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.