Behind the Scenes of the 2013 Pirelli Calendar

As far as calendars go, the Pirelli annual is probably the most well-regarded worldwide. Featuring the very best photographers, shooting the very best models, and traveling to the most picturesque locations, Pirelli’s calendar is an exclusive item, with only a handful given to VIP Pirelli customers and celebrities.

A mixture of high-fashion, nudes, and art, names like Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, Sophia Loren, and Penélope Cruz have graced the pages of the this pin-up style publication.

For 2013 though, the Pirelli calendar is going to look a bit different. For starters, the photographs were taken not by one of the fashion industry’s greats, but instead renowned photojournalist Steve McCurry, who is perhaps best known for his photo “Afghan Girl” that made the cover of National Geographic back in June 1985.

A stark contrast to the earlier versions from Pirelli, there is nary a nude photo in the calendar’s pages, which instead focuses on models who are involved in humanitarian efforts around the world.

Using the gritty urban backdrop afforded by Rio de Janeiro, McCurry’s work will certainly standout from his predecessors’, though it will be interesting to see how the calendar is received by die-hard fans. A behind-the-scenes look of the photo shoot is in the video below.