Joy To The World: Joan Smalls Is Our New Girl Crush

For those who think the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition doesn't quite cut it, last night's launch of Pirelli's 2012 calendar, shot by Mario Sorrenti, delivered all the scantily clad, soaking wet, or just plain nude models required for an elevated bikini browsing session. Of course, the females in question weren't actually in their skivvies during the gala at NYC's Park Avenue Armory — but guests like Julianne Moore (who also served as Master of Ceremonies), Adrien Brody, and Scott Campbell did get to stare at bare breasts via a specially produced video, over a dinner of perfect rare beef filet and coffee-drizzled chocolate flan.

Don't worry, though, there were models aplenty at the event: fully clothed calendar gals like Natasha Poly, Isabeli Fontana, and Malgosia Bela came out to support Sorrenti. Our top super, though, had to be Joan Smalls, who dazzled the flashbulbs in a satin, ivory Givenchy dress and holiday-party-appropriate sparkly gold Wilfredo Rosado earrings. A nude lip, smoky cat eyes, Swiss Army Knife-sharp cheekbones, and a side braid we're dying to try provided the perfect complements, and Smalls looked almost more crushable dressed up as she did undressed. Down in the men's room, we overheard one non-SI reading gentleman (who shall remain nameless) claiming he had to escape for a "quick grab." Hate to be crass, but we think we know why...or rather, who.

And one more closeup on the next page, just 'cuz we can...