While George Clooney and new girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis just went public last September at the Venice Film Festival, the Italian bombshell Canalis is now taking things to an even higher level of exposure in the new Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2010 Underwear campaign.

"For my underwear collection I was inspired by a real woman, with appeal, charisma and sensuality," Cavalli said in a statement. "Elisabetta Canalis and I have been friends for a while now, we have already worked together in the past and so I was sure she was just perfect for enhancing the spirit of this advertising campaign... and I was not wrong!"

"Her Mediterranean beauty and intense appeal interpret an intriguing super-feminine woman...the result is amazing!" he added.

"Amazing" in no small part because of her newfound fame-by-association, we're sure.

In any case, after seeing some behind-the-scenes shots of the Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott-photographed campaign, we can hardly argue with Cavalli on Canalis' seductive powers.

The 31-year-old model/actress who just started co-hosting the Italian version of "TRL," is shown lounging in an uber-luxe setting (think gilded mirrors, thick baroque upholstery and red velvet) in a saucy leopard-print bra-and-panty set paired with dark and dramatic hair and eye makeup.

It's no wonder the model was also happy with the results.

"The Cavalli brand has always been synonymous with the made in Italy excellence and known all over the world," Canalis said in a statement. "I am proud to represent it in this campaign, shot by two of the world's greatest photographers, Mert & Marcus."

What do you think of the new Cavalli Underwear ads: is Clooney's leading lady the best model for the job or is it a well-timed publicity stunt? Leave a comment!

And in other underwear campaign news, see which "Twilight" hottie will be dropping trou.