Mendes proud of too-sexy ad

US actress and style icon Eva Mendes says she couldn't be prouder of her controversial banned TV ad.

The stunning Hollywood star, who was in Sydney to launch the 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty event, has been causing a stir over her Calvin Klein perfume ads, which show a bit too much of her nipple for some.

"It makes me more proud," Mendes told a press conference at Sydney's Park Hyatt hotel today, referring to the ad ban.

The Ghost Rider star has done a number of nude shoots over the years, but said she's not worried it will overshadow her acting career.

"I'm sure if it was for some kind of independent brand that wasn't as iconic as Calvin Klein I don't think I would have done it because that's too much of a risk," Mendes said.

"But when its Calvin Klein and it's Steve Meisel shooting you and you get to be a part of this amazing iconic brand and their legacy you just kind of go for it."

The ad, which shows Mendes rolling around in a bed with a sheet wrapped around her, has been banned in the US, UK and Australia.

Mendes repeated her sentiments that she thought Americans were too uptight about nudity when they were happy enough to have so much violence in movies.

Wearing a black dress by Hong Kong designer John Rocha and sky high Yves Saint-Laurent patent purple heels, Mendes said she was delighted to be the ambassador for the festival, which will see a number of fashion and beauty events over the next month.

"I love my job," she said.

The smiling star appeared relaxed as she joked around with photographers and invited them to her photo shoot at Bondi Beach later in the week.

She praised Australians for being "easy-going" and said she loved Australian designers like Willow, Collette Dinnigan and Sass and Bide.

"I love comfort and ease. I think you Aussies are great at that," she said.

"I just love casual chic." Mendes also spoke about being a style icon but admitted she didn't like to shop and thought it was fine to wear a dress to an event twice.

"I hate to shop," she said.

"I like to walk by the store and have something catch my eye and then go in. But I don't like to do the whole hour long ... I'm not a girl girl in that way.

"I like organic shopping. I love it, I just made that up."

Mendes will hit the red carpet tomorrow night in Sydney for the launch party alongside models Lara Bingle and model Nikki Phillips and former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins.