South African model and actress Thando Hopa has been rubbing shoulders with the crème de la crème of Tinseltown.

Over the weekend, Hopa attended the gala launch of the Pirelli Calendar 2018, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan Centre, New York.

For the occasion, Hopa picked a breathtaking gothic glamour creation designed by local couturier Gert-Johan Coetzee to make her look like the belle of the ball.

The intricate details on the black and gold corseted gown included a Swarovski crystal-embellished bodice and panelled mermaid skirt.

Hopa features in the star-studded 45th annual Pirelli Calendar alongside Hollywood A-listers such as veteran actress Whoopi Goldberg, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and rapper P Diddy.

Photographed in London by prolific lensman Tim Walker in May, Hopa appears alongside Goldberg in the calendar.

Walker was inspired by fantasy novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Hopa channels the Queen of Hearts, while Goldberg slips into character as The Duchess.

"I've always tried to do projects that present positive narratives for people who are under-represented, like me, and the calendar really managed this," Hopa said.

"Alice in Wonderland speaks of possibilities, and this interpretation said that Alice could be anybody..."