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The Pirelli calendar is getting a makeover for 2016. The formerly NSFW publication is dropping the latex and foam-clad models for fully dressed female influencers. It's published annually by the Italian tire company, and typically features models (or model-esque actresses), photographed by fashion photographers like Richard Avedon and Steven Meisel. The calendar is seen as a marketing tool for the company that also supplies tires for the Formula One Championship. Naturally.
Annie Leibovitz is back after a fifteen year hiatus from the calendar to photograph Serena Williams, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Tavi Gevinson, and more. This year, the simple portraits will be accompanied by interviews on Pirelli's website.
The legendary photography reflects the company's motive when discussing her inspiration behind the safe-for-work calendar shoot. She says:
I started to think about the roles that women play, women who have achieved something. I wanted to make a classic set of portraits. I thought that the women should look strong but natural and I decided to keep it a very simple exercise of shooting in the studio.
Although its official images won't be released until November 30th, here are ten behind the scenes photos for your perusing pleasure. Needless to say, selling tires never looked so classy.