The Cal™ calendar, in its 49th edition, captures a singular vision through the lens of Australian photographer Emma Summerton. The shoot unfolded over three days in New York during June and continued with a final day in London in July, crafting a narrative that crosses oceans and urban landscapes to unfold a cohesive theme.
The 2023 concept centers on muses—imagined and archetypal figures who have shaped Summerton’s creative journey. It is a tribute to the women who have sparked her imagination, from family members to a broad constellation of artists across music, cinema, literature, and activism. The calendar invites viewers to consider the unreal and the real as intertwined forces, celebrating those who have inspired generations with their courage, artistry, and presence.
Many of the images navigate a spectrum between authenticity and fantasy, inviting audiences to question what is visible and what remains beneath the surface. The photographer explores these layers by translating personal memories into public frames, where every portrait hints at a larger story about identity, aspiration, and belonging. The result is a world that feels both extraordinary and intimate, designed to spark wonder and to prompt reflection about the roles of women as dreamers, creators, and change-makers.
In this edition, Summerton approached the project with a candid, exploratory mindset. She asked herself: who is the woman in the frame? What are her origins, and where does she want to go? Which connections shape her sense of self, and what ambitions drive her every choice? How does she choose to present herself to the world? The answers weave through the imagery, creating a tapestry that encourages viewers to imagine a future grounded in personal agency and resilience.
The visual language evolves into a vibrant, magical realm that seems to exist beyond time—a playground where style becomes storytelling, and fashion serves as a conduit for emotion. This immersive quality makes the calendar more than a collection of photographs; it becomes a narrative experience that invites the audience to dream along with the subjects and to contemplate the forces that shape a woman’s sense of self and voice.
As cultural conversations increasingly blur the lines between reality and fantasy, Summerton’s work resonates as a timely reflection of the moment. The creative leadership behind the project recognizes this shift and positions the imagery as a dialogue about perception, power, and possibility. The project embodies a belief in the muse as a living, evolving idea—someone who can illuminate paths forward, challenge conventions, and inspire others to pursue their own visions.
The collection highlights a distinguished group of muses who appear across the calendar: Adwoa Aboah, Adut Akech, Hae Kong, Cara Delevingne, Ashley Graham, Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Precious Lee, Lila Moss, Sasha Pivovarova, Emily Ratajkowski, Guinevere Van Seenus, Lauren Wasser, and Kaya Wilkins. Each figure brings a distinct presence and symbolic resonance, contributing to a larger mosaic that celebrates diversity, strength, and individuality. The combination of these voices underscores a shared commitment to representation and empowerment within the creative community.
Looking ahead, previews of the forthcoming edition underscore the ongoing dialogue between image and narrative. The presentation of “Love Letters to the Muse” is anticipated to occur in the autumn, with a formal unveiling slated for November. The upcoming showcase promises further exploration of the muse as a source of inspiration, inviting audiences to engage with a continuing conversation about how these figures influence fashion, art, and cultural perception.
In sum, this issue of The Cal calendar honors the enduring power of the muse. It frames women as conduits of imagination and change, while acknowledging the personal histories that shape their rise. The collaboration between the photographer and the muses yields a collection that is at once luminous and contemplative, playful yet deeply meaningful. It is a testament to storytelling through fashion, a reminder that style can illuminate inner narratives and connect viewers to a broader human story. (Source: Pirelli Calendar)