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First it was the Women of Enron, and now Playboy's next corporate homage is to the coffee giant, Starbucks™. Their photo spread of barista babes is slated to hit the stands towards the end of this year, and will likely contain around a dozen photos of the coffee-brewing beauties.

Unfortunately, Starbucks™ is less than pleased with this honour. They have made it clear that they do not endorse this, and that no Starbucks™ logos or store locations are to be in any of the photos. In past corporate photo spreads, the company in question either agreed to the use of their name or the company was in no financial position to retaliate. Whether Starbucks™ will take legal action against Playboy is not yet known.

Other similar features have included the women of Enron, 7-11, the NY City Police Department, Hooters and WorldCom. These type of themed issues are very popular with Playboy readers.

Any female Starbucks™ employee over 18 years old may apply, by sending photographs and proof of Starbucks™ employment to Playboy. Applications are being accepted until April 1, 2003. Some baristas may be hesitant to apply, fearing that their jobs may be at stake.

Considering the application deadline (April 1st), some skeptics think that this may be an April Fool's Day hoax. I did find a press release on the Playboy website, so I don't think it is just a rumour.

For more on this story:

Playboy Looking for "Women of Starbucks™"

Starbucks™ Cool to Playboy's Plans to Bare its Baristas

Starbucks™ Says No to Playboy