The first issue of the famous Pirelli calendar appeared in 1964 — its creation was timed to coincide with the opening of the British division of the Italian tire manufacturer. Since then, this seemingly ordinary advertising product has turned into a real cultural phenomenon and a powerful image tool for the brand.
Official data on the budget for creating the calendar is not disclosed, however, according to unofficial information, annual expenses for this project amount to about 2 million dollars. The print run is not available for free sale — copies are given as gifts to a limited circle of select individuals. Nevertheless, even now at the eBay auction, they are asking $1,300 for the opportunity to get the Pirelli calendar for 2014.
The anniversary, fiftieth issue is also notable for the fact that its authorship belongs to the legendary photographer Helmut Newton, who worked on it about thirty years ago. At that time, it was not possible to publish the photos due to the master's personal circumstances. Newton himself passed away in 2004, and the Pirelli company all this time kept his works in its archive, waiting for the right moment for the premiere.
Our photo gallery presents a selection of photos from Pirelli calendars, covering the period from 1964 to 2013:
2014 Photographer: Helmut Newton
Shooting 1986 Location: Italy
2014 Photographer: Helmut Newton
Shooting 1986 Location: Italy
Cover 2009 Photographer: Peter Beard
Location: Botswana
January 2006 Photographers: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
Location: Cap d'Antibes, France
January 2004 Photographer: Nick Knight
Location: London
Cover 1996 Photographer: Peter Lindbergh
Location: El Mirage, California
June 1994 Photographer: Herb Ritts
Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas
February 1986 Photographer: Bert Stern
Location: Cotswolds, England
December 1984 Photographer: Uwe Ommer
Location: Bahamas
January 1974 Photographer: Hans Feurer
Location: Seychelles
March 1970 Photographer: Francis Giacobetti
Location: Nassau, Bahamas
September 1965 Photographer: Brian Duffy
Location: south of France
