A move in the right direction for sure, but still too much sexuality in my opinion, and why Annie Leibowitz? Her perspective is getting a bit stale. There are so many talented female photographers who should be tapped....let's get some variety please. Best shot: tavi.
2
Oh please! Giselle Bundchen is a not just a fashion icon but a true model for any aspiring entrepreneur but was not included while Yoko Ono is nothing more than a talentless hanger-on to her late husband's legacy. And Annie herself? What a great role model for the smokers of this world. This is pure dreck.
4
"go back to sexy girls who are too young to have accomplished anything.”
Missing the point I think. Or overthinking the visuals. Can't be any reason to ignore/avoid the beauty of ANY female form, young or old. Get real.
Missing the point I think. Or overthinking the visuals. Can't be any reason to ignore/avoid the beauty of ANY female form, young or old. Get real.
1
If this was the 1970's, 1980's, or maybe 1990's this could have been a noteworthy item; however, given the plethora of exotic pornographic material currently available to guys over the past 15 years via the internet, ogling a calendar is not something that I am sure a guy misses. So it is an interesting commentary that this calendar and other forgone magazines like Playboy have given up (you judge based upon your opinion if it was good/bad I won't judge), I think that men have voted with their "hands" for something else. For those that applaud, just understand the unintended consequence will be guys "in secret" will just seek out the harder stuff earlier and faster .... Sad I know ... but do some research about the state of sexual relationships (on the hetero-side), and you will see that to not have these problems either means the other partner isn't aware of it, or you are one of the 5-15% of the far/extreme religious right ....
2
Disappointed to see the photo of Natalia Vodianova above the fold in the print edition of Thursday Styles. The triptych online is more representative of the calendar and the debate.
1
This calendar has received so much press in the last week, but the only innovative idea about it, to this reader, is that the women are clothed. There is nothing innovative or inspiring about more elaborately staged Annie Leibovitz photographs of the rich and famous. Michael Stokes photos of nude disabled vets would signal a cultural shift. More of the same from Annie Leibovitz is just a yawn.
3
I prefer calendars of dogs, seriously. Maybe I am weird but I wouldn't subject my wife to the Pirelli calendar, or the Makita calendar in her own house or in our garage. It seems that, as her husband I should at least show my own wife some respect. And I say that admitting that I am no angel when it comes to looking at women. But I have never had a cheesecake calendar, although her co workers have told me that she has had at least one sexy fireman calendar at work so maybe I am just weird, or dumb.
I think this is an example of burying the lead. The Pirelli calendar is throwing a Hail Mary in an attempt to be remotely relevant and the NYT readers are lapping it up. No hot rodding guys are going to buy this calendar, or even read this article. The purpose of these calendars, besides the idea of using them for obvious perverted reasons, is to bring a little bit of fantasy into a dreary work room or shop. How is a photo of Agnes Gund going to do that for the typical shop monkey?
It isn't. Other tire brands are eating Pirelli's lunch and this is a last ditch effort to remain relevant.
I think this is an example of burying the lead. The Pirelli calendar is throwing a Hail Mary in an attempt to be remotely relevant and the NYT readers are lapping it up. No hot rodding guys are going to buy this calendar, or even read this article. The purpose of these calendars, besides the idea of using them for obvious perverted reasons, is to bring a little bit of fantasy into a dreary work room or shop. How is a photo of Agnes Gund going to do that for the typical shop monkey?
It isn't. Other tire brands are eating Pirelli's lunch and this is a last ditch effort to remain relevant.
1
Pirelli is an international company, based in Milan, right? So why so many Americans in this calendar? And why the 'usual suspects'? Patti Smith? Amy Schumer? Please. Why not someone like Malala Yousafzai or other women who are making a real difference in the world, and not coated by the cult of celebrity?
1
The so-called flexion point has nothing to do with a change in attitude, and everything to do with the fact that nudity and porn are endlessly available at the click of a mouse.
1
"Flexion point" in the objectification of women?! Give me a break. Porn is king on the internet. These days, legions of objectifiers simply don't need old-school objectification like calendars and nudey mags -- society has given them a much more advanced menu of objectification.
1
Hi, for such a well thought out article, Ms Friedman seems to have omitted the most obvious. Pirelli is now owned by ChemChina, a Chinese State Owned Enterprise. China, whatever its myriad problems may be, is a country where women are treated with more respect than in Italy, and where gender equality is is at a better level for sure. Women are also a lot safer on any Chinese street in any state of dress than they are in Italy! Chinese values of inner beauty cannot be ignored either... As I cannot imagine a Chinese State Owned Enterprise being associated with a nude calendar, i would suggest the writer to not totally discount this avenue...
Beautiful images across the board...I was in a state of shock and awe. Thank you for providing something so profound.
1
Just as I expected, all the usual friends and celebs previously photographed by Annie, plus a few Asian and Black women.
But where are the beautiful LATINA women? If it's celebs and the easily identifiable, where is Rita Moreno, still as beautiful in her 80s. Or Raquel Welch and writer Isabel Allende and designer Carolina Herrera in their 70s, or Salma Hayek at 59, or Jennifer Lopez in her early 50s?
If this Calendar signal a cultural shift then why not a few Latina representatives of the largest minority population in the US?
This is certainly not PC. And with all the Latina/o bashing going on, it would have set a righteous example.
Viva la mujer latina! Viva las mujeres!
But where are the beautiful LATINA women? If it's celebs and the easily identifiable, where is Rita Moreno, still as beautiful in her 80s. Or Raquel Welch and writer Isabel Allende and designer Carolina Herrera in their 70s, or Salma Hayek at 59, or Jennifer Lopez in her early 50s?
If this Calendar signal a cultural shift then why not a few Latina representatives of the largest minority population in the US?
This is certainly not PC. And with all the Latina/o bashing going on, it would have set a righteous example.
Viva la mujer latina! Viva las mujeres!
3
I'm wondering who is the target audience for this? Other women? Don't get me wrong I understand that each one of these women has achieved probably a lot of things (although some of them I've never heard of but whatever) but I mean, come on, I get the inner beauty-thing and all but with some exceptions these are simply not attractive people and not much to look at so why would I want to have them on my wall? And this has absolutely nothing to do with gender, I also wouldn't want to look at Hitchcock or Einstein or Zuckerberg (just to name a few unattractive men who have achieved a lot) every day for an entire month.
3
If I want to appreciate a woman who is a great writer, I read her writing; a great athlete, I watch her game; a woman who is a great artist, I look at her art; a woman for her physical beauty, I look at the Pirelli calendar, but apparently no more. They are really missing the point. To equate acknowledgement of physical attractiveness and beauty with misogyny is absurd.
8
If people want portraits of notable people, there are plenty of them and they are covered often in the media. Serena Williams? How many times has she already been photographed for mass media?
Pirelli of course can do whatever they want for their calendar, but it's hardly groundbreaking to have the rich, powerful, and famous put up on pedestals.
In retort to comments stating other photos celebrating physical beauty are misogynist, to me that's just more sour grapes. Somehow, when men look at a beautiful woman it's objectifying, but when women do the reverse it's empowering. It's neither. It's nature.
Pirelli of course can do whatever they want for their calendar, but it's hardly groundbreaking to have the rich, powerful, and famous put up on pedestals.
In retort to comments stating other photos celebrating physical beauty are misogynist, to me that's just more sour grapes. Somehow, when men look at a beautiful woman it's objectifying, but when women do the reverse it's empowering. It's neither. It's nature.
4
I haven't been this excited about a promotional effort since Ben & Jerry's ice cream put on each container that they donated "1% for peace".
1
Really like my Pirelli tires.You can keep you calendar.
1
It's an interesting change, although I have never looked at a Pirelli calendar. I don't see anything on the walls of my local auto repair business except information about their products and services, pricing lists, and awards. Almost all (but not all) of the employees are male, and they always treat me with utmost respect.
3
"A white, able-bodied cis-gendered woman being naked is just not revolutionary anymore."
If it's not revolutionary anymore, why did you hide their breasts and buttocks, and still only conservatively show the other parts of their body?
If it's not revolutionary anymore, why did you hide their breasts and buttocks, and still only conservatively show the other parts of their body?
3
There seems to be a sort of forced resentment towards young and attractive women recently(Especially if they are white). I think it's a shame that people are not happy with the natural beauty of the female figure and think it necessary to push the idea that clothed(older/larger/unattractive)women are any better.
This is not to say that there is no place for such thing, however trying to actively REPLACE by insulting such an art form seems to be quite despicable and holds a certain irony.
Change is good, but do not claim that what you are doing is any better.
This is not to say that there is no place for such thing, however trying to actively REPLACE by insulting such an art form seems to be quite despicable and holds a certain irony.
Change is good, but do not claim that what you are doing is any better.
2
Patty Smith, a giant in the work of rock and roll, gender fem politics aside, she has the credibility to carry anything. The rest, more of we hate XYs, maybe there is already enough angry, XXs? Maybe?
2
In Camus's last, unfinished book, The First Man, he observes that we favor beautiful people because their beauty helps make the world more bearable. For that reason, any number of companies can publish any number of politically correct calendars, and be praised by the politically correct readers of the NYT, but beautiful women will still be prized.
5
I am completely mesmerized by Serena Williams' body. I don't think I've ever seen anything so powerfully beautiful.
2
The best Billboard I've ever seen was a photo of Carl Lewis, wearing red silk running shorts and singlet, skin oiled and gleaming, muscles taut and bulging, coiled to burst from his starting blocks, wearing stiletto heals. The caption, in Italian: "Power without control is nothing. Pirelli" . It was sensual, sexual, confounding and about much more than tires.
2
I see the art in some of these... and love some of it...but was it too much to have Serina stand on a canvas that covered 2 feet of the floor in a pose that didnt make that statuesque woman look like a male weight lifter? The lighting was great. It just isnt flattering to the model.. and why not be that if you are praising her olympian athleticism?
1
"Women are superb brand ambassadors."
Geez. I thought this was about women's accomplishments?
Geez. I thought this was about women's accomplishments?
3
Is the cultural shift that people will never use calendars again or just never use Pirelli calendars?
2
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the comments here bemoaning "feminists" and "PC police" for crushing any and all "celebrations of beauty." there are many different kinds of beauty, people can be beautiful even with clothes on, intelligence and accomplishment can be beautiful, people who are not thin white blonde tanned bikini-clad D-cups with windswept hair can be beautiful. there are plenty of other places for that, if you're looking for it. there's nothing wrong with celebrating a less-often appreciated form of beauty. I say FINALLY.
3
So excited about this! Every time some new media content is unveiled that empowers girls and women, I get the incredible opportunity to show it to the middle-school girls in our MEDIAGIRLS program, and go into depth with them about how it helps shape the way our culture values girls and women. I long for the day when images of sexy, airbrushed, "perfect" women look lame and dated. I do believe we are heading in the right direction!
1
While I think the subjects and style of the calendar this year are excellent, I do not believe that the calendar should be limited in any way. The item itself is only given away (and unfortunately I do not qualify) to the "movers and shakers" of this world, so it's perfectly alright to have any subject matter for any year. And Annie is the perfect person to be able to choose her own subject matter.
I remember seeing the photos for some of the earlier ones, where the tread patterns of some Pirelli tyres played a part in the photographs (sometimes as tyre marks, sometimes as clothing patterns, etc). I don't believe there's ever been a male, or even a mixed, version of the calendar - and as sales is not an issue...well, you get the picture.
Roll on Pirelli and do not let the tradition die!
I remember seeing the photos for some of the earlier ones, where the tread patterns of some Pirelli tyres played a part in the photographs (sometimes as tyre marks, sometimes as clothing patterns, etc). I don't believe there's ever been a male, or even a mixed, version of the calendar - and as sales is not an issue...well, you get the picture.
Roll on Pirelli and do not let the tradition die!
1
Really Tavi? What has she done? That's a joke. It's an insult to the other ladies who have really contributed to womenhood. If you wanted you someone young how about Malala?
3
I've never thought of the Pirelli Calendar as a shallow, gratuitous skin show. It's been a celebration of modern life shaped by the automobile. I salute the accomplishments of the women featured, and indeed the beauty and strength of character which is too long unheralded in the women of our world. But where are the tire marks? The Pirelli Calendar is for motorists.
So for the most part they have just substituted a different type of scantily clad woman in advertising - Smith,Lebowitz, and maybe one more being exceptions. A dubious form of progress. An obvious comparison is how this would be absurd if similar men were featured like this.
2
Madness. No one should prefer to see old wrinkled persons,
dressed or undressed, to young and beautiful naked women.
Another example of a perverse and culturally bankrupt culture.
I'm a 73 years old heterosexual Latin American male.
dressed or undressed, to young and beautiful naked women.
Another example of a perverse and culturally bankrupt culture.
I'm a 73 years old heterosexual Latin American male.
4
Ditto. I found the images repulsive, and found this yet another example of the "Communism's 45 goals to destroy the United States" #23.Control art critics and directors of art museums. " Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." Jan. 10, 1963, Congressman Albert S. Herlong Jr. of Florida read a list of 45 Communist goals into the Congressional Record. The list was derived from researcher Cleon Skousen’s book “The Naked Communist.” I am a heterosexual female, and I am under 50 years of age.
1
You know we've made great strides in this world, when the PC Police are able to right the wrongs of the infamous Pirelli Calendar.
1
For all of you folks out there who are getting hot and bothered about a calendar that you aren't ever going to see unless you happen to be on the Pirelli short-list take a chill pill. This is genius marketing. The only thing better would be if the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition featured cats in bikinis instead of super models. Trust me that's an issue that would fly off the shelves.
8
I don't like it much. Mostly Its just smug old women, who can't crack a smile. Maybe Pirelli wants to sell tires to old women? She should photograph some beautiful athletic women
5
Great to see it, whether it's a one-off or not. And for those people who said the photographs are boring--you just have boring eyes in your heads. Good luck to you.
5
The irony of all the whining comments about the new "PC" Pirelli calendar are by people who have likely never seen and certainly have never owned a Pirelli calendar. But the sophomoric pushback on one very minor attempt to show women differently in a positive way is depressing.
10
What a silly idea. If I want to be reminded of the accomplishments of smart people, I'll look at their accomplishments. I wouldn't want a calendar with Mel Brooks on it. He's a funny man, but his visage doesn't engender admiration. Now if you want to put on some of his jokes or some of the dialog he has written, I'll go for that. I don't want to look at Plato or Mozart. I'll read what Plato wrote or listen to what Mozart composed.
5
In today's world, the only people buying Playboy for the pictures are those without an Internet connection. The ubiquity of porn on the Web, for every orientation and fetish, has made the relatively artistic, tame photos published in these publication seem quaint and passe. So they've reacted by moving "upmarket", treating their subjects with depth and nuance.
Ironic, isn't it?
Ironic, isn't it?
1
This is one of the most depressing articles I have ever read.
3
I especially want to see Fran Lebowitz naked. She is also a comedian. Now THAT would be humorous.
4
This is not politically correct, I know, but I prefer looking at half-naked ladies as opposed to accomplished cultural, sports, business, etc., people.
5
Seriously, who even hangs up a paper calendar anymore?
3
I think it's old people.
To those objecting that somehow people are protesting about celebrating that is not so. What has happened is that there has always been written and unwritten rules about who is beautiful and therefore who will be included to sell magazines, products, etc. In essence the historical narrow interpretation of beauty excluded and marginalized many who did not live up to that interpretation.
In case we forget beauty is in the eye of the beholder so I applaud Ms. Lebowitz for broadening that interpretation and being brave enough to showcase the many facets of beauty.
In case we forget beauty is in the eye of the beholder so I applaud Ms. Lebowitz for broadening that interpretation and being brave enough to showcase the many facets of beauty.
1
It appears that the photographer chose her friends for subjects. Fran Lebowitz, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Amy Schumer and others are already "over exposed" so we don't need to see them without clothes - or at all. This calendar says little about women in the world.
16
I am unable to see the point in this. The Pirelli calendar always has been a very tasteful celebration of the most beautiful women in the world.
All the women who are now shown in the calendar stand out of society, but for other very good reasons than their looks. And it is great to celebrate their success. But it is as pointless showing their success and their story through pictures as it would be to have an interview with one of the women who stand out of society for their good looks. If you take away the medium of photography from the people who are a delight to look at and give it to the ones standing out for their brilliant minds, the former will lose their medium of expression and the latter will be the only ones in public focus. How boring would a society without a mind for aesthetics be.
So let one group be in public for their intellectual brilliance and the other for their great looks.
All the women who are now shown in the calendar stand out of society, but for other very good reasons than their looks. And it is great to celebrate their success. But it is as pointless showing their success and their story through pictures as it would be to have an interview with one of the women who stand out of society for their good looks. If you take away the medium of photography from the people who are a delight to look at and give it to the ones standing out for their brilliant minds, the former will lose their medium of expression and the latter will be the only ones in public focus. How boring would a society without a mind for aesthetics be.
So let one group be in public for their intellectual brilliance and the other for their great looks.
5
It's disappointing but unsurprising to see that Tavi Gevinson has jumped on the bandwagon and throws around psuedo-academic jargon currently in vogue that is used so carelessly. "White, able-bodied, cis-gendered" is apparently the worst thing anyone can be these days. I guess I should be thankful she didn't throw "privilege" somewhere in there.
12
Aren't all of the women in the calendar "cis-gendered"?
BTW: I consider the use of the term "cis-gendered" to be a micro-aggression against me as a woman.
BTW: I consider the use of the term "cis-gendered" to be a micro-aggression against me as a woman.
4
Who uses a calendar anymore? Hey, I do!
3
Not sure about others, but this feminist is not happy with the implication that mature, successful women cannot be appreciated naked. If they truly wanted to make a statement, they could have photographed all these remarkable woman (tastefully) in the nude.
4
Why can they NOT be appreciated clothed? Why does nudity = appreciation whereas clothed = prudery? Why must women disrobe to have their beauty appreciated?
No, really, why?
Because I can't think of a reason.
I'm a very liberal feminist millennial and find it so baffling that there are so many who cannot seem to grasp that beauty can be appreciated with clothes on just as much without clothes.
Why is it so important to see their bodies in a state of undress in order to know their beauty?
I can mostly certainly see their beauty.
No, really, why?
Because I can't think of a reason.
I'm a very liberal feminist millennial and find it so baffling that there are so many who cannot seem to grasp that beauty can be appreciated with clothes on just as much without clothes.
Why is it so important to see their bodies in a state of undress in order to know their beauty?
I can mostly certainly see their beauty.
1
Thank God for Amy Schumer!
7
Along with Playboy’s decision in October to end nudity in its pages, the Pirelli pivot seems to give real substance to the theory that we are at a flexion point in the public objectification of female sexuality.
--------------------
You must not have checked out the internet lately. The Pirelli calendar is now getting more publicity proving yet again that dog bites man is not news but man bites dog is, and Playboy's decision was based on the fact that they can't sell what you can get for free.
--------------------
You must not have checked out the internet lately. The Pirelli calendar is now getting more publicity proving yet again that dog bites man is not news but man bites dog is, and Playboy's decision was based on the fact that they can't sell what you can get for free.
2
It's still exploitation of women...
1
Indeed. Women should be covered at all times and never photographed or celebrated.
3
They are using the woman to sell tires ...
I have no problem with women being celebrated and/or nude.
Not sure about others, but this feminist is not happy with the implication that mature, successful women cannot be appreciated naked. If they truly wanted to make a statement, they could have photographed all these remarkable woman (tastefully) in the nude.
I have no problem with women being celebrated and/or nude.
Not sure about others, but this feminist is not happy with the implication that mature, successful women cannot be appreciated naked. If they truly wanted to make a statement, they could have photographed all these remarkable woman (tastefully) in the nude.
Calvin Klein uses half-naked men to sell underwear...
2
While the list of accomplished women included in the calendar is heavily weighted towards the arts and entertainment industries, this is an obvious change from the Pirelli Calendars of yore. I particularly appreciated young Tavi Gevinson's interpretation, "“A white, able-bodied cis-gendered woman being naked is just not revolutionary anymore,” she said. “I don’t think anyone is going to be like, ‘Damn, I wanted those naked chicks.’”" (Hmmm... I don't know about that Ms. Gevinson.) In the end, however, she brings up an interesting point. In producing the calendar, Pirelli's goal has always been to attract attention to itself. Apparently, photographs of lithe, naked women no longer reliably produce that outcome. It's interesting how the younger generation interprets events that many not as young women are quick to view as progress. Is this calendar a milestone? Is Pirelli celebrating women or trying to figure out a way to continue to celebrate itself?
2
Good idea, disjointed result. The only photo I'd want to look at for a full month is the one of Fran Lebowitz. I had to look up who Amy Schumer is. How does an intellectual and a naked comedienne belong in the same grouping - in any medium? The image of Yoko Ono is embarrassing. Three of the women are naked anyway, and one is right at the top of the article perpetuating the old myth. As others have said, the calendar is still all women and the whole thing is a gimmick.
15
@Ron: you're obviously a fan, and that's your right. But you need to accept that Amy Schumer can also be seen as an unfunny comedian/actress into easy, falsely irreverent humor, and whose celebrity can be explained by the exposure her daddy's girl status has provided her. "Trainwreck" is pretty much anything than proof she qualifies as an intellectual (it takes more than your liking her to make her an intellectual).
And if you think she's attractive, then I guess there's fetishes for everyone.
And if you think she's attractive, then I guess there's fetishes for everyone.
1
Amy Schumer is also related to your senator Chuck Schumer, and has collaborated with him on gun control legislation. Just because you don't know who she is doesn't make her any less important. I don't know who a lot of the women in the calendar are but I still appreciate the photography.
@Chris; Well, it sure sounds like you're the expert! Thank you for pointing out that I have a fetish because I find her attractive, and apparently my sense of humor is suspect as well since I find her very funny. Discussing her intellect is moot since we have no way of nailing down a definitive result. However, I do appreciate you taking the time to point out my personal shortcomings. lol
1
I hope they didn't spend too much time on this.
8
Once again, New York Times promoting "artist" that exclude 17% of the U.S. population, Hispanics, and a population that spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually in the U.S.
1
Or... we are all being played
The calendar had increasingly become irrelevant...
A re-boot with women of a certain age and stature would certainly tickle the fancy of a number of august media outlets.
I am just disappointed the Grey Lady was not invited to pose.
Next year... a double dose of young 'empowered' hotties...
...you know - "back to sexy girls who are too young to have accomplished anything.”
The calendar had increasingly become irrelevant...
A re-boot with women of a certain age and stature would certainly tickle the fancy of a number of august media outlets.
I am just disappointed the Grey Lady was not invited to pose.
Next year... a double dose of young 'empowered' hotties...
...you know - "back to sexy girls who are too young to have accomplished anything.”
2
Why are people complicating a calendar meant to celebrate achievement? It's just a calendar. And they are just women. Really accomplished and impressive women.
4
The idea that portraying a group of women with little emphasis on their bodies and more on their substance, will somehow lead to the death knell of the cult of female beauty is absurd. Beautiful women, have always been, are and will always be valued for their looks. Underneath this absurd calendar is nothing but boredom of the satiated Western mind, which, after having feverishly consumed millions of naked women it has put over the Internet, seeks to expiate itself by publishing pictures of largely lonely single women. This calendar is forerunner of the dysfunctional world in which all things which are liked by normal men are reflexively discouraged and all things female are elevated beyond criticism. Men! Despair! Your time is up!
7
I agree with Rahul to a point. But I think the problem is not that "all things female are elevated beyond criticism.": I am a woman and I dislike this calendar too but for different reasons. To me it's a cult of political correctness that has stamped out a lot of what's healthy and natural, including the appreciation of physical beauty, male and female.
3
"pictures of largely lonely single women."
So, Rahul, you know these twelve women well enough to know that most of them are lonely? Or you just automatically assume that any woman who is not in an intimate relationship with a man must be lonely?
So, Rahul, you know these twelve women well enough to know that most of them are lonely? Or you just automatically assume that any woman who is not in an intimate relationship with a man must be lonely?
5
Wow. Am I the only one who finds Amy Schumer's picture just incredibly beautiful? I've never been a fan of hers, but I am really struck by the look, the face, the pose - just amazing.
4
No, you're not the only one.
2
Not the only one, but it is a small club. I'm sure her latte is intended to convey... something.
I thought she looked so beautiful. I'll be showing that picture to my husband tonight. I'm pretty sure he'll be bowled over. She's so real!
Nokian tires, best snow tires I have ever owned, and I did share it with more than 20 friends in my Zumba class. And yes, with male friends as well. Not Pirelli.
But the calendar should have had these women with functional tires referenced somehow because all of them are high functioning and with much more nuanced elegance. Compare them to the Nokian advertising online.
But the calendar should have had these women with functional tires referenced somehow because all of them are high functioning and with much more nuanced elegance. Compare them to the Nokian advertising online.
These are nice shots, but why would I want to purchase a calendar full of random celebrities?
1
If you had read the article, you would know that you can't purchase it. It's given to only 20,000 selected VIPs every year. It's a status thing for famous people.
Loved the concept of this calendar and the portraits of all the women featured. Best of all, December "pin-up girl" Amy Schumer provides the perfect punchline.
3
I have never seen a photo or a commercial starring Serena Williams where she was not airbrushed, staged, whatever. This photo is no exception. Her butt and thighs are much larger than depicted. The only place Serena's image is not adjusted is on the tennis court where her immense butt and thighs are on full display. As far as Annie Leibovitz, Pirelli must be hoping to sell a lot of tires in NYC and San Francisco, the only places a photo like that will play.
3
I generally turn to the NYT Picks comments first as they are usually the most enlightened on either side of any debate that may occur.
Not this time.
There was a recurring theme that this calendar demonstrates that activists or feminists or w/e are eradicating beauty from society. One even said this calendar demonstrates a close-mindedness on beauty.
This calendar does quite the opposite.
When did nudity become the standard bearer of celebrating beauty & beautiful women?
Who is close minded? The people who think beauty comes from naked and/or scantily clad women or those who see beauty in all forms, especially when women are still dressed?
This calendar displays something many have forgotten in this overly-sexualized, female-objectifying world:
Beauty comes in all forms, in all manner of dress (or undress).
This calendar demonstrates that for many unless they can look upon a woman without her clothes, then what's the point of photographing these women?
The point is to show that women have power, very real power, without having to succumb to the whims and needs of the male (and sometimes female) gaze. We are seen without your approval of every curve.
We are powerful beyond measure and because of such you no longer just get access to our naked beauty.
You get access to the beauty we want to show you and that is just as beautiful, if not more so, than us without clothes.
Not this time.
There was a recurring theme that this calendar demonstrates that activists or feminists or w/e are eradicating beauty from society. One even said this calendar demonstrates a close-mindedness on beauty.
This calendar does quite the opposite.
When did nudity become the standard bearer of celebrating beauty & beautiful women?
Who is close minded? The people who think beauty comes from naked and/or scantily clad women or those who see beauty in all forms, especially when women are still dressed?
This calendar displays something many have forgotten in this overly-sexualized, female-objectifying world:
Beauty comes in all forms, in all manner of dress (or undress).
This calendar demonstrates that for many unless they can look upon a woman without her clothes, then what's the point of photographing these women?
The point is to show that women have power, very real power, without having to succumb to the whims and needs of the male (and sometimes female) gaze. We are seen without your approval of every curve.
We are powerful beyond measure and because of such you no longer just get access to our naked beauty.
You get access to the beauty we want to show you and that is just as beautiful, if not more so, than us without clothes.
6
If only people would get as worked up about climate change or the refugee crisis as the do about women with (most of) their clothes on! Beauty is an accident of birth. A woman's accomplishments are her own creation.
5
Coco Chanel said something like that at a certain age a woman has the face that she deserves. There are many mature women who were not born pretty but through the strength of their character developed incredibly beautiful faces as well as bodies. Many film stars do not have perfect features but their beauty comes from their personalities. Meryl Streep has a long nose and a flat face but she is radiantly beautiful, body mind and spirit. With today's growing emphasis on natural health, there are many women who take care of their bodies as well as their minds. There are many gorgeous women around who transcend the tired old Barbie Doll/Playmate plastic styles which adorned calendars for years. This Pirelli calendar was right to abandon those but it didn't get it quite right. Maybe next year they'll show some real beauties, inside and out?
2
I have see better photograph taken by students at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Ms. Leibovitz just try to do things different but most of the time not exactly better.
3
After reading the article and many of the comments (which ranged from appreciative to critical to demeaning), I'm working through some complicated feelings of my own.
The garage is one of the last bastions of blue collar male dominion, and here in Texas that can extend to used auto dealerships sporting advertising such as "We like big headlights and nice curves." (I'm not kidding. That's a direct quote.) The muscle car connotes masculine power, which is one reason we've traditionally seen scantily-clad, nubile young women straddling motorcycles and sprawled across the hoods of hot rods. And yes, I have seen such a calendar recently in a local independent garage.
But this calendar isn't sent to the average Joe Mechanic -- it's exclusive to the 20,000 wealthy, connected, and desirable consumers Pirelli is courting. What I find simultaneously heartening and frustrating is that this shift suggests two things: Women are becoming more powerful and worthy of Pirelli's attention, and that we're still being objectified as consumers.
I don't know what statement Pirelli is actually making here, but my cynical side says to follow the money.
The garage is one of the last bastions of blue collar male dominion, and here in Texas that can extend to used auto dealerships sporting advertising such as "We like big headlights and nice curves." (I'm not kidding. That's a direct quote.) The muscle car connotes masculine power, which is one reason we've traditionally seen scantily-clad, nubile young women straddling motorcycles and sprawled across the hoods of hot rods. And yes, I have seen such a calendar recently in a local independent garage.
But this calendar isn't sent to the average Joe Mechanic -- it's exclusive to the 20,000 wealthy, connected, and desirable consumers Pirelli is courting. What I find simultaneously heartening and frustrating is that this shift suggests two things: Women are becoming more powerful and worthy of Pirelli's attention, and that we're still being objectified as consumers.
I don't know what statement Pirelli is actually making here, but my cynical side says to follow the money.
3
Haha, a very nice break from climate chaos, Titanic planet, terrorism (both domestic and other), congressional and corporate thuggery ~ thank you, I really did enjoy this, but don't have a clue what it portends or if it's a breakthrough or not. I hope so. I like to buy gift calendars on subjects that someone will enjoy, printed in the USA on recycled paper and printed with soy based ink...very hard to find...
2
Wow, it is amazing how many commenters completely missed the point of this article, and of the Pirelli calendar for that matter. The calendar did not spring from the ground fully formed. It is not naturally occurring organic matter. It was created by men to be given to other men who are exclusively wealthy and privileged as a statement that they are entitled to all the spoils in life - and that naked young women are among their rewards. It was not sold to the common man; it was only given to the privileged few. How could it not be seen as objects of their entitlement?
This new calendar is not a statement that it's no longer ok to like naked women (nor, frankly, does anyone give a rat's behind what you like to look at). It probably won't last and it probably is just a statement, but that statement is powerful. The privileged few are no longer just men who like to look at naked girls - there are an awful lot of powerful women out there and Pirelli needs to get on board with that. And as a corollary, maybe women are more than just pretty faces now. When this calendar first came out you can bet that there were plenty of men in the industry who did not view women as peers. It's pretty nice to see a huge tire company take invite us to gander at a bunch of really powerful women, whatever their motivation.
This new calendar is not a statement that it's no longer ok to like naked women (nor, frankly, does anyone give a rat's behind what you like to look at). It probably won't last and it probably is just a statement, but that statement is powerful. The privileged few are no longer just men who like to look at naked girls - there are an awful lot of powerful women out there and Pirelli needs to get on board with that. And as a corollary, maybe women are more than just pretty faces now. When this calendar first came out you can bet that there were plenty of men in the industry who did not view women as peers. It's pretty nice to see a huge tire company take invite us to gander at a bunch of really powerful women, whatever their motivation.
62
If so many people are missing the point, perhaps the point is not nearly as strong as you think it to be.
2
Yoko Ono? Not famous for for her own work but for her association with a man. She doesn't belong in this group.
10
Excuse me? Research her art and you will see. She met Lennon
because he came to one of HER shows and was impressed.
because he came to one of HER shows and was impressed.
4
As a product guy, I look at this and say "Where's the tie-in?" What's the message here -- that Pirelli Tires are old, worn out and boring?
As a long-time aficianado of the Pirelli calendar, I must mourn the passing of yet another cultural icon. I long for the days when beautiful women were celebrated, not castigated.
As a long-time aficianado of the Pirelli calendar, I must mourn the passing of yet another cultural icon. I long for the days when beautiful women were celebrated, not castigated.
5
Some...most?...women like being appreciated for their God given qualities in a respectful, tasteful manner. Most...all?...men like appreciating women in any way that women find acceptable. It's been that way since the beginning of time and there's nothing the LGBT/Feminist community can do to stop it. Stop pushing your misery on everyone else and come join the party!
4
"God given qualities"? In a world with photo-shop most if not all the pics you see are photo-shopped. NO ONE is that perfect, so putting the clothes back on the women gives us other things to think of other than their naked bodies, especially when they have women who are there for their accomplishments and not there photo shopped bodies. Its the 21st Century, its time to get your mind out of the gutter.
2
Serena's picture is oddly photoshopped: look at her left underarm--that's not how anyone's arm goes. I'm guessing that's not the only retouching.
2
My wife just looked at this and asked, "Who would want to look at a calendar of these women?" And Annie Leibovitz's photography is boring. Bad idea!
7
The photo of Amy Schumer was the most interesting to me. The photo seemed to capture her persona (as I perceive it) accurately. "Hmm? Oh are you waiting for me? OK, let me finish my coffee here in a second. Is this ok? I really didn't have a thing to wear."
That, and the fact that she if perfectly comfortable with her body. I like the genuineness of her personality, which was captured perfectly in that photo.
That, and the fact that she if perfectly comfortable with her body. I like the genuineness of her personality, which was captured perfectly in that photo.
4
I would think that most creative people will welcome the idea of a none erotic calendar. There will be controversy about the subject matter and the subjects themselves but at last the Pirelli Calendar will become relevant to today's mores ......
2
Not sure why Amy Schumer posing topless for a tire company is notable.
7
This calendar may serve as unintentional satire in the future against PC culture. After several years of noninterest I imagine Pirelli will return to the beautiful dames in striking photographs in an effort to bring attention back to their company. That or they'll just end the calendar all together. Eventually we as a society will come to an understanding that there's nothing necessarily wrong with celebrating idealized female beauty. That it doesn't intrude upon other forms of beauty and is worthy of admiration in and of its self.
7
Sadly this is more about the photographer running out of ideas. I believe she first shot this same idea back in 1988 for Gap. Incredibly boring and desperate attempt for publicity. It seems to work every time for her.
8
Cultural shift?! Please! Spare me! Real men who appreciate women, don't want to look at calendar portraits, where they need to question whether or not what they are seeing, are actually women! Be supposedly politically correct somewhere else! Men are essentially and genetically voyeurs, and women crave being noticed and are exhibitionists! Except for the sanctimonious and unattractive ones out there! A thing of beauty is a joy forever! And I'm sorry, but as someone once uttered! The truth hurts!!!
5
Lovely photos and extraordinary women. But let's be clear, the reaction is objectification. While naked male rowing teams--or whoever--can get away with a wink and a nod, we are still obsessing over "non-ideal" female bodies.
2
With regard to the paragraph that states ".........it is no longer socially acceptable to walk into a high-end garage that sells Pirelli tires and see a calendar with naked girls on the wall. You'd drive right out again......." I'm a woman and I don't mind seeing naked women in a calendar, if it's tastefully done. I have more of a problem with magazines and media constantly shoving the image of a so-called perfect female and male at us all the time in advertising. The female form is beautiful and it would be hypocritical to pretend we don't like looking at an attractive female.
3
They should all be naked. Now that would be a calendar as a keepsake, an instant collectible.
1
If seeing Miss Schumer's folds of flesh make your day, so be it. Not my cup o' tea, and I love scantily clad women.
4
Kathleen Kennedy has an extensive career as a movie producer... Schindler's List, Munich, three Jurassic films, Seabiscuit, and currently producing multiple Star Wars flicks, to name a few. She's also the President of Lucasfilm. Yet, your description of her was just "the producer of Lincoln". Sheesh.
7
A lot of people are complaining about the "bad photography". They are good but from the aspect ratio, these look like they were shot on 35mm full frame digital SLR and converted to greyscale. These would have looked better shot on 8x10 film camera - a better aspect ratio - and much less depth of field, and the resulting prints no one would have been able to argue with. Annie has the technical expertise to do such a shoot.
1
Lots of opinions on all sides of this subject, but I find your suggestion that shooting on an 8x10 film camera (proper term would be View Camera) would result in 'prints no one would have been able to argue with' is the most laughable in this discussion. The basic thought that format can dominate or compensate for subject matter is patently false to the point of being ludicrous. In this particular topic, the WHOLE argument is about subject matter and the idea that format or depth of field would pivot this discussion even one degree is unimaginable. It also lacks a familiarity with the photographer's work.
I'm a fan of the photographer, yet not a fan of this project.
I'm a fan of the photographer, yet not a fan of this project.
1
Many pin up calendars are offensive to women. However, this group of photos is plain boring.
4
I love the works of Annie Leibovitz. I admire every woman (of whom I'm aware) who is featured. I do not like how the calendar turned out - every photo is dark, stark and/or joyless. Leaves me COLD.
1
I did not realize that the calendar has long been a gift given to accomplished people. Had I known this, maybe I would have tried a little harder to do something with my life. But now that I know the calendar is changing, I guess I'll just take a nap. Wish me sweet dreams.
11
"Pirelli pivot seems to give real substance to the theory that we are at a flexion point in the public objectification of female sexuality."
That anybody can say this with a straight face is astonishing. We are awash in abusive pornography and just about every female celebrity that you have ever heard of have appeared naked on the internet, willingly or not. The commoditization of (female) sexuality proceeds at such a pace that feminists have gone from opposing it to demanding that it be all inclusive, at least in the "respectable" solidly middle class media they consume.
The Pirelli calender is an annual publicity stunt and their "pivot" is about attracting attention. How depressing is it that not displaying nude emaciated adolescents is sensational enough to warrant a piece in The Times.
That anybody can say this with a straight face is astonishing. We are awash in abusive pornography and just about every female celebrity that you have ever heard of have appeared naked on the internet, willingly or not. The commoditization of (female) sexuality proceeds at such a pace that feminists have gone from opposing it to demanding that it be all inclusive, at least in the "respectable" solidly middle class media they consume.
The Pirelli calender is an annual publicity stunt and their "pivot" is about attracting attention. How depressing is it that not displaying nude emaciated adolescents is sensational enough to warrant a piece in The Times.
8
The "Sexy girl" look is not going away. [For which makes me a happy heterosexual]. Women will still be sexually objectified if she is at all [subjectively] attractive. The concept of showing clothed women in pictures is nothing new. Look at the paintings of Renoir and DaVinci . The very idea Annie's black and white, photos of these women is going to cause a cultural change is ludicrous. Pirelli wanted to class up the joint, so to speak, that's fine, but in the back room, where the workers are, hangs a calendar with 12 beautiful young college age women.
4
So, a bunch of Italian guys have decided to come to the progressive women's party 30 years late… In this is news?
4
The whole idea of a tire company doing a calendar featuring women falls flat for me. When the women are nude I find it trite, cliched, and exploitative. When the women are clothed, supposedly being celebrated for their achievements, it's just pointless. Why do we need an expensive photo in order to recognize their success? And what do successful clothed women have to do with tires? Who hangs wall calendars anyway?
14
If poor photography represents a cultural shift, then this calendar represents a cultural shift. There is nothing visually compelling about any of these images.
38
If a comment pushing your subjective opinion as fact is a good comment then your comment is not one.
I like them. Speak for yourself.
I like them. Speak for yourself.
Beauty and sexual attractiveness are in the eye of the beholder. Young skinny models with big breasts leave me cold. As a lesbian, I was turned on by only one photo in the Pirelli calendar--that of Serena Williams. I should say that my tastes are rather eclectic. I also have a poster of Eleanor Roosevelt in my home, and I think the woman was stunning. Too bad the world didn't appreciate her form of beauty while she was alive.
13
I used to work for a jeweler who told me he was very attracted to her; I think a lot of people were, even if they didn't shout it from the rooftops.
11
Which "her" are you referring to? Serena or Eleanor?
Never thought I would see the day a corporate calendar would be considered by some to be "revolutionary". When we were busy being distracted, Madison Avenue won the war.
4
Why is "corporate" about this? You people are so gloom and doom.
The photographs are lovely.
The photographs are lovely.
Pirelli is a corporation, and this calendar is a marketing tool to sell their product. Their is nothing wrong with that, but the fact that you would characterize pointing that out as "gloom and doom" only makes my point more salient.
This is a lacklustre attempt to grab a piece of publicity from the now-fashionable perfectly-politically-correct world.. That there is beauty in the aura of fully-clad women - whether successful, famous or not, should have been the underlying message behind this attempt.. This attempt failed due to its biased selection of only already-famous (or already-successful) women.. Moreover an attempt to show the beauty in clad women shouldn't necessarily try to deny the undeniable truth: that female form is a beautiful piece of art that is to be loved and celebrated.. In all its depictions: fully-clad or otherwise!
1
This has nothing to do with "political correctness" (buzzword).
On the contrary some of these women hardly have clothes on.
On the contrary some of these women hardly have clothes on.
I’m with Gevinson. When I first learned of the existence of the Pirelli calendar (not too long ago), my only surprise was that it still existed. “How old-fashioned,” I thought. “It's only a matter of time before that disappears.” In fact, this development is the only thing that could possibly get me interested in taking a closer look. But then, I'm a millennial.
Reading detractors’ comments is somewhat depressing, but my guess is that the progressives-are-ruining-our-hetero-normative-public-butt-ogling crowd has about 30 years on me. Not sure what to tell you, ancient Greece fans. Time machines can’t be too far in the future with access to centuries of people who really knew how to "celebrate beauty."
Reading detractors’ comments is somewhat depressing, but my guess is that the progressives-are-ruining-our-hetero-normative-public-butt-ogling crowd has about 30 years on me. Not sure what to tell you, ancient Greece fans. Time machines can’t be too far in the future with access to centuries of people who really knew how to "celebrate beauty."
14
It's millennials like you, with smarts & humor, who give me hope for the future.
2
This sounds like a good idea. But in actuality the photos are boring and lifeless. Who wants to look at it, regardless of how meritorious these women may be? (Yoko Ono?!!) If Pirelli wants to go PC, let them choose some beautiful older women (or men...). There are plenty of gorgeous people of all ages around. A calendar is to look at. Let's have something beautiful on it.
23
Magnifique! This is being forwarded to Paris to some elegant ladies and it confirms my feeling that people, as a rule, are so much more interesting when their portrait is taken in clothing.
A great beauty, an artist and an architect, my French mother leaned heavily on appearances. On a note of levity, an only child, I was her downfall where it was the battle of the wardrobe, the hair, shoes and accessories.
We lived for many years in a village in Spain called 'Dali'. A friend took her out to sea and later she described a prank where he tried to surprise her. On a large rock, it seemed that there was a colony of bright, pink seals, lounging about and waving their flippers.
Soon they were clambering up on the boat, all sunburned, and my mother added to her tale 'Few people have the stature, the balance or poise to pose in the nude. They look awkward'. She was no prude and was known for her 'exquisite eye'.
The choice of our clothing and how we wear it, to this viewer is far more revealing of the person, and leaves far more to the imagination. The photo of the 'throng' could be of anyone, while Natalia Vodianova, Serena Williams (Gold) and Patti Smith are quite extraordinary, and may I have size 0 in the outfit that the latter is wearing? Thank you, Vanessa Friedman.
A great beauty, an artist and an architect, my French mother leaned heavily on appearances. On a note of levity, an only child, I was her downfall where it was the battle of the wardrobe, the hair, shoes and accessories.
We lived for many years in a village in Spain called 'Dali'. A friend took her out to sea and later she described a prank where he tried to surprise her. On a large rock, it seemed that there was a colony of bright, pink seals, lounging about and waving their flippers.
Soon they were clambering up on the boat, all sunburned, and my mother added to her tale 'Few people have the stature, the balance or poise to pose in the nude. They look awkward'. She was no prude and was known for her 'exquisite eye'.
The choice of our clothing and how we wear it, to this viewer is far more revealing of the person, and leaves far more to the imagination. The photo of the 'throng' could be of anyone, while Natalia Vodianova, Serena Williams (Gold) and Patti Smith are quite extraordinary, and may I have size 0 in the outfit that the latter is wearing? Thank you, Vanessa Friedman.
2
The first question that popped to mind was "is it a nice calendar (regardless of content)?" It is.
The second question, "does this represent a cultural shift, one towards less "exploitation" and more discretion?" The answer to that is No. It's not a perfect storm of anything. This is about commerce. Pirelli tires are a premium product, found on the most upscale performance car$, and they are appealing to their natural market. They are a successful company for many good reasons.
The second question, "does this represent a cultural shift, one towards less "exploitation" and more discretion?" The answer to that is No. It's not a perfect storm of anything. This is about commerce. Pirelli tires are a premium product, found on the most upscale performance car$, and they are appealing to their natural market. They are a successful company for many good reasons.
16
How many women don't want to be seen as physically beautiful?
And make efforts to be seen so? if that is the case, what is wrong with seeing women's physical beauty.
I love Cartier Bresson's photos which convey the soul of the people.
If one looks at Anne Lebovitz past photos(and there is nothing not to like in them), and for some reason I am unable to
ignore the past, this seems like an attempt at a new subject matter and somehow disingenuous.
And make efforts to be seen so? if that is the case, what is wrong with seeing women's physical beauty.
I love Cartier Bresson's photos which convey the soul of the people.
If one looks at Anne Lebovitz past photos(and there is nothing not to like in them), and for some reason I am unable to
ignore the past, this seems like an attempt at a new subject matter and somehow disingenuous.
2
the photographer has no clothes... grossly overrated, evident in this lackluster effort...great idea falls flat for mediocre images
12
How about 6 women and 6 men for the Pirelli Calendar? The 20,000 recipients of the calendar are still presumed to be men. It's easier to for the producers of the calendar to continue to objectify women than to accept that half of their customer base would be prefer to see naked men, rather than naked men.
9
You have to admit, it is great to see Amy Schumer in a thong.
29
The first thing I noticed was that the photography was a bit boring for Annie Leibovitz, save for the Serena Williams and Patti Smith portraits. Is that progress?
6
The problem is less about what is beautiful than it is the fact that these women are presented to Pirelli customers as objects to be admired, possessed, and consumed, much like the cars Pirelli tires are made for. Maybe Leibovitz should have photographed a series of beautiful men, as scantily clad as previous calendars - the tables would truly be turned, but who would look at the calendar then? Misogyny and the objectification of the female image persists, as is evident in the automatic assumption that the subjects of this calendar are to be women.
11
To objectify is to do more than mentally undress; it is to imagine and partake in a feast of flesh, albeit mentally.
To look, to admire, to consider, to wonder is...is to pretty much do what that tight clothing, those pants, that bra, that cleavage, those heels, that hairstyle, that makeup, an all else is designed to do. One might deny it, but then explain fashion, explain the form-fitting wear, explain for whom one dresses. Self? Just those by whom one wishes to be objectified? None are realistic, much less truthful, answers.
Methinks there is often too much equivocation, too much desire to have it both (all) ways. Perhaps a bit of misandry, as if one can hate "some". (I say that in jest; in my 50+ years of being a male, I've never met a man who hates women. Mistreats? Sure, but I've met some women like that too. Hate though? No. Again, the slinging of words that carry rather vicious meaning; I can only hope there is some ignorance behind the use, not that that would justify it, but it certainly explains it.)
To look, to admire, to consider, to wonder is...is to pretty much do what that tight clothing, those pants, that bra, that cleavage, those heels, that hairstyle, that makeup, an all else is designed to do. One might deny it, but then explain fashion, explain the form-fitting wear, explain for whom one dresses. Self? Just those by whom one wishes to be objectified? None are realistic, much less truthful, answers.
Methinks there is often too much equivocation, too much desire to have it both (all) ways. Perhaps a bit of misandry, as if one can hate "some". (I say that in jest; in my 50+ years of being a male, I've never met a man who hates women. Mistreats? Sure, but I've met some women like that too. Hate though? No. Again, the slinging of words that carry rather vicious meaning; I can only hope there is some ignorance behind the use, not that that would justify it, but it certainly explains it.)
1
I would definitely look! Can we have Beckham on the "back" cover, please?
Possibly the most unattractive collection of photos and subject matter gathered in a singular volume, however brief. I'd sooner look at tire tread and mufflers.
21
Wow, you really hate looking at average-looking women. Every day must be so difficult for you.
3
I'm sure you're a 10. and highly accomplished professionally, to boot. like, famous, even.
Love them all. However, the backdrop--no matter how 'artistic'--dulls the pictures of these extraordinary women.
5
I suspect that since soft-core photos of women shot by famous photographers are ubiquitous on the internet - the calendar held as much cachet or impact as in the past. However, images of athletic, and intellectually strong women of all ages are such a rarity, a novelty - a calendar like this will be sure to garner attention. Heck! The NYTimes is even writing about it.
6
I meant to say was - that since those types of softcore images are now everywhere - there was nothing really special about the calendar - until they decided to include women as people rather than art forms/objects.
4
Really? I see images of super strong, toned, athletic women everywhere. I'm sick of them.
2
Good idea if the portraits were dramatic, but they are not. Agreed most calendars will end up in the trash bin.
3
only a man would say that. From a female perspective, this is a gallery of deliciously powerful women. They make my 67yr old body feel good all over, and at full power for whatever comes next. Will we the public be able to view this significant piece of art?
9
It's not good from a photography standpoint!
9
I would like it if someone would send theirs to me instead of trashing it.
1
A cultural shift, really? So I guess millions of men will no longer look forward to the holiday edition of the Victoria Secrets catalog?
12
another example of fashion celebrities and other high society ne're do wells stroking each other - a total waste of time, money and space - hey, these are 1%'ers - where is the outrage from the NYT crowd?
15
Eleven impressive, brilliant and accomplished women.
And Yoko Ono.
And Yoko Ono.
25
I have no opinion on the Pirelli calendar. I'd never heard of it before, and I doubt I'll pay it any attention in the future. I don't get my knickers in a twist over pinup style photos, either. However, I loved these portraits! Each one was interesting, each woman conveyed strength and self-confidence in her own way. I thought Serena Williams' portrait was especially powerful and inspiring. Thank you to Pirelli and Annie Leibovitz!
78
Thank you, mosselyn. You were able to say it so much better than this viewer who was about to go on a rip and a tear. A great collection of photographs, and joining you in extending appreciation to Pirelli and Annie Leibovitz.
1
I'm disgusted by both the content and tone of many of the comnents here- including one favorited by the Times itself? Complaints about how nudity isn't celebrated anymore? Uhh, Google "naked woman" and see how many hits you get. Complaints that "militant" women (ahhhahaha, as women are gunned down at healthcare clinics by men)(the multiple use of this word also makes me question either the readership of the Times itself, or whether there are duplicate accounts at play?) have "ruined society? Give me a break.Every so often I find myself on the NYT website (having cancelled my membership years ago after a Room For a Debate column questioned whether women were biologically capable of holding the same jobs men held) and the environment here today reminds me why I stay away. Gross.
18
But you clearly haven't stayed away.
8
We need you to come back, K! So we can fight the good fight.
2
I'm not so narrow-minded that I'm not occasionally willing to check in and see if things have changed. :)
This is nothing other than a deeply cynical and, no doubt, temporary grasp at relevancy through cultural appeasement inspired either by the current zeitgeist of trumpeting female achievement from the rooftops or by the craven fear of offending the hordes of social media outrageistas who are increasingly unable to deal with the sight of sexually alluring female bodies.
It certainly polls well in the august pages of the NYT and will generate some laudatory articles here and elsewhere with references to a cultural shift in attitudes to female achievement and so forth. But men's attitude remains the same as it ever was: genuine achievement is genuinely admired and valued. But, just as that has not changed, neither has men's attitudes to female beauty. And this cack-handed attempt to re-contextualise female achievement in a form traditionally devoted to celebrating physical perfection and, yes, sexual attractiveness is both jarring and deluded. Even at our dumbest we don't confuse achievement with sexual allure, thanks to a processing subsystem in our pants devoted exclusively to making that distinction.
For all its worthinesss, how do you think it will be received by Luca and Giancarlo in the service area of a backstreet garage in Naples.
I can already hear the incredulous chorus of "Che Catso!? Where are the beautiful girls!?" from here.
These are admirable women, worthy of being celebrated. But, as a calendar, this is much more likely to end up in a bin than on a wall.
It certainly polls well in the august pages of the NYT and will generate some laudatory articles here and elsewhere with references to a cultural shift in attitudes to female achievement and so forth. But men's attitude remains the same as it ever was: genuine achievement is genuinely admired and valued. But, just as that has not changed, neither has men's attitudes to female beauty. And this cack-handed attempt to re-contextualise female achievement in a form traditionally devoted to celebrating physical perfection and, yes, sexual attractiveness is both jarring and deluded. Even at our dumbest we don't confuse achievement with sexual allure, thanks to a processing subsystem in our pants devoted exclusively to making that distinction.
For all its worthinesss, how do you think it will be received by Luca and Giancarlo in the service area of a backstreet garage in Naples.
I can already hear the incredulous chorus of "Che Catso!? Where are the beautiful girls!?" from here.
These are admirable women, worthy of being celebrated. But, as a calendar, this is much more likely to end up in a bin than on a wall.
9
After we get done deconstructing the 2016 Pirelli, let's get back to the raging debate over the prequel to TKAMB. Oh, wait, that was a yawner, too. Darn. Relevancy and elitism always seem to be out of focus.
ALL these negative comments below are from MISOGYNISTS. These photographs are gorgeous. I am a woman. I like them.
10
I don't agree. I am not impressed with the calendar and I am a woman and certainly not a misogynist. There is room for everyone's opinion.
3
Gorgeous photographs. Some of Annie Leibovitz's finest work.
2
Hi there, Tom. One of your former TBC classmates here. I'd have to respectfully disagree. But I guess if you're AL, you can do anything and people will say it's good. A long tradition of that in many media.
2
Title of a future intellectualized Pirelli calendar: The Rubber Meets the Rhodes'
4
Seriously! Why degrade beautiful women? Their beauty can be worshiped without being sexist. Misdirected P. C.
5
These photos belonging in a coffee table book...not a calendar, lol
5
oh tut tut... Mr. Pirelli, don't bother to send me mine this year...all this meaningfulness gags... when I want to gaze upon a wall...it's to see something uplifting... a breeze to lift my sail...don't take away my dreams...
5
Is this available to purchase, for those of us who aren't super-wealthy Pirelli VIPs? Not much of a cultural shift otherwise.
2
Beautiful and inspiring. I want one of these calendar for my wall!
19
For my wall and for Christmas presents for my friends :)
I imagine this will be the Pirelli calendar with the least amount of sales. This will be celebrated by all the usual outlets that would celebrate such a ridiculous and unnecessary political statement stunt, but it completely misses the point of every Pirelli calendar before it, which is clearly to celebrate the beauty of the female form.
Only one person in this calendar inspires me to purchase high quality automobile tires. I do not associate tires for my Tesla with Amy Schumer in any way. Serena Williams I see as a superior female athlete in her chosen sport, and I certainly do not respect her for her earnings or charity. Her ability at tennis is the only reason she is relevant to me.
The only cultural shift this signals is that we're losing touch with reality. None of these women physically excite or entice me. This calendar will not be in the garage of any major autosports franchise or company, save of course for Pirelli itself. Give this a few decades, will look back on this for the ridiculous posturing to progressives that it is. This does not advance women in any meaningful way.
Only one person in this calendar inspires me to purchase high quality automobile tires. I do not associate tires for my Tesla with Amy Schumer in any way. Serena Williams I see as a superior female athlete in her chosen sport, and I certainly do not respect her for her earnings or charity. Her ability at tennis is the only reason she is relevant to me.
The only cultural shift this signals is that we're losing touch with reality. None of these women physically excite or entice me. This calendar will not be in the garage of any major autosports franchise or company, save of course for Pirelli itself. Give this a few decades, will look back on this for the ridiculous posturing to progressives that it is. This does not advance women in any meaningful way.
40
I am so sorry to break this to you, but these women and any others that you don't know, are not there to "physically excite or entice" you. Rest assured they, the publisher or photographer did not have you or your needs in mind when they produced this.
8
B. Bozeman, read the entire article. The calendar is not for sale; it is given to a "select" audience of 20,000 of Pirelli's choosing.
We --you and I-- will not be receiving one. I am as heartbroken as you are.
By the way, which Quaker State oil do you use in your Lamborghini?
We --you and I-- will not be receiving one. I am as heartbroken as you are.
By the way, which Quaker State oil do you use in your Lamborghini?
4
The Pirelli calendar is not available for sale and hasn't been for years. There is a very limited number printed each year and is only distributed to corporate stakeholders.
Therefore, Pirelli doesn't have to pander to sales and to men such as yourselves (I can only assume you are male based on the amusing lack of self-awareness with which your casual objectification of women is delivered) who demand that a tyre company calendar feature images of women that "physically excite or entice" you.
Mr Bozeman, beauty comes in many different forms and wrappings - not just the (undeniably and categorically stunning) supermodels who've appeared in the calendar's lovely previous iterations.
I congratulate Pirelli for changing its tradition, celebrating not only female sexuality and aesthetic beauty, but holding intellect, social influence and achievement in just as high regard.
Therefore, Pirelli doesn't have to pander to sales and to men such as yourselves (I can only assume you are male based on the amusing lack of self-awareness with which your casual objectification of women is delivered) who demand that a tyre company calendar feature images of women that "physically excite or entice" you.
Mr Bozeman, beauty comes in many different forms and wrappings - not just the (undeniably and categorically stunning) supermodels who've appeared in the calendar's lovely previous iterations.
I congratulate Pirelli for changing its tradition, celebrating not only female sexuality and aesthetic beauty, but holding intellect, social influence and achievement in just as high regard.
9
If I were a Pirelli shareholder -- thankfully I am not -- I would wonder about the purpose of the calendar in the first place. I would support the calendar if it helped the company sell more tires. As a car guy, I have seen past versions of the the Pirelli calendar in Porsche and Ferrari garages all over the world. I would think it a waste of corporate resources if it were a "sop" to some social media activist group or a bow to political correctness. Personally, Serena Williams certainly has characteristics that I would want associated with my products. I am totally lost as to why any industrial corporation would to associate its brand with Amy Shumer or Yoko Ono. Perhaps the value of the calendar was to get ONE favorable mention in the NYT. Enjoy it. It won't last.
11
http://www.tirereview.com/how-tire-buyers-buy-tires/
45% of the tire-buying population is female.
Nobody is going to do this for feels, although that's a nice thought.
45% of the tire-buying population is female.
Nobody is going to do this for feels, although that's a nice thought.
6
The teenage part of my male brain that still resides in my head misses the old Pirelli calendar, while the more mature and better informed part of my brain sort of misses the old calendar too but approves of the new calendar.
4
Achille would be right if and when Gucci starts selling handbags with similar photos.
2
It would be a lot more noteworthy to include similarly photographed men and women.
5
Yay, a calendar that nobody can appreciate. Here's a better idea for Pirelli: Do one calendar with naked women, and one with naked men. Give us something to look at!
23
Patti Smith has a picture in a tire maker's calendar? How the times have changed.
8
Cis-gendered is an offensive term used by people who insist on labeling others in order to create artificial categorizations to fit a worldview where everyone must have a label. You should stop using it or allow it to be used in your publication. Sad to see it being invoked by someone who should know better than to assign labels indiscriminately.
32
Yoko Ono, Serena Williams, and Patti Smith? Lame. How tired and boringly PC.
7
From a photographic perspective, these are not very interesting portraits. And yes, I know my way around a Profoto beauty dish.
5
neither surprised or impressed
4
Not one woman from the sciences!
26
Or, more pertinent to the sponsoring product, from the sport of auto racing. Danica Patrick is accomplished, isn't she? Oh, I guess she races cars that burn climate-warming fuel. Bad girl. The selection of models is very strange indeed.
4
Does Patrick run Pirelli tires?
Now if we can only change the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition...
2
Could really use a scientist. Or an astronaut. But progress, I guess.
11
How unfortunate.
While accomplished women (and men) should be celebrated, the relentless war by some militants to eradicate celebration of beauty is a net loss for humanity.
Human beings are very visual animals, who respond and are motivated by beauty. There is nothing wrong with celebrating beauty, fitness, youth, etc.
An open minded society can celebrate both - beauty and accomplishment.
A closed minded, decaying society feels the need to block one.
While accomplished women (and men) should be celebrated, the relentless war by some militants to eradicate celebration of beauty is a net loss for humanity.
Human beings are very visual animals, who respond and are motivated by beauty. There is nothing wrong with celebrating beauty, fitness, youth, etc.
An open minded society can celebrate both - beauty and accomplishment.
A closed minded, decaying society feels the need to block one.
72
"the relentless war by some militants to eradicate celebration of beauty is a net loss for humanity"
Who are these militants? Relentless war? Net loss for humanity? What ridiculous hyperbole.
"An open minded society can celebrate both - beauty and accomplishment" Amen to that.
There's more than enough beauty being celebrated as far as I can tell and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. What's wrong with a little balance? Why is this so threatening to some people?
Who are these militants? Relentless war? Net loss for humanity? What ridiculous hyperbole.
"An open minded society can celebrate both - beauty and accomplishment" Amen to that.
There's more than enough beauty being celebrated as far as I can tell and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. What's wrong with a little balance? Why is this so threatening to some people?
16
@Memi "Who are these militants? Relentless war?..Why is this so threatening to some people?"
The Pirelli Calendar is as automotive parts garage-wall calendar that for decades featured visually attractive women. And now it is a politically correct statement featuring mostly patently unattractive ones.
No one is threatened by it, but it is unfortunate. We don't need to have gossip columns on the Wall Street Journal, we don't need serious economic analysis in supermarket tabloids. We don't need scantly clad beautiful women at the Smithsonian, and we don't need unattractive women on an automotive shop wall.
That is the balance.
But if you choose to fall for the marketing gimmick of Pirelli, and go gaga of a visual picture of these women, rather than a serious write up of their accomplishments, that is your prerogative.
Not threatening at all. As I said, just unfortunate, in this automotive enthusiast's opinion.
The Pirelli Calendar is as automotive parts garage-wall calendar that for decades featured visually attractive women. And now it is a politically correct statement featuring mostly patently unattractive ones.
No one is threatened by it, but it is unfortunate. We don't need to have gossip columns on the Wall Street Journal, we don't need serious economic analysis in supermarket tabloids. We don't need scantly clad beautiful women at the Smithsonian, and we don't need unattractive women on an automotive shop wall.
That is the balance.
But if you choose to fall for the marketing gimmick of Pirelli, and go gaga of a visual picture of these women, rather than a serious write up of their accomplishments, that is your prerogative.
Not threatening at all. As I said, just unfortunate, in this automotive enthusiast's opinion.
8
@Baron95, You know what? I actually like what you wrote about not needing gossip columns on the Wall Street Journal and not needing unattractive women on an automotive shop wall. I get that men are wired differently than women. I still get a kick out of seeing the dusty tattered picture of a rather demure young woman with a touch of cleavage, circa 1962, on the wall of my father's shop. I'm no prude.
But you wrote about a relentless war by militants to eradicate the celebration of beauty, a net loss for humanity. Those are the words of someone who feels threatened as are many others on this thread. That intrigues me. The vast preponderance of images of women and men are still gloriously celebrating youth and beauty and it seems a little strange to be so defensive about the introduction of other human attributes what might be worthy of celebration.
I agree that Pirelli is simply riding the current zeitgest, and I suspect it will return soon enough to the tried and true format. But I liked this for a change. I like seeing pictures of less than perfect physical people. It is still a relatively rare phenomenon.
I was once a stunning beauty who surfed the waves of the sexual revolution in the sixties with wild abandon and if I liked myself then, I can honestly say I like myself even better now that that flower has faded. There are many things to celebrate about our humanity, youth and beauty are but two.
But you wrote about a relentless war by militants to eradicate the celebration of beauty, a net loss for humanity. Those are the words of someone who feels threatened as are many others on this thread. That intrigues me. The vast preponderance of images of women and men are still gloriously celebrating youth and beauty and it seems a little strange to be so defensive about the introduction of other human attributes what might be worthy of celebration.
I agree that Pirelli is simply riding the current zeitgest, and I suspect it will return soon enough to the tried and true format. But I liked this for a change. I like seeing pictures of less than perfect physical people. It is still a relatively rare phenomenon.
I was once a stunning beauty who surfed the waves of the sexual revolution in the sixties with wild abandon and if I liked myself then, I can honestly say I like myself even better now that that flower has faded. There are many things to celebrate about our humanity, youth and beauty are but two.
1
Each of the women featured are uniquely accomplished. However, the photography doesn't add anything because it is is boring- and not because it generally lacks nudity. Nudity doesn't make for interesting artwork any more than clothing could make Diane Arbus's work (for instance) dull. I am a heterosexual woman who has often (but not always) appreciated the calendar as the showcase for a photographer's vision and beautiful imagery. In the absence of her famous staged setups, much of Leibovitz's photography relies on cult of personality over an enlightening view of her subjects. With all respect due to them, half of her subjects are portrayed in a way that just looks like her work in old issues of Vanity Fair. I've met Patti Smith, like her, and respect her work but am tired of what is essentially the same lazy photos of her again and again that seem meant to say "Look, this person is important,ok? And here she is." That's hero worship, not great visual art. Other photographers chosen by Pirelli often succeed in creating arresting- not degrading, but visually stunning- images with subjects who are relatively or completely unknown. If these women were not generally famous or text didn't describe their reason for being in the calendar, would most of the work really speak for itself? I love opportunities to celebrate women, but great photography shouldn't be about stale pictures justified by an agenda. Her subjects, and the audience, deserved better.
121
Patti Smith is having a "moment", perhaps because she's aged fairly well and still dresses like a hipster, or because her books are critically acclaimed. I was a big fan of hers in the 70s and 80s, but she hasn't made good music in decades.
I agree, well said. It's almost like they were trying to over emphasize to do something "different" when all it is is boring. I do have a Perelli calendar, I think it was from 2012, it was shot in Corsica, I think. There are quite a few famous models including Kate Moss and Mila Jovovich, and yes, it is all nude, but is is extremely tasteful, artistic, beautiful and quite amazing... this "anti" perelli calendar being posed as something "different" is just simply boring; in some ways I think even more so pretentious.
1
Bookish, I disagree with you, (and I guess, with the 102 who by this point in time, gave this comment the thumbs up). I was only familiar with a few of the women when I saw the slide show, but was really struck by the strength, beauty, and uniqueness of all of the 2016 women. Yup, each and every one of them! Some of them took my breath away. Amy Schumer, looking stunning, had me grinning from ear to ear!
These are, of course, well-composed portraits executed with skill. I would expect nothing less from Annie Leibovitz. But with the exception of the Serena Williams shot (powerful, sculptural, beautiful in a way that challenges popular standards for female beauty) and the Amy Schumer portrait (also beautiful, and so totally her: who else can make a serious but naked photo that funny, with just an implied, "I make-no-excuses" smirk?), they are utterly boring. And why pose a woman holding a baby while flashing a bare leg from beneath her slit-up-to-there gown? I find that far more offensive than any "soft" lad-mag pose. This change of tactic is a huge miss. I am as grumpily feminist as the next middle-aged woman, but I see nothing wrong with the old Pirelli calendars. Yes, they presented women as remarkably gorgeous, sexual beings, to be gawped at by (mostly) men. What is wrong with that? The human body can be a lovely thing. So can the human mind. The physical need not eclipse the intellectual.
7
Ms. Zimmerman seems to equate a women who is physically beautiful as something to be ashamed of.
Does she realize that Gisele Bundchen earns more income than her Superbowl winning QB husband? She earned that place by hard work and the fact that human beings celebrate physical beauty, especially female physical beauty, from time immemorial.
If anyone doubts that, "...the theory that we are at a flexion point in the public objectification of female sexuality," all one has to do is open a little app called Instagram.
There's also a very successful family named Kardashian/Jenner who do quite well using beauty as a stepping stone, regardless what one thinks of them.
Beauty and photography is nothing to be ashamed of, despite what social justice warriors and feminists will have us believe. It is not a detriment but a wonderful aspect of our culture.
I applaud Pirelli for giving Ms. Leibovitz to make these simple portraits as she sees fit.
I will not be surprised to see the world's top fashion models gracing next years calendar.
Both are good things.
Does she realize that Gisele Bundchen earns more income than her Superbowl winning QB husband? She earned that place by hard work and the fact that human beings celebrate physical beauty, especially female physical beauty, from time immemorial.
If anyone doubts that, "...the theory that we are at a flexion point in the public objectification of female sexuality," all one has to do is open a little app called Instagram.
There's also a very successful family named Kardashian/Jenner who do quite well using beauty as a stepping stone, regardless what one thinks of them.
Beauty and photography is nothing to be ashamed of, despite what social justice warriors and feminists will have us believe. It is not a detriment but a wonderful aspect of our culture.
I applaud Pirelli for giving Ms. Leibovitz to make these simple portraits as she sees fit.
I will not be surprised to see the world's top fashion models gracing next years calendar.
Both are good things.
25
Nice that only two of these women seem to be wearing high heels. I guess they got the message from Leibovitz's iconic photo for Pirelli ad (1994) of a ready-to-run Carl Lewis in sky-high red stilettos, which is captioned:
"Power is nothing without control."
"Power is nothing without control."
This calendar is wonderful.
Like all big social advances, the global trend towards mutual human respect and inclusion has fostered reactions. These reactions range from Donald Trump to ISIL. What the reactionaries share is divisiveness and hatred. One can imagine Trump denigrating this calendar as "political correctness run amok." No doubt Trump would have said the same about women's suffrage if he was running for president in 1920.
I pray that brave people around the world will continue standing up for human equality in big and small ways.
Like all big social advances, the global trend towards mutual human respect and inclusion has fostered reactions. These reactions range from Donald Trump to ISIL. What the reactionaries share is divisiveness and hatred. One can imagine Trump denigrating this calendar as "political correctness run amok." No doubt Trump would have said the same about women's suffrage if he was running for president in 1920.
I pray that brave people around the world will continue standing up for human equality in big and small ways.
8
These sorts of politically correct gestures will do nothing other than send voters to Trump. Don't kid yourself.
3
Great news! A great step toward equality.
We may finally reach a world of equality when we knock women off the pedestal and start treating them like garbage collectors and janitors -- you know, just the same way we treat men. Equality now!
We may finally reach a world of equality when we knock women off the pedestal and start treating them like garbage collectors and janitors -- you know, just the same way we treat men. Equality now!
3
Women on a pedastal? What a quaint notion.
In 2013 photographer Steve McCurry did a beautiful series of photographs for the Pirelli Calendar. They were shot on location and we're not nudes. The new calendar is just following in that tradition.
So Achille thinks that the $18 trillion owned by women is untapped. So much money unspent! I wonder who is buying the $30,000 Gucci bags.
4
Tavi Gevinson's comment that no one is "going to be like, 'Damn, I wanted those naked chicks.'" is hilariously misplaced; a true testament to unsullied youth.
PLENTY of people--men AND women--will bemoan the absence of breathtaking female pulchritude, which has always been as much about worship of physical beauty as it has been about sexual objectification.
It's not going away. It will just be elsewhere...
PLENTY of people--men AND women--will bemoan the absence of breathtaking female pulchritude, which has always been as much about worship of physical beauty as it has been about sexual objectification.
It's not going away. It will just be elsewhere...
44
Sports Illustrated
What makes her comment especially funny to me is that her picture is the most feminine and conventionally "pretty" of all the clothed portraits. So she is okay with being shown in that context, but being naked would make it demeaning? Weird.
4
Well more women will look at the calendar now, though I think the opposite will be true for the male population. Also, I think that it's unfortunate that we cannot celebrate so-called "real women" without an damning attitude of models. Why can't there be two Pirelli Calendars? Nudity does not automatically signify objectification. In fact, as a former pin-up, I will tell you that every single time I took my clothes off I felt empowered and free. It saddens me that there cannot be room for all types of women in this world, and that we are now moving towards a puritanical society that shames both men and women who enjoy celebrating beautiful naked bodies.
18
You write "former pinup." What happened?
4
If you think women don't look at nude photos of other women, you are mistaken they look, compare, appreciate, criticize. They probably notice more of the details than (straight) men do. I think the female body is magnificent. I am female, straight, married.
7
After a fantastic modelling career thatt enabled me to travel around the world, learn new things and to meet all sorts of interesting people, I decided to get married. I was 30 years old at the time. I had three children and went back to school when the youngest was in kindergarten. I am now in my 50s and have been working on international law and policy for the past 10 years. It has been a marvellous life and I wouldn't change a single thing.
The Pirelli calendar is originally a limited edition trade calendar gifted to (male) customers and business relations. You should picture it hanging on the wall of an Italian garage or a factory office. Nudity, exclusivity, and art intertwined to appeal to those people. It was not conceived as an artistic statement appealing to hedge fund millionaires or art collectors.
15
If I need this kind of calendar, I can look for the pictures among my family and friends. I don't need to see the body of the famous people, to appreciate what they stand for. Imagine seeing this weird edition hanging on the wall of our car dealer 's garage.
1
Even if it was conceived as such, why can't things change as times goes by? Pirelli wants its calendar to be art and "reflect contemporary society". There're plenty of other calendars or magazines that publish beautiful nudes or just simply naked people. It sounds like Pirelli wants more than that. And I can't agree more.
3
I know of at least one car garage owned by an acquaintance that would rather have this calendar on his wall than previous ones. He's quite a cerebral mechanic that's for sure.
2
Bless you, Amy Schumer!
37
"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" I like the calendar and appreciate Liebowitz's choices but ultimately this change is more about free nudity--in online ads and online porn--than political correctness.
Free nudies are no longer a good enough reason to buy Pirelli tires. Apparently, 12 pictures of working women is, though. I don't know that's a triumph or what.
Free nudies are no longer a good enough reason to buy Pirelli tires. Apparently, 12 pictures of working women is, though. I don't know that's a triumph or what.
3
I've always seen the calendar up on the wall in the workshops at dealerships.
I think most of these calendars will end up in the recycling bin.
I think most of these calendars will end up in the recycling bin.
1
Interesting and entertaining take on the calendar for sure. Though people should not feel modeling is degrading or presents the model as simply a body to lust after. There is no shame in admiring the human body at its best, man or womans. Having incredibly talented photographers like Fran Lebowitz present it is even better. And a calendar of scantily clad super models or of successful women isn't necessary (but appreciated) for me to realize the abilities and talents of women. I witness them every day in my life. Finally and most importantly, you should know, PIrelli makes some great motocross tires.
3
Kudos to Annie Leibovitz for her choice of subjects. As to whether or not this is a permanent change for Pirelli calendars, I say let's wait until next year's edition is announced.
7
Interesting and good to see someone celebrate women as more than their bodies. Would have been interesting also had they stuck to the old schema but alternated handsome men with beautiful women.
7
"...the Pirelli pivot seems to give real substance to the theory that we are at a flexion point in the public objectification of female sexuality. "
Indeed, it seems that this calendar has now turned from sex to objectification of wealth and money. I'm old-fashioned, but I found sex much more appealing.
Indeed, it seems that this calendar has now turned from sex to objectification of wealth and money. I'm old-fashioned, but I found sex much more appealing.
70
And what is a "flexion point"? At least Amy has a sense of humor.
3
I don't like that subtext, either. There is, at least, a history and a kind of sense to the old-style calendar. The tire company wanted to link its (prosaic) product to the overt sexiness of Italian sports cars. The customers they targeted were largely male. So why not use sex to sell a set of smelly, distinctly unsexy, tires? The ploy worked. My husband still remembers -- with great fondness -- the old Pirelli commercials on TV, where an apparently naked woman in the middle of a stack of tires slowly spelled out the name of company, in a luscious, Italian accent: "Peh - ee- ereh - ee - elleh - elleh - ee...Peerehllee!".
3
A fine idea. Not something I would hang as a calendar, necessarily. Everyone looks like themselves, no? The personal appearance and pose of each participant bears no relationship to their accomplishments, in my book. So I'll take the natural scenes, deep space photos, dogs and cats, and so forth, to help me recall the date of a given day.
3
I think this reflects a significant change in how celebrity women are defined, viewed and portrayed -- and I, for one, am ALL for it.
62
Makes you wish there were more months.
97
Makes you wish there were "less" months
3
To find this totally unexpected story in a world still awash with misogyny and other crimes against humanity was a real pleasure and sign of hope. Can Sports Illustrated be far behind? I'm in a hopeful mood this morning.
142
"Can Sports Illustrated be far behind?"
Given that no one ever seems to actually buy these calendars but lots of people buy "Sports Illustrated," the word "yes" is the only answer. Also, any calendar that involves Yoko Ono already has a strike against it.
Given that no one ever seems to actually buy these calendars but lots of people buy "Sports Illustrated," the word "yes" is the only answer. Also, any calendar that involves Yoko Ono already has a strike against it.
11
Ah, Victor- still haven't forgiven Yoko for breaking up the Beatles? But, yes, I continue to hope that Sports Illustrated will someday grow up and celebrate women athletes in a sports magazine. But I am naive, the sex issue probably makes everyone's bonus for the year.
3
When the Beatles broke up, I was only four months old.
Also, this will represent a paradigm shift the day shlumpy men are widely regarded as sex symbols among women (as opposed to [male] TV and movie producers trying to pass them off as every right-thinking woman's dream).
Also, this will represent a paradigm shift the day shlumpy men are widely regarded as sex symbols among women (as opposed to [male] TV and movie producers trying to pass them off as every right-thinking woman's dream).
2
"“A white, able-bodied cis-gendered woman being naked is just not revolutionary anymore,”
Which is basically a way of saying that the Pirelli calendar has become culturally irrelevant. Who beyond a small group of its recipients and participants would even notice that it still exists? Letting Annie Leibovitz shake things up a bit makes a stale formula seem a little fresher. Most likely, next year we will go back to not caring about it again.
Also, your description of Amy Schumer's costume doesn't quite match the illustration.
Which is basically a way of saying that the Pirelli calendar has become culturally irrelevant. Who beyond a small group of its recipients and participants would even notice that it still exists? Letting Annie Leibovitz shake things up a bit makes a stale formula seem a little fresher. Most likely, next year we will go back to not caring about it again.
Also, your description of Amy Schumer's costume doesn't quite match the illustration.
23
Way, way too PC and very boring photos is the real problem.
61
How sad. The celebration of physical beauty has finally be squashed by a handful of militant feminists. The idea of admiration of physical beauty dates back to the Greeks and most likely long before that great civilization. The extremists have always been angry at women like Bridget Bardot, or Marilyn Monroe, and it's nothing but jealousy. They used their hatred of those who were born beautiful to malign it into pedaling to the public that it is a tool of objectification by perverted men. It never was that and still couldn't be further from that. How desperate that a simple calendar that celebrates beauty gets politicized and made ugly. All of the women shown have accomplished a lot, and many I admire, but that doesn't mean they are beautiful. Why is beauty a crime now? And another editorial will ponder why young men don't want to get married and are sort of fed up, between trigger points and safe rooms, and contracts to sign before sex, all softly demonizing men. Now this. Have it I say. Good luck. With this formula we should soon nominate Kim Kardashian for a Mcarthur Genius Award, why not? She's a woman and it's unfair that we see her only a shameless self promoting, exploitive, moron. Everyone should be equal. There is no one more intelligent, no one more beautiful, exceptional is now a bad thing. Women have really made a mess of things and twisted the minds of other women. Sad.
87
I could not agree more and I am a woman.
10
I don't know where to start here, but I must. The characterization of feminists as jealous of those more beautiful then they, who use their hatred to "finally squash the celebration of physical beauty" is absurd. If they indeed had such power you can be sure they would be be using it much more productively to promote real change in society, than using it to make ugly calendars, as you put it.
No, beauty is not a crime, but your assertion that it was never used as a tool for objectification is to be willfully blind to the deeply embedded use of sex and beauty to sell almost anything that can be sold in America today.
There are still plenty of calendars and images out there with acres of naked beautiful flesh for your edification and delight. I don't understand why the inclusion of this one which celebrates other human qualities offends you so much.
No, beauty is not a crime, but your assertion that it was never used as a tool for objectification is to be willfully blind to the deeply embedded use of sex and beauty to sell almost anything that can be sold in America today.
There are still plenty of calendars and images out there with acres of naked beautiful flesh for your edification and delight. I don't understand why the inclusion of this one which celebrates other human qualities offends you so much.
24
Just jealousy? Of men, yes. Of women who are more beautiful (while they're still young), no. I'm jealous of men because they are judged primarily by what they can achieve, by what they do, by the content of their character. By those standard, I'm a pretty impressive individual. Women are judged primarily based on whatever the current cultural standard of beauty is. Something uncorrelated with the content of our character and that is (according to our present culture) inevitably lost as we age. Of course, if "beauty" in its pure exalted form was what is being celebrated, as you claim, there would be just as many naked or nearly naked young men plastered all over every media surface as their are women. There aren't because men are judged as full people, not just pretty objects.
21
Between the Playboy change and this, it's an indication that softcore, corporatized porn is no longer in demand. In a couple of clicks anyone with an internet connection can be buried in whatever form of nudity, squeezing, jiggling, copulating, ejaculating, modification, partnering, and kink they want. Women showing their junk in speciously elegant poses in a big company's ad copy is quaint, not bold, and the amount they're showing doesn't even register as titillating. The interest remains in their celebrity, though, so the ads are still savvy/canny/cynical enough to keep that intact.
One question I have that the article could have investigated: Did they even ask Caitlyn Jenner? And how did that go?
One question I have that the article could have investigated: Did they even ask Caitlyn Jenner? And how did that go?
6
As ever, Annie Leibovitz's photographs are stunning - are portraits of real people in full command of their power and image. I love Amy Schumer in her "black" lingerie and her not getting the message, but delivers her own loud and clear. So tired of seeing pouty clothes hangers who are supposed to epitomize the feminine ideal. It's all just designed to point out our inadequacies, and then console us by allowing us to buy what the model is wearing. As if anyone who eats more than an apple a day could look like that.
Now if only we women could begin to view firefighters in this more evolved light. So tired of seeing those rippling muscles, those sultry eyes, those enormous fire hoses.
Now if only we women could begin to view firefighters in this more evolved light. So tired of seeing those rippling muscles, those sultry eyes, those enormous fire hoses.
36
I love it! Not only do I get to see one of my idols at work, the breath of fresh air that this calendar brings, will hopefully catch on and we can begin to see women shown for their accomplishments instead of the age old pinup material. I applaud Pirelli for having the wisdom to see the future and to Annie Leibovitz for making it happen. I wish I was one of the 20,000 to receive one of these.
35
LOVE THIS.
28
I am 69 a people who meet me often comment: "You look great....for a man your age." At the risk of sounding thin-skinned, those type of back-handed compliments should be avoided. Sort of a "You look great for someone with such massive scarring from the accident." The Pirelli Calendar is only a start on the age thing and when people can see such interesting photographs and not think about age first, we will have made a cultural shift. Although the law is catching up, it is still culturally acceptable to make fun of old people and fat people. Everybody gets old and nobody wants to be fat. Billions of dollars are spent in advertising essentially mocking the old by selling products promising they will become "ageless" and totally destroying any sense of self-worth for the obese who---God knows--try to not be so. It can be a cruel society we live in.
49
Congrats to Annie Leibovitz on a beautiful concept, and also to Pirelli on a brave decision. I love this, and especially love that women of color are so integral to this.
95
I think what this reflects is a schism, the growing income inequality. Powerful and wealthy women are now taken seriously. The flip side is the pornography industry that has exploded online, in which poorer, emotionally troubled and/or desperate women are subjected to HIV infection and disfiguring and disabling sexual battery.
48