It’s here!! The Pirelli calendar–otherwise known as the classiest pin-up girly calendar ever has just released its 2012 edition. The artistic, highly coveted nude photo collection of some of the most beautiful women in the world is an annual tradition shot by world-renowned fashion photographers; Terry Richardson, Karl Lagerfeld, Richard Avedon, and Herb Ritts are among the high profile names who have had the privilege of shooting past editions of the calendar, while Sophia Loren, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Giselle Bündchen are just a few of the beauties who bared their bodies over its 39-year history.

This year Pirelli, a multinational Italian tire company, tapped fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti to be the first Italian to shoot the images. Sorrenti selected ex-girlfriend Kate Moss, Guinevere Can Seenus, Malgosia, Edita Vilkeviciute, Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Lara Stone, Rinko Kikuchi, Milla Jovovich, Margareth Made, and Joan Smalls to be his muses.  Sorrenti said, “I always thought about taking clothes off as a way of getting closer to the individual and the person, and of getting something that was more honest and pure.” And what about his high profile subjects? Sorrenti said of long-time friend Kate Moss, “Kate I’ve known for 20 years. I can’t do this without her.” Kate’s take was, “He loves the female form.” Yes. The most endearing commentary came from Lara Stone, who said of the shoot, “It’s not in-your-face sexy. It’s more innocent-sexy. Don’t know why they hired me!” She also said she’d like to do the calendar every year until she’s 75.

There are a total of 25 pictures that made it into the calendar, 18 black and white and seven in color. The calendar’s owner can choose who to feature every month–it’s an interactive calendar which allows you to switch the girls at will. Sadly, the calendar is not available on the retail market; it is only sent to the likes of Buckingham Palace, the Vatican (huh?), special clients, and a select few VIPs. Mere mortals who want a sneak peek of the naked 2012 Pirelli Calendar models can click on the images below to enlarge. We’ve got all 25 shots. Who would you feature for your birthday month?

Photos: Mario Sorrenti/Pirelli