Pirelli Calendar 2013: No Nudity, Just Purpose

The Pirelli Calendar has long been one of the most anticipated releases in photography, bringing together leading models and world-renowned photographers in a format that blends art, fashion and culture.

For 2013, however, the formula has shifted.

Shot by Steve McCurry on location in Rio de Janeiro, this year’s calendar moves away from the traditional emphasis on glamour. Instead, it focuses on a more grounded and documentary-led approach, with images captured on the streets and in the favelas of the city.

Notably, the 2013 edition features no nude photography, which is a pretty significant departure from previous years. The emphasis is instead on the individuals themselves, with each of the 11 featured women selected not only for their presence in fashion and culture, but also for their involvement in charitable and humanitarian work.

“I would say I am a street photographer doing ‘found situations.’ You can photograph nudes anywhere. But these models are clothed, and each of them has her own charity,” McCurry explains. “They are purposeful and idealistic people. So I wanted to photograph them in a special place, and Rio was perfect for this.”

The line-up includes 34 images of Isabeli Fontana, Adriana Lima, Sonia Braga, Marisa Monte, Elisa Sednaoui, Petra Němcová, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, Liya Kebede, Karlie Kloss, Kyleigh Kuhn and Summer Rayne Oakes.

Originally launched in 1964 as a corporate gift from the Italian tyre manufacturer, the Pirelli Calendar has evolved into a showcase for some of the world’s most influential photographers. The 2013 edition marks a notable shift in tone, placing storytelling and context ahead of spectacle.