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The annual Pirelli calender has finally been unveiled, although a bit more modestly than in years before.

The 2008 calendar was dedicated to China with a “pearls of the Orient” theme and shot entirely in Shanghai.

The photos are meant to celebrate traditional Chinese beauty, but run into a bit of cultural confusion with some models styled with geisha-like white faces one might expect in Japan.

Photographer Patrick Demarchelier chose an East meets West summit of fashion’s hottest faces — Agyness Deyn, Coco Rochas, Doutzen Kroes, Gemma Ward, Sasha Pivovarova, Lily Donaldson, and Catherine McNeil plus models Mo Wan Dan, Du Juan and actress Maggie Cheung.

This year’s calendar has a lot less sex and much more of a fashion editorial feel than previous years. I’m not sure if that’s because it’s dedicated to China, a more modest society, or for some other reason, but I certainly miss the sexed up version.

If you’ve got your hands on a coveted Pirelli calendar, you are a very posh chick. The calendar is not for sale and is gifted to a select list of Pirelli’s VIP clients and associates.

The rest of us will just have to view the 2008 Pirelli calendar online.

Jessica Stam and Adrian Grenier at the charity: charity ball in NYC

Jessica Stam looked even more gorgeous than usual at the 2nd annual charity: charity ball in NYC. Adrian Grenier on the other hand…much as I love him, he could use a haircut and a shave.

You don’t even have to know anything about fashion to know these names: Iman, Naomi, Alek. But what about Wakeema?

In the oh so whitewashed world of high fashion, women of color stand out and few more than African-American model, Wakeema Hollis. Her bee-stung lips are instantly recognizable, even when a third of her face is covered by an oversized hat on the Marc by Marc Jacobs (S/S ‘08) runway.

Unfortunately, you don’t see her doing a lot of editorial work, but Wakeema recently appeared in this controversial Moschino ad (second from left) and during NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2008, she walked for Tracy Reese, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Aurelio Costarella, Lyn Devon and Yeohlee.

I love Wakeema’s slightly upturned eyes and the way she tends to look really young and doll-like even though she’s in her twenties. She has amazing skin and features that jump out at you. I could absolutely see her as the face of a cosmetics company.

[Yes, the post title is my lame attempt to bite Henry Holland’s cheeky, rhyming fashion t-shirts.]

Ethiopian model Gelila talks about how she cares for her thick, naturally curly hair (from the Ford Models Youtube channel). She’s an absolutely gorgeous African model and she has beautiful natural hair. Her accent is yummy too! I love it when models get to talk.

Previously — Color it Like Keyshia

Naomi Campbell must spend her free time sacrificing virgins because she still looks a thousand times better than most of the younger models out today. She looks ageless and radiates pure glam in the December 2007 issue of Vogue UK in a spread shot by Patrick Demarchelier.

In the shot above, she’s wearing the Christian Louboutin spectator bootie that is available at NAP and ripped off by Madden.