On November 16, 2022, model Ashley Graham strikes a pose as she enters the 2023 Pirelli calendar gala at the hangar Bicocca in Milan, Italy. Models that embody their passions are featured in the 2023 calendar, “Love Letters to the Muse,” which was photographed by Emma Summerton in Australia.
MILAN — Leading fashion models are accustomed to having a camera pointed at them. However, the 2023 Pirelli calendar’s models, Ashley Graham, Precious Lee, Guinevere Van Seenus, and Lauren Wasser, claim that they feel truly seen in the images of them that highlight their passions. In the “Love Letters to the Muse” calendar, which was unveiled on Wednesday, Australian fashion photographer Emma Summerton used 14 of the most well-known models in the world. Summerton worked together with each to develop fanciful archetypes of the women who have influenced her.
Each of the models—Karlie Kloss as the tech prodigy, Emily Ratajkowski as the writer, Cara Delevingne as the performer, and Sasha Pivovarova as the painter—is a nod to interests outside of modelling and photo shoots.
I wanted to give every woman a voice so they could share who they are, what they do, and how we should celebrate them,” Summerton said. “Listening to all these amazing women talk about their lives, their journeys, and who they are, in my opinion, is a great way for other women to be inspired and for men to learn more about women.
The Pirelli calendar, which has been published since 1964 and is currently in its 49th edition, has changed from its pinup roots to become a significant platform for art photographers, moving more recently away from nudity. The experience was all about empowerment for the models in the 2023 calendar.
Graham, who has fought for body acceptance in the fashion business, declared, “It’s not your daddy’s kind of calendar anymore.” It is unquestionably something created by women for women, empowering all various kinds of people. And I believe that’s what people want to see right now. Graham continued, “A lot of the time when I arrive on set, I’m a character, or I’m selling something. I was able to be myself in this, too. I’m the activist, Ashley, and Emma’s inspiration. Quite the honour.
She and fellow curvy model Lee are included in the calendar, according to Graham, proving they are not “a token. We are female role models for other women who resemble us. The storyteller in the calendar is identified as LTor to help young girls see themselves reflected in a way that she wasn’t able to, she hopes to bring to the forefront stories that will further represent Black women like herself.
Her participation in the Pirelli calendar ely monumental,” and her visibility on fashion billboards has already encouraged young girls to seek her out as a role model. It is, in my opinion, unprecedented, Lee remarked. She remarked, “When I was 7, I didn’t look up on a billboard and see someone like myself. It won’t be so rare, and we won’t be talking about it being unprecedented, Lee continued, if her writing and modelling both contribute to lasting change.
The picture of Wasser depicts her dressed as Joan of Arc and holding a genuine sword in addition to her prosthetic limbs. She suffered toxic shock syndrome from feminine hygiene products in her 20s, which caused her to lose both of her legs. She has now started a personal crusade to raise awareness of this issue.
According to Wasser, “I believe that I represent resiliency, strength, and empowerment as well as everything I stand for, in terms of what I’ve overcome and what I hope to never again happen to another soul.” The third Pirelli calendar for Van Seenus. She also appeared in two other publications: the 2006 edition by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and the Mario Sorrenti 2012 calendar.
When Van Seenus first started modelling, she claimed that it was taboo for models to pursue other professions or public interests. Now that all of these things are present in one person, she said, all get to be all of them together, and you’re appreciated for the different faces and not expected to be just one pretty thing. “I feel seen” in Summerton’s images. It’s remarkably different.