Pirelli Calendar

The next edition of the legendary calendar will feature the famous faces – and bodies – of Miranda Kerr, Helena Christensen, Karolina Kurkova, Alex Wek, Isabeli Fontana and Alessandra Ambrosio.Pirelli has released some preview images, and a video going behind the scenes of the shoot, with the calendar itself due to be released in November.The preview shots for the calendar – which marks its 50th anniversary in 2014 – has a more subtle sexuality than in some previous editions, with the models clad in white shirts and black sweaters. The teasers were created by 'Cal' alumni Shot photopgrahers Patrick Demarchelier and Peter Lindbergh in New York, but the photographer for the real calendar shots is yet to be revealed.Last year's calendar was shot by Steve McCurry – famed for the 1985 National Geographic cover of a green-eyed Afghan girl  -- who shot the 2013 Pirelli Calendar in Brazil with the models all fully clothed. The calendar featured Karlie Kloss, Summer Rayne, Isabeli Fontana, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, Liya Kibede, Kyleigh Kuhn and a heavily pregnant Adriana Lima, all chosen because of their high-profile involvement with charities.The previous year saw fashion photographer Mario Tesstino shoot a line-up that included Kate Moss, with nudity strongly featured in the 2012 edition.  Other notable photographers who have created previous calendars include the star designer Karl Lagerfeld – the maestro of the Chanel fashion house – who produced a striking series of monochrome images based on the gods of Olympus for the 2011 Pirelli Calendar.Australian model superstars Kerr, Catherine McNeil and Abbey Lee Kershaw were among the eleven in the 2010 Pirelli Calendar, shot by Terry Richardson, the outrageous American fashion photographer whose images are often sexually provocative and can border on the graphic.Renowned wildlife photographer Stephen Beard and his wife shot and produced the 2009 Pirelli Calendar, which featured supermodels with rare animals -- and strange insects -- in somewhat dangerous poses in Africa. 

So many of the entries to win the 2013 Pirelli Calendar were great, and we spent ages reading and re-reading them. In the end, the winner was Julian Cartledge with: I'm always happy to see Pirelli safely leading us in a different direction. No cheap tread here! Love it! However it was close, and some of our favourites include: Gorgeous and classy - and wonderful to see Pirelli celebrating how sexy a pregnant woman can be. Sasha Vleeshouwer of Cairns. I'll be sadly saying goodbye to one month while eagerly anticipating the next. Keith Harkin. A classic that will outlast the test of time, stands out from the rest, one of Pirielli's best me thinks. Di Stephens of Ki. Great location, great pics and cannot wait to see it in the flesh - so to speak! Yes, please!! Monique Mennerich of Victoria. Steve McCurry has woven a tapestry where the setting and models echo the others vulnerability as well as their strength. It's a bit like the vulnerability of a car without the benefit of Pirelli tyres however with the protection of Pirelli tyres the car gains in strength. Jacqui Lagaluga of Long Jetty. Far too nice for limited viewing this will hang pride of place in my busy workroom otherwise known as the kitchen. Elizabeth Roseworn of Blacktown. Pirelli's artistic, sexy flare, would appeal to men and women everywhere. Women love artistic sleekness. Sensual women are men's weakness. Tania Foster. Forget the doomsday of the Mayan calendar! There's an abundance of life left in this year's Pirelli calendar. Debra Marr of QLD. Pirelli calendars always gain traction! This one even more so. Counter cultural, gritty, real world. I'll never get tyred of it!!!! Dan of Adelaide. Revved up..but not with the pedal to metal! Driving at a cruising Pirelli calender pace! Monica Scurlock. Pirelli Calendar, a Haiku: Snapshots of Brazil Drenched with classic female grace Mother would approve. Lloyd Jones of Brisbane. The Pirelli Calendar has gone from the car garage to the lounge-room coffee table - a work of art for not 50% but 100% of the population. Julius Toth of Brisbane. Power is nothing without control. Bravo to Steve for focusing on who these women are and what they have achieved through their power and control! NJ Joseph. Photogenic, Intuitive, Realistic, Eclat, Liveliness, Locale, and Innovation -- put them together, and they spell Pirelli!! John Kruger of St. Albans. The location lends itself to the inclusion of a vintage race car, sadly did not hit the intended spot. John Tzelepis of Melbourne.  

It’s the world’s most famous calendar – coveted, exclusive and not for sale. And the 2013 edition is already making waves. Normally the Pirelli Calendar features models in various stages of undress, but the photographer chosen to shoot the 2013 has elected to keep the clothes on.Steve McCurry is well-known as a documentary photojournalist, particularly famed for a 1984 National Geographic cover of a young Afghan woman. And for the Pirelli Calendar commission, he took the models to the lively streets of Brazil.Previous photographers who have shot ‘The Cal’ – as it’s known -- have included fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld, Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon, each of whom has put their own personal stamp and philosophy on the creative direction of the images.And the 2013 calendar has taken on an almost documentary flavour in images that feature famous models including Karlie Kloss, Summer Rayne, Isabeli Fontana, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, Liya Kibede, Kyleigh Kuhn -- and a heavily pregnant Adriana Lima.But these are more than just pretty faces. Each model was selected because of their high-profile involvement with charities, and calendar information highlights the work the organisations do around the world."I tried to portray Brazil, its landscape, its economy and its culture, along with the human element," McCurry says. "This was the story I wanted to tell through my lens. For me photography is an important expressive means to tell large and small stories of daily life."“In the background, Rio is bustling with life, with its historic quarters like Lapa and Santa Teresa, its favelas, its bars and nightclubs, its markets, dance centers and gyms, its schools and bus stops. The city appears at its most authentic, very different from the usual stereotypes."I walked a lot through the streets, looking at all these moments of daily life and taking lots and lots of pictures. I look for the moment of passage, when the image reveals a bit of tension."“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. They are purposeful and idealistic people. So I wanted to photograph them in a special place, and Rio was perfect for this,”Twenty thousand copies of the calendar will be printed – and less than 200 come to Australia – but none are for sale. They are all given to a secret list of VIPs as gifts. But of course one calendar is already listed on eBay for close to $1000.However you can win one by telling us in about 20 words in the comments below what you think of the new look. The competition is open until midnight AEST, January 13, and the winner will be announced on Carsguide.com.au on January 18. THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED 

It’s the world’s most famous calendar – coveted, exclusive and not for sale. And the 2013 edition is already making waves. Normally the Pirelli Calendar features models in various stages of undress, but the chosen photographer elected to shoot the 2013 has elected to keep the clothes on. Steve McCurry is well-known as a documentary photojournalist – famed for a 1984 National Geographic cover of a young Afghan woman – and for the Pirelli Calendar commission, he took the models to the streets of Brazil. The calendar features Karlie Kloss, Summer Rayne, Isabeli Fontana, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, Liya Kibede, Kyleigh Kuhn and a heavily pregnant Adriana Lima. And these are more than just pretty faces. Each model was selected because of their high-profile involvement with charities, and calendar information highlights the work the organisations do. "I tried to portray Brazil, its landscape, its economy and its culture, along with the human element," McCurry says. "This was the story I wanted to tell through my lens. For me photography is an important expressive means to tell large and small stories of daily life." “In the background, Rio is bustling with life, with its historic quarters like Lapa and Santa Teresa, its favelas, its bars and nightclubs, its markets, dance centers and gyms, its schools and bus stops. The city appears at its most authentic, very different from the usual stereotypes. "I walked a lot through the streets, looking at all these moments of daily life and taking lots and lots of pictures. I look for the moment of passage, when the image reveals a bit of tension." “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. They are purposeful and idealistic people. So I wanted to photograph them in a special place, and Rio was perfect for this,” The 2013 Pirelli Calendar comprises 34 images bound together in a calendar-book. It features 11 models, actresses and singers: Brazilians Isabeli Fontana (who appeared in Bruce Weber's 2003 Pirelli Calendar, in Patrick Demarchelier's 2005 edition, in Peter Beard's of 2009, in Karl Lagerfeld's of 2011 and in Mario Sorrenti's of 2012) and Adriana Lima (also in Patrick Demarchelier's 2005 edition), actress Sonia Braga and singer Marisa Monte; Italian-egyptian actress Elisa Sednaoui, Czech model Petra Nemcova, Tunisian model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, Ethiopian model Liya Kebede, and American models Karlie Kloss, Kyleigh Kuhn and Summer Rayne Oakes. Twenty thousand copies of the calendar will be printed – and less than 200 come to Australia – but none are for sale. They are all given to a secret list of VIPs as gifts. But of course one calendar is already listed on eBay for about $1000. Previous photographers who have shot the Pirelli Calendar have included fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld, Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon.  

Together with Pirelli, Carsguide has got six calendars to give away (of the mere 200 that come into the country as gifts for a secret list of VIPs).And men and women are at loggerheads in their competition entries, in which they have to comment on whether the images in our gallery from this year’s calendar -- photographed by the legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, the maestro of Chanel -- will appeal as much to women as to men.Curiously, it’s the male entrants who seem to think it won’t appeal equally to women. And the female entrants disagreeing with them.In NSW, an entire family weighed into the debate, with Marcus Cunninham saying: No as the women can hardly see any men in the pictures, there's a token male or two but the photos are mainly of women, while Michelle Cunningham countered: Yes as the girls just look so attractive and appealing to look at. However Phillip Cunningham was for the affirmative with: Yes as men aren't alone when it comes to ogling good looking women for secretly women look too, but Jackie Cunningham thought: No as there's not men to look at, only nude women.Matt Grocott of the ACT made special effort to rhyme his entry: These pics appeal, To women as to men, Not only five male models, To stare at but when, Realisation their partner must also, Stare at these in his den!Northen Territory entrants this week have been divided on the question, but along some interesting lines. Sarah wrote: Yes - the calendar demonstrates barbaric strength and flawlessness - women are drawn to both. Women admire other women more than men generally, but women also like a strong masculine image. And Greg Bronson though it would only please artistic women, writing: Depends on the artistic capacity of the individual. My teenage daughter is a keen photographer and would appreciate the moods, textures and messages the images portray. Ron Gray made a special effort with rhyme: Pirelli makes you want to be, exactly what the eyes do see. For male and female I do feel, youth and beauty will always appeal. And Sandi Wright bemoaned the gender bias she says is in the secret VIP list: It will appeal to both sexes equally - but really only men will get the calendars cos they are the only ones on the lists. (That doesn’t apply to our competition, Sandi, and you’re in with a chance!)Queensland entrants waded in to have their say, with Bob Miles saying: No because it is essentially blokey and belongs in the shed rather than the kitchen, wile Karyn Reiman parried that in fact it would appeal: Mostly women... a bit too arty for most Aussie blokes. Karen Kelsey agreed: Art does not know gender, these photos are stunning. But not Shane Ross: Not to my wife as she likes rugged-looking men with a bit of chest hair rather than perfect body and magazine looks. Peter Lawler cited an outstanding previous calendar: Yes, it should appeal to the fairer sex, but in reality, I think Lagerfeld missed it.  Not to the standard of "Jungle" calendar of 2010. And Roslyn and Barry Plumb though history might weigh against it: Probably not because of years of featuring only beautiful girls - nice try anyway.South Australian entrants disagreed about whether or not it was a ‘boy’ thing, with Craig Wissell saying I think it’s a blokes’ calendar and that’s what women think also, so I don’t think it will appeal to them. But this was countered by Tania Cercone: when you mix Pirelli with mythology it inspires. The pictures lend an almost romantic vibe to the calendar which women will find irresistible. Angela Walden went a step further: More so. Men expecting a classy 'garage' calendar won't appreciate beautiful male bodies. But stunning photography, regardless of sex, is always admired by confident women. Paul Gunning was blunt: Not in the politically correct world I live in, but so what. But Suzanne Dossett waxed poetic: A Frenchman included, well that's good enough for me, Do I want a calendar?  I say oui oui.Tasmanian entrants were similarly divided, with Daniel Cater saying: only men could really appreciate. However Kaye Gigney countered: The Gods have been kind with the raw power of this calendar... very acceptable to both sexes. Leanne Dac agreed: Timeless classics of noir-inspired pictures that portray power and control that shows what every woman has within herself. But John Hooper bemoaned that female power: When I was a boy da boys had da wheels and da dames sat in da passenger seat. Now da dames has their own hot wheels.Victorian entrants were also at odds, with Charles Lai among the nay-sayers: No. Women are less attracted to it unless it is one entirely devoted to a women audience rather than one for a "mixed" audience. But Lynne Cazaly countered: Artistic, sexy, stunning, legendary. How could women not love the calendar as much as men? Heather Stonier-Gibson agreed in rhyme: With the God of the cosmos as (Mr.) January, and my hearts desire as May; Yes and again yes the Pirelli calendar would be quite the perfect ladies' foray. But Paul Harper was sure: No, because I just asked my wife and she is not impressed. But I am. (Showing that at least he had the sense to check).West Australian entrants even disagreed about whether women knew about cars, with Victor Ho among the nay-sayers: Nah.  Women have no use for hang up calendars, hey don't hang around garages, the calendar has no place in the kitchen and powder room. That was countered by Maria Amesz: I love my car as much as any man - more than my hubby! Hamish Pipe was confident in his no: I thought the males would appeal to my wife, but apparently not... maybe if they were more hirsute. However Lynette Myles said: This creation is exquisite - timeless - and transcends the gender argument. John Garwood was on her side: My wife has seen the previews and loves both gender photos... Karl Largerfeld is a craftsman without peer.And then there were those who even got a bit confused with their geography, answering the question of which Australian state they came from as “New Zealand”. It might not look that way, Kiwis, but we’re fairly sure you’re still an independent country. And not eligible to win, sorry.You can’t blame them for trying. Only 10,000 of the famous calendars are printed every year for the entire globe, and none are for sale. Each of the six calendars in our competition will be won by one reader in one of six state groupings -- NSW/ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia/NT, Western Australia and Tasmania.And if they tell us about their tyre purchases, all entrants can also be in the running to win a set of Pirelli Cinturato tyres, designed to reduce fuel consumption but maintain performance -- two key abilities that have seen Pirelli become the official tyre of Formula One.If you haven’t got your entry in yet, enter now using the link before the competition closes on January 20.This competition has now closed.  Stay tuned to see who the winners will be. Full Terms and Conditions

Only 10,000 copies of the Pirelli Calendar are printed each year, and it’s not for sale. The calendar is only ever given away, with the mailing list held as a closely-guarded secret, and only about 200 will come to Australia. Carsguide has managed to get hold of one of those, and together with Pirelli, is offering the chance to win it. As usual, it features beautiful girls. Catwalk and magazine superstars Miranda Kerr, Catherine McNeil and Abbey Lee Kershaw – all from Down Under — are among the eleven models in this year’s calendar. The others are Eniko Mihalik from Hungary, Marloes Horst of the Netherlands, Lily Cole, Daisy Lowe, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from the UK, Georgina Stojiljkovic of Serbia and two Brazilians, Gracie Carvalho and Ana Beatriz Barros. But this year’s calendar has moved away from the very arty photography of recent years. The images for the 37th edition of the calendar were shot on location in Brazil earlier this year by Terry Richardson, the outrageous American fashion photographer whose images are often sexually provocative and can border on the graphic. However the calendar in its finished version is probably more startling for its contrast to previous years than anything else. Following on from the lush and exotic Botswana landscape and fauna in which Peter Beard set the models for last year’s calendar – and the opulent chinoiserie costumes and backdrops used by Patrick Demarchelier in 2008 – Richardson’s shots are starkly simple. He’s returned to the classic Pop Art era pin-up calendar style, with little in the way of backdrops, props, make-up – or costume, for that matter. “A great photographer,” says Richardson, “captures the moment – that’s why I shoot without extra equipment and without assistants.” But critics have said Richardson’s images are simply an unimaginative return to objectification of women that grate on the modern eye. To enter Carsguide’s calendar competition, tell us in the comment box below if you think the 2010 Pirelli Calendar is great or grating – and why. The best comment before midnight January 16 (ADST) will win the calendar, a couple of early examples of which have already sold on ebay for around $1000.  

And it's not just about the girls. This time the Pirelli Calendar has been planned, photographed and printed as reminder of the many challenges to the world's ecology. There are still girls with minimal clothing, but photographer Peter Beard says he went to Botswana - and the Okavango River delta and Kalahari Desert - to give people a reminder of what is happening in the world. "My real concern is the destruction of nature on a global scale. We've totally lost track of what evolution is based on, and how important diversity is in nature," says Beard. "This concept is the very foundation of survival." The calendar has been printed for the first time on natural, lead-free paper to minimise its environmental impact and, as well, Pirelli says it is contributing to the creation and protection of a forested area in Costa Rica. The plan, in conjunction with a group called LifeGate, is to offset the C02 generated by the production and printing of the calendar. The models for the 2009 Pirelli Calendar are as beautiful as always, for a day chart produced since the 1960s, with Daria Werbowy of Canada, Emanuela de Paula and Isabeli Fontana from Brazil, Lara Stone and Rianne Ten Haken from Holland, Malgosia Bela of Poland and Italy's Mariacarla Boscono posing for the pictures. Even so, Beard has managed to shoot them with animals and landscapes to give a very natural feel. The Pirelli Calendar is so exclusive because only 10,000 copies are printed each year - with only 238 being shipped to Australia this year - and it cannot be bought. The calendar is only ever given away, with the mailing list held as a closely-guarded secret.