Cosmo magazine is planning an all bikini-issue and is set to go about it in the most obnoxious way possible, which means throwing around “branding opportunities.” Ugh. That’s our least favorite phrase when not referring to bedroom activities:

Cosmo is planning the mother of all bikini shoots that’ll expose more than just women’s bodies. The Hearst Magazines title plans to assemble 1,200 bathing beauties at Miami’s Nikki Beach April 18 and take an aerial shot of them spelling out “Cosmo” that will run as a four-page spread in the August issue. The magazine was inspired by a similar stunt by its Australian edition in 2007.

And you best believe they’ll be milking this whole stunt for everything it’s worth:

Old Navy and Nivea, also are getting plenty of exposure, through print ads, Cosmo’s Sirius radio show, online video and banners flown at the shoot. Old Navy will donate the bikinis while Nivea will sponsor a sweepstakes for a winning trip to Miami for the shoot and host Webisodes of the event on its Web site.

A reality television series and stage show based on the Cosmo cover are also currently in the works, starring Kim Kardashian, the entire cast of “The Hills,” Miley Cyrus and Flavor-Flav. Just kidding. For now.

Cosmo to Launch Bikini-Clad Issue [Media Week]