Eva Mendes Plays A (Super-Hot) Tinseltown Housewife

Posing for an editorial spread? Cakewalk — especially if you're bombshell Eva Mendes. That's why the star decided to challenge herself by creating a new character in her shoot for Violet Grey: a wealthy and eccentric socialite, caught in the midst of entertaining and spreading holiday cheer in Tinseltown.

According to the actress, it's always easier for her to get her mojo going, so to speak, when she's embodying a character — which is why Mendes created Dolores Carmen, a woman that "leaves platefuls of French macarons out for Santa" and "serves her eggnog straight and shaken, not stirred." Photographer Guy Aroch captures Mendes traipsing (and spreading tinsel) about the grounds of the Brody House, an iconic midcentury L.A. home, bedecked in colorful evening gowns and loads of faux eyelashes. The photo story ends with Mendes devilishly grinning amidst the spoils of what appears to have been the holiday party of the century, looking as fabulous as ever.

For the full photo spread (and more of the tale of Dolores Carmen), head over to Violet Grey. (Violet Grey)