Monica Bellucci, thou art more lovely than any other late-'90s-early-2000s Euro babe. Let us count the ways: the ultimate bella figura, our generation's answer to Sophia Loren, and a living, breathing, Caravaggio painting made flesh (in a D&G fishtail dress, of course). A woman who could make a napkin look like couture obviously has our unending devotion, which is why we've devoted an entire slideshow to her. Born in 1964 in Umbria, Italy, Bellucci began her career as a model in 1988 when she moved to Milan and signed with Elite. She's been name-checked in men's mags' hottest-women-in-the-world polls more than we can count, and she made history as the oldest Bond girl ever (which is ludicrous, but kudos) in last year's James Bond hit Spectre with Daniel Craig.
Our favorite Monica period, however, has to be 1996 to 2006. Why? Well, she met Vincent Cassel, on the set of their 1996 film The Apartment. They wed in 1999, starred in Irreversible in 2002, and became the globe's sexiest couple to have united, ever. Granted, they've since divorced. But let's not dwell on what we cannot change.
And though time has passed, Monica's goddess-in-Prada style is just as fawned over as ever. Ahead, find our insufficient, but very heartfelt, ode to all things Bellucci.
1985
Monica giving us both life and '80s-supermodel intensity. That off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline deserves its own Tumblr account.
1985
Black tailoring. 'Nuff said.
1997
When your caught-off-guard face shines brighter than a mega-watt diamond choker.
1999
Underwear as outerwear and diamonds you could swing from. More is more.
2000
Us in a corset = Wannabe Kardashian. Monica in a corset = Queen of the universe.
2000
A tuxedo never looked better.
2000
This is what a global sex symbol wears to a party in the year 2000: a lace body stocking.
1999
Channeling Claudia Cardinale in a dental-floss strapped slip dress. Our favorite Monica moment.
2000
Moussey waves? Check. See through cardigan and camisole? Check. Choker? Check. Y2K nailed? Check.
2001
Red. Alert.
2003
In her signature leopard print and an Elizabethan drop pearl choker.
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