Pirelli Calendar Taking Diversity To New Levels

With a theme reimagining Alice in Wonderland, the 2018 Pirelli calendar, shot by Tim Walker, will be featuring an all-black cast for the first time in 30 years — a clear response to the need for more diversity in the fashion industry.

The world-known calendar was published for the first time in 1964 and used to predominantly include sexually charged nude images, which it is now distancing itself from. The 2017 edition, shot by Peter Lindberg, in fact only featured untouched photographs of celebrities.

The Tim Walker edition will reflect the photographers out-of-this world style, with a twisted take on the fairytale and a cast including Naomi Campbell, Rupaul, Whoopi Goldberg, Adwoa Aboah, Lupita Nyong’o, King Owusu, Australian supermodel Duckie Thot and Puff Daddy.

The concept remains the work of a white photographer and Tim Walker explains this choice by stating, “it’s never been done before. Alice has never been told like this”.

The truth is that there is still a lack of diversity in the industry and it will take a long time to change this. But the fact that major players are trying their best to represent everyone, and to make sure all kids have realistic role models when growing up, is an initiative that should be seen more broadly. 

See behind the scenes photos here.