Indian-twist to this year’s edition too. Bengaluru based Indian model, Lakshmi Menon, is also featured in the calendar. With her perfectly dusky skin shining bright, this 28 year old model has become the first Indian face in the renowned Pirelli Calendar.

But, wait a minute! If you’re planning on buying the Pirelli Calendar, you’re most likely out of luck because the calendar is also famous for its limited availability – you see, it’s not for sale, but only handed out as corporate gifts to a restricted number of important Pirelli clients, and of course celebrity VIPs.