Pirelli’s relationship with beauty has evolved significantly. Originally launched in 1964 as a pin-up calendar aimed at male-dominated environments, “The Cal” has showcased iconic figures like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, and Monica Belluci. The early versions of the calendar presented a narrow definition of beauty, heavily influenced by the straight, cis, male gaze. Over time, however, the calendar has transformed, reflecting changing cultural perceptions of beauty.
Central to The Cal’s evolution is the role of the photographer, whose interpretation of contemporary culture shapes the calendar’s portrayal of beauty. Since its inception, 50 Pirelli calendars have been produced, featuring the work of 39 distinguished photographers. Names like Richard Avedon, Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, and Annie Leibovitz are among those who have received the prestigious call to shoot for Pirelli, an honor comparable to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This year, that honor goes to Ethan James Green.
Originally from Michigan and now based in New York, Green has made a name for himself with his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, often exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and personal style. His collaborations with brands such as Alexander McQueen, Dior, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton are well-known, and his recent monograph, Bombshell, delves into how femininity, glamour, and sex appeal are expressed differently by various individuals. For the 2025 Pirelli Calendar, Green has worked with talents like Hunter Schafer, John Boyega, Simone Ashley, and Jodie Turner-Smith, focusing on the sensuality of each subject and creating a collection that feels both contemporary and distinctly his own.
In an interview, Green shared insights into his experience shooting The Cal, the changes he has observed in society’s views on beauty, and what beauty means to him.
When asked how the modern Pirelli calendar’s ethos has influenced his work, Green explained that this year’s edition celebrates beauty by including a diverse range of individuals. He aimed to blend the calendar’s origins with today’s broader understanding of beauty, bringing a fresh focus on sensuality.
For Green, beauty is multifaceted. He believes that while outward appearances are often the first thing we notice, inner beauty can significantly influence how we perceive others and ourselves.
Over time, Green has observed that society’s definition of beauty has expanded. More people now fit into what is considered beautiful, which he finds exciting as it allows for greater variety in his work. He enjoys capturing classic, iconic images but finds it even more powerful to include people who were previously excluded from such representations.
Green’s photography style, which he describes as classic, revisits the lighting and settings used by legendary photographers. He believes that including diverse subjects in these traditional spaces, rather than completely reinventing them, can be a powerful statement.
To ensure that the uniqueness of each cast member was captured in his photographs, Green emphasized the importance of collaboration. By creating a comfortable environment, he allows his subjects to reveal their true selves, resulting in more authentic images.
The diverse cast for this year’s calendar, including Hunter Schafer and Simone Ashley, reflects Green’s approach to his craft. He views diversity not as a deliberate effort but as a natural aspect of his work, rooted in the values of his generation. For him, diversity is not just a consideration—it’s essential.
