Pirelli’s 2016 Calendar Is About More Than Clothes, People

It's been called the feminist pinup calendar by some, a political statement by others, and a blatant money grab by many more, but one thing is undeniable: Pirelli's 2016 calendar is empowering women. And it's not just because it's putting some clothes on them. 

Here's a little backstory for those who are unfamiliar: Pirelli is an upscale Italian tire manufacturer known for its infamous calendar, which has become more of a collector's item than a means of tracking time, frequently auctioning for more than $2,000 a pop. Its purpose is pretty simple: Advertise the products and offer the recipients something to ogle in the process. Launched in 1964, it usually features a dozen half-naked (or fully naked) famous models shot by equally famous photographers. Women like Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, and Cindy Crawford usually grace the pages in some state of disrobe, making the calendar a veritable "who's who" of both modeling and photography. Alas, the times have changed, and with it, the creative direction. 

Annie Leibovitz/Pirelli

Annie Leibovitz in the driver's seat 

Make no mistake—Pirelli is quick to say this year's calendar is a reflection of the photographer, the renowned Annie Leibovitz, not its own disregard for the way things were. It's a part of the tradition: Once a photographer is chosen, they're given ample opportunity to take charge and weave their own idea into the process. This year, when Pirelli wanted to switch things up, Annie knew there was a way to lift women up without putting their sexuality down. The end result? Something that's uniquely expressive of the way women really are: Beautiful, talented, smart, sexy, intuitive, driven, and yes—sexual. 

The 2016 Pirelli calendar is more of a book, featuring paragraphs about the women's contributions to the world along with their photos. Amy Schumer secured a spot alongside Serena Williams, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Fran Lebowitz, and many other women of varying ages and ethnicities, creating a quilt of femininity more diverse than we've ever seen from Pirelli in the past. And yes, many of the women are wearing clothing, but many aren't. The calendar is certainly a political statement, but it's not one about showing off (or not showing off) the naked female form. There is nothing wrong with nudity—in fact, I'd argue there is something uniquely beautiful, honest, and raw about it. The same is true about sexuality, and women have already waited far too long for permission to express themselves openly in that regard. How we showcase both those things is incredibly important, though. 

Annie Leibovitz/Pirelli

Annie managed to nail that concept right on the head—by featuring women who are culturally significant for their achievements and not just their bodies. Amy Schumer decided to do her portrait in nothing but a pair of panties and heels as if she "didn't get the memo" about the calendar's change of direction, illustrating the root of this calendar's success: Women can be naked, sexual beings without exploiting themselves. It simply means showcasing them as sexual agents and not sexual objects. 

And that, my friends, is what I like to call feminism done right.