2016 Pirelli Calendar Swaps Sexy Models For Inspiring Women

For years the Pirelli calendar had a formula — sexy models and actresses in glammed up looks, featuring provocative poses and come-hither stares. Last year, for example, the calendar featured supermodels and lots of skin with Alessandra Ambrosio, Helena Christensen, Karolina Kurkova, and Miranda Kerr. This year, Pirelli has gone a decidedly different route, choosing to collaborate with legendary portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz to feature shots of some of the world’s most inspiring women.

It’s a major departure for the Italian tire company and a branding move that aims to include and celebrate women. The women in this year’s calendar range in age and vocation, but most are successful pioneers. There is only one model in the mix. Writer Fran Lebowitz, comedian Amy Schumer, blogger Tavi Gevison, art world leader Agnes Gund, finance guru Mellody Hobson, Iranian artist Shirin Neshat, performance artist Yoko Ono, singer Patti Smith, and tennis star Serena Williams are a few of amazing women celebrated in this year’s calendar.

The actual calendar will go on sale November 30, but for now the company has released these behind the scenes photos of the shoot. Of the concept behind the calendar, Leibovitz had this to say: “I started to think about the roles that women play, women who have achieved something. I wanted to make a classic set of portraits. I thought that the women should look strong but natural and I decided to keep it a very simple exercise of shooting in the studio. This calendar is so completely different. It is a departure. The idea was not to have any pretense in these pictures and be very straightforward.”

Related:

Beyonce, Rihanna, and Chrissy Teigen Lead Victoria’s Secret 2015 #WhatIsSexy List

Model Throwback Photos in Honor of Fashion Week