Model Bar Rafaeli Visits the Jersey Shore in Risque' Fashion Shoot

It's taken me a while to warm up to the idea that Israeli model, Bar Rafaeli, is now and has been, for a few years, actually, actor Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend. Leo, as you may know, was involved with another model, Brazilian stunner, Gisele Bundchen, for many years before they broke up. Gisele went on to marry New England Patriots' quarterback, Tom Brady and recently gave birth to their first child, Benjamin. Leo went on to Bar.

Much like his relationship with Gisele, Leo and Bar have been on and off for a number of years. Most recently, however, they've been very much on, though you will be hard pressed to get either of them to talk about the relationship.

As models go, I've always felt that no one could compare to the drop dead gorgeous Gisele Bundchen. She was Victoria Secret's highest paid model for many years and if you've ever had the privilege of seeing Gisele strut her stuff down the catwalk, there would be no doubt in your mind as to why. Her beauty is captivating and she only seems to become more stunning and more beautiful as she ages.

But, as I've gotten used to the idea that Leo and Gisele are no more and that Leo and Bar absolutely are, I've decided that Bar Rafaeli is also quite beautiful herself. Curvy and voluptuous, in the real sense of the word, I would highly recommend that the emaciated, stick figures of the high fashion world take a tip from Bar Rafaeli and have a few good meals. Real, womanly curves never looked so good.

As one might expect, Bar Rafaeli is catching on quickly in the fashion world. She was the first fashion model whose image graced the side of an airplane. In 2009, Southwest Airlines featured several shots of the lovely Bar on the side of several of their jets, not long after she also landed the coveted and highly prestigious front cover of Sports Illustrated 2009 Swim Suit Edition.

Though I'm sure her relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio didn't hurt her career, it's very clear by looking at any photographs of Bar Rafaeli why she is now at the top of her game in the fashion model world.

Which is why I was deeply disappointed when I saw the photos from a recent shoot she did with the stars from the hit reality show, Jersey Shore. Dressed only in a skimpy bathing suit that is barely there in all the right places and a pair of you-know-what-me heels, Bar Rafaeli sizzles. As most photo shoots go, it was sex, sex and more sex and well, Bar certainly delivers as the photos here clearly demonstrate.

But, it was the photo of Bar on one end of a several feet long sandwich that was being held by one of the guys from Jersey Shore near his crotch, with his pants unzipped and opened, that not only shocked me, but deeply disappointed me as well. The message was glaringly obvious as Bar was bent down in a coy and sexually suggestive position, mouthing the sandwich, while the other bare-chested men looked on lustfully.

Okay, so call me old. Call me out of touch. But, the photo was degrading and so sleazy, that in my view, it would not have been out of place as the cover art on a cheap, hard-core porn DVD. The only things missing were a few whips and chains and perhaps a French maid outfit.

As one who has aged right along with Madonna you would think that I would be beyond the capacity to be shocked, offended or even mildly dismayed at such displays of raw sexuality. But, the photo was so explicit and frankly, so demeaning, that it not only cheapened Bar Rafaeli, but lowered her to the level of the Jenna Jameson's of the world.

At this juncture in her career, I would expect that Bar Rafaeli is calling her own shots. And yes, I know that to look at her is to see her sex appeal and I completely understand why the fashion industry and those who are managing her career are cashing in while Bar is still young, taut and very much the object of every man's fantasy.

But, I would think that somewhere along the line that someone who cares about Bar, I don't know, like, Leonardo maybe? Would step in and tell her that she is better than that and doesn't need that kind of sleazy exposure - pardon the pun.

In a world where women are still very much oppressed by men and in some countries, even blamed for earthquake activity, one would think that Bar Rafaeli would consider the larger implications and suggestions of such photographs and choose to elevate herself instead.

Not to mention that so many beautiful women before her, such as former 80's supermodels Carol Alt and Christie Brinkley, both well into their fifties and never more gorgeous, would have never stooped so low - again, pardon the pun.

But, maybe Bar Rafaeli knows exactly what she is doing and selling herself as a sex object is perfectly fine by her. She is still quite young in her twenties and will likely have a very long, successful and lucrative career.

I just found it incredibly disappointing from a woman who clearly has more opportunities for success at her disposal than most, when just a wee bit of class and even the tiniest bit of self-respect would have been much more attractive if you ask me.

Sources: Bar Rafaeli.com
Popeater.com
Gisele Bundchen.com
NFL.com
The Huffington Post
Sports Illustrated
Just Jared