Jessica Alba attends the Campari Club, 2009 Campari Calendar launch. Image by Venturelli/WireImage. Courtesy of Image.net

A mixture of incredible beauty–both external and internal–determinedness, talent and refreshing umbleness, Jessica Alba is a rarity within the Hollywood celebrity clique. She rose to fame through her role in the television series, Dark Angel, and has appeared in numerous films since then, from Honey to Fantastic Four. Although she has assiduously cultivated her passion for acting since the age of 5, getting to where she is today was certainly no simple feat. Indeed, during her childhood, this young damsel was afflicted by numerous health problems, having suffered everything from pneumonia to a tonsillar cyst, yet she never let this get in the way of her dreams. And for this alone, she has earned our greatest respect, because she has demonstrated that no matter how hard you have to work, and no matter how many setbacks you may suffer, dreams are to be pursued with passion.

She was in Milan earlier this week for the launch of Campari’s 2009 Club Calendar, held at the Museo della Permanente. Braving the icy temperatures, guests–that included Donatella Versace and Alessandro Dell’Acqua–mingled and admired Jessica’s fabulous calendar images (shot by none other than photographer Mario Testino), all whilst sipping on Campari cocktails. Only 9,999 copies of this limited edition calendar have been created and has become a highly sought-after collectible, with past editions having featured Eva Mendez and Salma Hayek.

Chic Today caught up with Jessica and asked her a few questions about the Campari experience…

Campari was created in Novara, Italy over 150 years ago. What part of Italy do you adore?Why?

I have been to Italy quite a few times. I love Rome and Florence for history, art, sculptures, and architecture. Shopping in Milan is amazing, Tuscany is breathtaking, so I think Italy is one of the better countries in the world- if not arguably the best.

Famed photographer Mario Testino–whose snapshots are akin to works of art–has collaborated on this edition of the Campari Calendar. How did you find the experience of working with him?

It was the first time I’ve ever worked with Mario and it was such a pleasure: he’s amazing! He makes you look like you can only imagine in your wildest dreams, he makes that a reality! I am a huge fan of his work. I have followed him for as long as I have been into fashion, which is since I was probably 12: he makes all women look iconic.

What aspect of Campari’s vision do you most emphatize with and why?

Red Passion…Everything that I do I’m deeply passionate about, from the jobs that I do, the characters that I play, I do a thousand presents, I try to be focused so that I can be spontaneous, give myself parameters to do everything to the core. My life and my work interchange, it’s all me.

Campari is often used to make sorbets. What dessert can’t you live without?

I don’t have a favourite dessert but I love cooking.