It's an almost sixty-year-old tradition at Pirelli.
The Milan-based tire company unveiled its new edition of the calendar at a launch party in Milan on November 16.
This year's theme, "
Love letters to the Muse
", was imagined by Australian photographer Emma Summerton, only the fifth woman to be entrusted with the direction of the famous calendar.
In the spotlight for the twelve months of 2023: a dreamlike and colorful universe, between heroic fantasy and medieval inspiration.
Definitely surreal.
An iconic calendar
Originally, printed in only 12,000 copies, "The Cal" served as a small annual gift for employees, relatives of the company and some celebrities.
But, over the years, this calendar, which in the 1980s and 1990s had a highly sexualized, often provocative aesthetic, has become iconic, and has taken on a more conscious, narrative-centric approach.
Full screen
Emma Summerton and Marco Tronchetti Provera, Managing Director of Pirelli, attend the presentation of the Pirelli 2023 calendar in Milan.
(November 16, 2022) Abaca
Twelve artist muses
This year, the story is built around the concept of the muse, which the renowned photographer has chosen to reinvest, paying homage to women who inspire her.
"The word had been overused and the muse was seen as not having control, as an object, so I was reluctant to use it," she said in the columns of
W
magazine .
Then the artist changed his mind.
She immersed herself in Greek mythology, during stays on the island of Hydra, and discovered an ancient definition of the muse as being the artist herself and not simply a source of inspiration.
In video, some images of the Pirelli 2020 calendar
Thus, a creative aspect of each of the mannequins of the calendar is brought to light.
For example, Emily Ratajkowski is “the Writer”, on the June page;
Cara Delevingne is “the Performer” for the month of July;
Precious Lee, “The Storyteller” in October, Karlie Kloss is the “Savante”, etc.
The top models, who were given the chance to celebrate their own talents, felt comfortable and strong on set.
“We feel that we are going to be taken care of,” said Ashley Graham, whose “activist” facet was highlighted.
Photos which of course remain sensual, but which also emanate creativity and strength.