The 2016 Pirelli calendar is finally here and it's just as sexy and inspiring as promised.
It was surprising news to all this year when the famous calendar, known for its nude and nearly nude images of the world's most beautiful women, announced it would be replacing its supermodel lineup with powerful women of achievement -- like tennis superstar Serena Williams, actress Amy Schumer, director Ava Duvernay, singer and activist Patti Smith, blogger-turned-actress Tavi Gevinson, and even 65-year-old author Fran Lebowitz.
The result is a stunning collection of black-and-white portraits captured by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz that depicts these female luminaries -- some clothed and some stripped down to almost nothing.
Leibovitz said the Italian tire manufacturer's annual calendar would be "a departure" and it certainly is, considering the only model featured is Natalia Vodianova, who is also known for her philanthropy. However, one look at the beautiful photos of Williams and Schumer is proof that sexiness and substance are not mutually exclusive.
What do you think of the 2016 Pirelli calendar images thus far? Sound off in the comments section below.
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