The highly-anticipated release of the annual Pirelli calendar showcases the creative vision of a renowned photographer and features some of the globe’s most celebrated personalities. Entering a new decade with its 2024 edition, The Cal, as it’s affectionately known in the industry, has been masterfully crafted by 28-year-old visual artist Prince Gyasi. Initially gaining prominence for capturing striking images solely using his iPhone, the Ghanaian talent is now acclaimed for his vivid imagery, strongly influenced by his synesthesia, a neurological condition associating words with colors. This year’s calendar boasts an extraordinary lineup of iconic models including Naomi Campbell, Angela Bassett, and Idris Elba.
Marking a monumental 50th edition, this installment holds special significance as it’s the first time the calendar has been shot by a Black, African photographer. Gyasi expressed his humility at being the chosen artist, particularly after learning about the milestone, especially considering that a portion of the shoot transpired in his home country, Ghana. The highly-coveted calendar is not for sale and is customized for a select group of Pirelli clients and celebrities.
Intriguingly themed “Timeless,” the 2023 calendar was conceived as a means of defying societal constraints, serving as an artistic representation of nonconformity, resilience, and enduring spirit. The creation of The Cal stretches back to 1964 as a distinctive move by Pirelli to captivate audiences in a grand display of fashion and opulence. Over the years, the calendar has evolved and was previously centered around nude/fashion-forward pictorials before transitioning to acknowledging women for their remarkable accomplishments. There were also editions exclusively featuring Black or plus-size models, as well as male models.
Featuring a diversified lineup of talent, this year’s calendar includes notable figures such as Teyana Taylor, Amanda Gorman, and author Margot Lee Shetterly. Each participant was uniquely selected to reflect Gyasi’s personal inspirations. The photoshoots were conducted in London, as well as in Ghana, granting the talents a deeply inspiring experience in exploring their roots and heritage. It’s notable that the king of Ghana’s Asante people, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, is among this year’s models.
Contributing to the calendar was a compelling experience for Shetterly, who emphasized the respectful admiration she gained for models and actors, acknowledging the tremendous effort they put into their craft. Taylor, with her multifaceted background in directing and styling, enjoyed the process, relishing in the unaccustomed simplicity of just being the subject for once. Renowned singer and director Jeymes Samuel enthralled in his striking portrayal, embracing his role with fervor while enjoying Gyasi’s earnestly collaborative approach.
The 2024 Pirelli calendar epitomizes a sensory extravaganza of creativity, art, and bold individual expression, serving as an iconic testament of determination and freedom in its fiftieth-year milestone.
