Five acclaimed Hollywood actresses star in the new calendar – Sophia Loren, Penelope Cruz, Hilary Swank, Naomi Watts and Lou Doillon – but celebrities from Michael Caine to the Italian ambassador, not to mention business leaders including Pirelli SpA chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera and Pirelli Tyre CEO Francesco Gori, could also be seen.
The new calendar was photographed by the Dutch duo Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in California.
The unique 2007 calendar marks a turning point: the glamour that characterized past editions is absent. Instead, there has been a return to the simplicity of the film sets, stories and photography of the early 1960s (reminiscent of the films of Pier Paolo Pasolini and Michelangelo Antonioni): the personality of the person prevails over the environment in a plain, unadorned setting.
“We are in a room with just a bed and sheet. We wanted to make it as personal and intimate as possible, as if we were shooting pictures with friends,” said Inez. This completely new way of portraying the actresses sharply contrasts with the usual images of the five superstars appearing in the media – from the red carpet of film premieres to glossy glamour magazine photos and snapshots taken by the paparazzi. The 2007 calendar is a combination of simple, eclectic images that explore the female personality in depth.
Inez, a great portraitist, immediately establishes a feeling with the stars and puts them at ease. From one woman to another, she tries to capture the hidden and most intense aspects of the protagonists. Thus, Penelope appears “sanguine and sensual,” Hilary is “a pure, sporty, natural American beauty,” Lou is “elegant and cool,” Naomi is “sleek and sophisticated, representing British perfection,” and Sophia Loren is “a superstar and legend.”
