Karina Smirnoff Playboy Pictorial "Unforgettable," Gushes Hef

Karina Smirnoff says her reason for posing in Playboy was to test her limits.

We're not too sure what that means, but Hugh Hefner's reason was simpler:

She's hot as hell and has a huge following on Dancing With the Stars.

Hugh's eighty freaking five and still a playa.

"I think it's obvious," Hef told People at his 85th birthday party Saturday. "She has a very good following from the show and the pictorial is unforgettable."

The Playboy founder, who still plans on marrying Crystal Harris this summer, wasn't at the shoot but has seen the spread, which incorporates Karina's dancing.

"It's a beautiful shoot and I'm very proud of it," said Hefner, who adds that Karina is perfect because "Sexy is the comfortable feeling of being who you are."

[Photos: WENN.com]