Pirelli has released its 2017 Calendar, created by noted photographer Peter Lindbergh. For 2017, Lindbergh has chosen the title "Emotional" in order to emphasise how the idea behind his photos was "to create a calendar not around perfect bodies, but on sensitivity and emotion, stripping down to the very soul of the sitters, who thus become more nude than naked."
"In a time when women are represented in the media and everywhere else, as ambassadors of perfection and youth, I thought it was important to remind everyone that there is a different beauty, more real and truthful and not manipulated by commercial or any other interests, a beauty which speaks about individuality, courage to be yourself and your own private sensibility..." Lindbergh explained.
In order to convey his idea of natural beauty and femininity, Lindbergh has portrayed 14 internationally renowned actresses: Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Helen Mirren, Julianne Moore, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlotte Rampling, Lea Seydoux, Uma Thurman, Alicia Vikander, Kate Winslet, Robin Wright and Zhang Ziyi. He has also included Anastasia Ignatova, professor of Political Theory at MGIMO - Moscow State University of International Relations.
"My aim was to portray women in a different way," Lindbergh said, "and I did it by calling in actresses who've played an important role in my life, getting as close as possible to them to take my photos. As an artist, I feel I'm responsible for freeing women from the idea of eternal youth and perfection. The ideal of perfect beauty promoted by society is something that simply can't be attained."
The photos were taken between May and June of this year in five different locations: Berlin, Los Angeles, New York, London and the beach at Le Touquet in France. The result is a calendar consisting of 40 images - with portraits and environments - made not just in the studio, but also in a number of city corners and open-air sets.