PIRELLI’S 2020 WOKE CALENDER
Pirelli ditches the raunchy, near-naked women for 2020’s ‘woke’ edition
THE Pirelli calendar was once synonymous with scantily-clad women, sizzling photo shoots and topless models – but there is not a swimsuit or bare torso in sight in the brand’s most recent offering.
The 2020 calendar, part of which was unveiled yesterday, sees A-list stars including Emma Watson, Kristen Stewart and Claire Foy pose fully clothed – in everything from denim jackets to period costumes – as they each take on the role of Shakespeare’s Juliet.
It is of little surprise the spread, shot by celebrated fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, has already been dubbed the “wokest” Pirelli calendar to date.
The dramatic departure from the glamour shots of the 80s and 90s is a clear signal that Pirelli is determined to shed its racy image once and for all, following a string of similarly progressive calendars in recent years.
Certainly, there is no way that accusation could be levelled against this iteration, which features a diverse cast of actors, models and singers posing in brooding, artistic shots.
Gone are the skimpy bikinis, provocative posing and nudity – Kate Moss, Amy Schumer and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have all stripped off for previous Pirelli shoots – and in their place are women posing in denim jackets and ripped jeans.
The Crown’s Claire Foy even dons a grey knitted cardigan in one of the behind-thescenes shots.
Others are dressed in period costume but their hair and make-up makes them look more like bedraggled warriors than prettily made up dames waiting to be rescued.
The calendar was first released in 1964 and caused a stir when it featured full nudity for the first time nine years later.
After 10 years out of print due to financial constraints, Pirelli returned with a bang in 1984 – sultrier and sexier than ever.
The Italian tyre company first signalled it was changing direction with its 2017 calendars, announcing it was “ripping up the rule book” and giving the hotly-anticipated calendar a new feminist overhaul.
The spread featured Robin Wright, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Rampling, and Helen Mirren (then aged 50, 55, 70 and 71, respectively) and was hailed a triumph for its representation of older women.
This year, those featured are all in their twenties and thirties, but have made headlines for their outspoken views on social political issues.
The full line-up is includes: Emma Watson, 29, Foy, 35, Stewart, 29, Yara Shahidi, 19, Mia Goth, 26, Rosalia, 26, Indya Moore, 24, Chris Lee, 35, and Stella Roversi.
Speaking of being involved in the project, Watson revealed: “Paolo (Roversi) is someone I have always wanted to work with.
“His photos look like these unbelievable paintings. It’s lovely to have the narrative behind the image still.
“I think that makes it a richer image.” Stewart also enthused about the venture, expressing that she was a “huge advocate” of the character of Juliet because she was “a baller”.
Foy also seemed to share the same sentiments as her fellow calendar girls as she was seen looking stunning while posing with the photographer in a black and white snap.
In another image, Shahidi looks undeniably glamorous. | Daily Mail