A Pirelli calendar with no nude models? How company is ditching supermodels for Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer, Patti Smith and Serena Williams in the new Pirelli Calendar. Photos / Annie Leibovitz / Pirelli

It's one of the most exclusive calendars out, known for featuring the most glamourous supermodels in the world - until now.

The team behind the 2016 Pirelli calendar is taking next year's edition in a refreshing new direction, forgoing the world's most beautiful women in favour of its most inspiring - from artists to athletes to bloggers.

Created by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, the 43rd edition features the likes of Amy Schumer, Serena Williams and teen blogger and founder of Style Rookie, Tavi Gevinson.

The calendar has previously profiled nude or scantily clad models such as Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima, but this lineup of 13 women has been selected by Pirelli for their outstanding professional, social, cultural, sporting and artistic achievements.

Serena Williams poses for April. Photo / Annie Leibovitz

The revised prerequisites see the inclusion of Yao Chen, the first Chinese UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Russian model Natalia Vodianova for her work as founder of the charity Naked Heart Russia, and artist and activist Yoko Ono.

Like the first few calendars of the 60s, Peter Lindbergh's 2002 edition, or Patrick Demarchelier's 2008 images, there are no nudes - Schumer and Williams are the least clothed in the set.

Patti Smith's performances inspired a generation of women. Photo / Annie Leibovitz

While Leibovitz shot nudes for the 2000 calendar, she says when Pirelli called her this time, they explained they wanted to move away from previous approaches.

"They said they wanted to make a departure from the past. They suggested the idea of photographing distinguished women. After we agreed on that, the goal was to be very straightforward. I wanted the pictures to show the women exactly as they are, with no pretense," Leibovitz told the Daily Mail.

Amy Schumer is celebrated for her feminist comedy. Photo / Annie Leibovitz

"I'm a great admirer of comediennes. The Amy Schumer portrait added some fun. It's as if she didn't get the memo saying that she could keep her clothes on."

34-year-old Schumer said of her photo showing off her hourglasses, un-airbrushed curves: "I've never felt more beautiful".

- nzherald.co.nz