beauty

Hollywood stars appear makeup-free and unretouched in "revolutionary" 2017 Pirelli Calendar.

The highly-anticipated 44th edition of the annual Pirelli Calendar has finally been unveiled, and it’s already been hailed as “revolutionary.”

The publication, which made waves last year by embracing age and body diversity (you might recall the iconic photograph of a naked Amy Schumer holding a coffee cup) has fittingly titled its 2017 edition ‘Emotional.’

While historically, the calendar was known for its nude images of the world’s most famous fashion models, this year, it features women who are known for far more than their appearance. Jessica Chastain, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Rooney Mara, Helen Mirren, Julianne Moore, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlotte Rampling, Alicia Vikander, Uma Thurman, Kate Winslet, Lea Seydoux, Zhang Ziyi, Robin Wright, and Russian professor Anastasia Ignatova are the 15 women included.

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The raw black and white photographs depict the women makeup-free, unretouched, and, unlike other years, clothed – focusing on a different type of ‘nakedness.’ Their ages span six decades, with a 28-year-old Alicia Vikander appearing alongside a 71-year-old Helen Mirren.

Photographer Peter Lindbergh, who has shot the calendar twice before, said in a press release he hoped to present something different this time around.

“In a time when women are represented in the media and everywhere else as ambassadors of perfection and youth, I thought it was important to remind everyone that there is a different beauty,” he said. “More real and truthful and not manipulated by commercial or any other interests.”

Watch the Mamamia Out Loud team discuss the politics of women going makeup-free. Post continues after video.

“A beauty that speaks about individuality, courage to be yourself, and your own private sensibility.”

“My aim was to portray women in a different way,” said the German photographer. “I did it by calling in actresses who’ve played an important role in my life, getting as close as possible to them to take my photos.”

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“As an artist, I feel I’m responsible for freeing women from the idea of eternal youth and perfection. The ideal of perfect beauty promoted by society is something that simply can’t be attained.”

For more from the calendar:

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