I’m always excited when I get the chance to shoot a Playmate editorial for Playboy. For those who aren’t familiar, a Playmate is a model selected each month to grace the iconic Playboy centerfold, chosen for their stunning beauty, personality, and charm. It’s one of the most prestigious titles in the modeling world, with many Playmates going on to achieve incredible success. Beyond the monthly selections, some countries hold special competitions to choose which Playmate will be crowned Playmate of the Year (PMOY)—a recognition of the most impactful and popular Playmate from the previous year. The title is one of the most celebrated honors in the Playboy universe, often bringing exclusive prizes and media opportunities. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing some amazing women who’ve earned the PMOY title, and this is my tribute to those incredible icons!

March 16, 2025
– Ana Dias

Natalia Andreeva

Playmate of the Year 2016 | Playboy Russia

Three years after being named Playmate of the Year by Playboy Russia, Natalia Andreeva stepped in front of my camera, and it was pure magic. I’ve worked with many extraordinary women, but that shoot remains one of my favorites. Natalia’s beauty, confidence, and vibrant spirit made it clear why she was the perfect choice for that title.

In 2016, the breathtaking Natalia Andreeva was named Playmate of the Year in Playboy Russia, marking her reign.

Playmate Natalia Andreeva pictured with Vlad Kovleisky, editor-in-chief of Playboy Russia magazine, and Lucky Lee, head of the Golden Girls club. They were the first to congratulate her, gifting her the iconic bunny-head statuette.

All eyes were on Natalia, the undeniable star of the show.

With a smile of triumph, Natalia Andreeva celebrates her Playmate of the Year 2016 award, a title she claimed after facing other worthy candidates.

One of the highlights of being Playmate of the Year in Russia was appearing in the Zhiguli Barnoe calendar, a joint project with Playboy Russia and the beer brand. Here’s a glimpse of the November shot, where Natalia Andreeva is lying on a bed, writing in a notebook—an artistic blend of drawing and photography created by photographer Roman Gorchakov and artist Yaroslav Myturych.

Adel Vakula

Playmate of the Year 2018 | Playboy Ukraine

I met Adel Vakula in Los Angeles back in 2019 during a Playboy shoot in the Hollywood Hills, and from the very start, she was an absolute force. Charismatic, effortlessly elegant, and with a fantastic sense of humor, she brought an incredible energy to the set.
One shot from that day will always stand out—Adel, topless and confident, rocking boxing gloves as she walked beneath the iconic Hollywood sign. It’s easily one of the most unforgettable photos I’ve ever taken. I even have it framed at home! And to top it all off, she had already made history as Playboy Ukraine’s Playmate of the Year in 2018, a title that perfectly matches her legendary presence.

Elegance and beauty personified, Adel Vakula was crowned Playmate of the Year 2018 by Playboy Ukraine.

Playmate Adel Vakula with Vlad Ivanenko, the editor-in-chief of Playboy Ukraine, together at her PMOY 2018 celebration. Credit: Vladimir Anufriev / Best People Club

At the Playmate of the Year ceremony party, the bunny girls were a must!

One of the perks of being Playmate of the Year is appearing on the Playboy cover. Here’s the cover celebrating Adel Vakula.

Stella Tianna Stemann

Playmate of the Year 2020 | Playboy Germany

Stella Tiana Stegmann’s Playmate of the Year story is unique. She was crowned PMOY 2020 by Playboy Germany during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, so there was no big party or official ceremony. I had the honor of shooting her for the special PMOY cover, which was incredibly meaningful as it was the first PMOY cover I ever photographed. We shot in the stunning landscapes of Tulum, Mexico, and from the very start, working with Stella was pure joy. Her energy is magnetic, her smile absolutely radiant.  For four days, we laughed, created, and for a moment, forgot about the chaos of the world.

Stella Tiana Stegmann radiant with her PMOY 2020 trophy.

Stella Stegman on the cover of Playboy Germany, celebrating her Playmate of the Year title. Photographed by Ana Dias.

Miki Hamano, Yoli Lara, Teela LaRoux

Playmates of the Year 2020 | Playboy USA

In 2020, Playboy USA made history by selecting not just one, but 12 Playmates of the Year! Out of these remarkable women, I had the privilege of photographing three of them: Miki Hamano, Yoli Lara, and Teela LaRoux.
Miki Hamano, my Miss March 2019, is the kind of beauty you can’t look away from. A Japanese model with an air of mystery, she’s naturally soft-spoken, but the second she steps in front of the camera, she transforms. Powerful, striking, unforgettable. We shot her Playmate editorial in a stylish Malibu villa with an ‘80s-inspired, retro-cool vibe that fit her perfectly.
Yoli Lara, my Miss June 2019, was all about energy and connection. Shooting in her hometown of Puerto Rico made the experience even more special. From the first moment, we clicked – her charisma is infectious, and her exotic beauty speaks for itself.
Then there’s Teela LaRoux, my Miss July 2019. This striking American model embodies rebellion and confidence with an effortless cool factor. For her Playmate shoot, we took to a rooftop in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, an iconic setting that felt like it was made for her. She owned it completely, as if the entire city was hers.

Playboy USA’s Playmates of the Year for 2020: Abigail O’Neill, Fo Porter, Hilda Dias Pimentel, Megan Moore, Yoli Lara, Miki Hamano, Sophie O’Neill, Vendela, Gillian Chan, Teela LaRoux, Geena Rocero, and Jordy Murray. Photo by Ali Mitton.

Playmates Teela LaRoux and Yolimar Lara share a moment in this Polaroid by Chloe Chippendale.

Miki Hamano brings the iconic Playboy Bunny imagery to life in this Ali Mitton photograph.

Spring 2020 Playboy cover honors the iconic June 1971 issue with the Playmates of the Year 2020. Shot by Ali Mitton, with Polaroid photography by Chloe Chippendale.

Among the 12 Playmates of the Year, Ana Dias photographed 3: Miki Hamano (Miss March 2019), Yoli Lara (Miss June 2019), and Teela LaRoux (Miss July 2019). Polaroids by Chloe Chippendale.

Julia Römmelt

Playmate of the Year 2021 | Playboy Germany

Shooting Julia Römmelt for her Miss December 2020 feature in Playboy Germany was an absolute pleasure. The Alentejo coast in Portugal gave us the perfect setting, with the iconic Ilha do Pessegueiro adding to the dreamy, hippie-chic vibe of the shoot. Julia wasn’t just stunning, her smile, kindness, and effortless charm made her truly memorable. She captured hearts across Germany, leaving no doubt that she was the ideal choice for PMOY 2021 at Playboy Germany.

Julia Römmelt celebrating her title as Playmate of the Year 2021 at Playboy Germany.

The touching moment when Playboy Germany’s editor-in-chief, Florian Boitin, presents Julia with the Playmate of the Year award.

From left to right: Gitta Saxx (crowned Playmate of the Year in 1989 and Playmate of the Century in 2000, by German Playboy), Julia Römmelt (Playmate of the Year 2021), Matthias Killing (Moderator), Florian Boitin (Editor-in-Chief of German Playboy), and Stella Stegmann (Playmate of the Year 2020) at the PMOY 2021 ceremony.

Julia Römmelt’s Playboy PMOY cover, photographed by Irene Schaur.

Milena Milyaeva

Playmate of the Year 2023 | Playboy Germany

I shot the beautiful Milena Milyaeva when she was just 19 years old, in a romantic setting with a view of the iconic Seville Cathedral in Spain. This Ukrainian beauty melted hearts with her irresistible sweetness, and thanks to this shoot, she earned the title of Miss May 2022 for Playboy Germany. Her charm went on to win over everyone, and she was crowned Playmate of the Year in 2023.

Milena Milyaeva, Playboy Germany’s Playmate of the Year 2023, holding her Golden Bunny trophy with pride. Credit: Nicolaj. Koraus.

Milena Milyaeva, radiating on her big night, outshining the sparkling Casino Baden-Baden. Credit: Nicolaj Koraus.

Milena with host Alexander Mazza (left) and Playboy editor-in-chief Florian Boitin on stage. Credit: Nicolaj Koraus.

Otto Wulferding, Managing Director of Spielbanken Baden-Württemberg, Kouneli Publishing Director Myriam Karsch, Playmate of the Year 2023 Milena Milyaeva, and Playboy Editor-in-Chief Florian Boitin (left to right) moments after the award presentation. Credit: BrauerPhotos / G.Nitschke.

Milena Milyaeva, Playmate of the Year 2023, with Playboy bunnies Thanni Hoang and Patrizia Dinkel. Credit: Brauerphotos / G. Nitschke.

The winner of the Playmate of the Year Award in Playboy Germany is presented with a 26-centimeter tall, 2.2-kilogram bronze statue. Credit: Brauerphotos / G. Nitschke.

Shining like a diamond on the cover celebrating her title, Milena, photographed by Sacha Höchstetter.

Other Pmoy

Playmate of the Year 2015 and Playmate of the Year 2020 | Playboy USA

Although I didn’t get the chance to photograph these incredible Playmates of the Year, I was lucky enough to meet two other Playboy USA Playmates of the Year in person: Dani Mathers (Playmate of the Month in May 2014 and Playmate of the Year in 2015) and Geena Rocero (Playmate in August 2019 and Playmate of the Year in 2020).
I met Dani Mathers in the most unexpected place: the Playboy office restroom! It was June 2015, at a Playboy party in Los Angeles celebrating Pride Month, and suddenly, there she was. I couldn’t believe I was face-to-face with my very first Playmate of the Year! I was so excited (and a little shy), but I couldn’t resist asking for a photo right there. It was such a random, fun moment! She was super sweet, and later at the party, I even got to chat with her for a bit and have her sign my magazine.
With Geena Rocero, things were a little different. By the time we met in August 2023, I had already photographed several Playmates for the U.S. edition, so I wasn’t a total stranger to the Playboy world. We had been talking on Instagram, and when she told me she was coming to Portugal, we made plans to meet up in Cascais. And wow, she’s such a warm and inspiring person. Plus, she made history as Playboy’s first transgender Playmate of the Year, and her presence is just as powerful as her legacy.
Honestly? I wouldn’t have minded being the one to photograph these stunning women!

Photographer Ana Dias with Playmate of the Year 2015 Dani Mathers—captured in a spontaneous moment inside the Playboy office restroom, in Los Angeles.

Ana Dias with Playmate of the Year 2019, Geena Rocero, in Cascais during her first visit to Portugal in 2023.

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TAGS

Playboy, Natalia Andreeva, Adel Vakula, Stella Stegmann, Miki Hamano, Yolimar Lara, Teela LaRoux, Julia Römmelt, Milena Milyaeva