International "100 Sexiest Women" Editions
The magazine FHM has been known for its annual publication of the "100 Sexiest Women" list since 1995, featuring famous women from around the world in various fields such as entertainment, sports, music, politics, and fashion.
Some international editions of FHM have opted to create their own localized versions of this list, highlighting regional celebrities and models while still maintaining the global allure of the franchise. This essay will explore the history of these "100 Sexiest Women" editions, including examples of successful campaigns and notable participants.
History of International "100 Sexiest Women" Editions
In 2006, FHM's Indian edition launched its first "Sexy Women" list, showcasing Bollywood actresses and TV personalities who were popular at the time. The inaugural winner was Kareena Kapoor, followed by Bipasha Basu, Preity Zinta, and others. Since then, the list has become an annual tradition, featuring both established stars and rising talents every year. In 2017, the top spot went to Malaika Arora Khan, while Deepika Padukone ranked second and Priyanka Chopra came in third. Other notable winners include Shilpa Shetty (2008), Mallika Sherawat (2007), and Sunny Leone (2013).
FHM's Spanish edition also released a "Sexy Women" list, with Penelope Cruz taking home the title in 2004. In subsequent years, the magazine featured celebrities like Salma Hayek, Sofia Vergara, and Adriana Lima. The Brazilian edition followed suit, naming Giselle Bundchen as their most beautiful woman in 2009. The Australian version opted for Miranda Kerr (2012) and Elle Macpherson (2015), while the British edition chose Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (2011) and Kate Upton (2012).
The American edition of FHM did not publish a "Sexiest Women" list until 2006, when it selected Jessica Alba as the winner.
The franchise quickly gained traction, with Jessica Simpson claiming victory in 2007 and Jennifer Lopez being named sexiest woman alive in 2011. Other popular choices included Scarlett Johansson (2008), Blake Lively (2010), and Emily Ratajkowski (2014).
Examples of Successful International "100 Sexiest Women" Editions
In addition to creating their own localized versions, some international editions have seen success with collaborations between multiple countries.
In 2009, FHM India partnered with its Indian counterparts to create an all-Indian "100 Sexiest" list that included actresses like Asin and Bipasha Basu alongside models like Malaika Arora Khan. Similarly, FHM Australia teamed up with New Zealand's Next magazine to produce a joint "Sexy Women" issue featuring stars from both countries. These crossovers demonstrate how regional variations can still appeal to global audiences by highlighting unique features of different cultures.
Notable Participants in International "100 Sexiest Women" Editions
The "100 Sexiest Women" campaign has been a resounding success for FHM's international branches. Not only did these lists attract attention from fans around the world, but they also helped promote local celebrities and raise awareness about emerging talent. Some notable participants include Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif (who ranked fifth on the Indian edition's 2015 list) and Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen (whose 2009 victory was celebrated internationally). Many other winners, such as Penelope Cruz and Adriana Lima, went on to become household names thanks to their appearances on this iconic list.
The "100 Sexiest Women" phenomenon is a testament to FHM's ability to adapt to diverse markets while maintaining its core brand identity. By showcasing regional celebrities and models, the magazine has proven itself capable of appealing to audiences across borders without sacrificing quality or relevance.