Paolo Roversi Looks for Juliet for the 2020 Pirelli Calendar

Critically-acclaimed photographer, Paolo Roversi is creating the 2020 Pirelli Calendar. This year's theme for captures Roversi's search for the ideal modern embodiment of Shakespeare’s female protagonist, Juliet. Roversi selected nine leading women including Claire Foy, Mia Goth, Chris Lee, Indya Moore, Rosalia, Stella Roversi, Yara Shahidi, Kristen Stewart, and Emma Watson whom he believes have the most genuine likeness to Juliet herself. Shot in Paris and Verona, the photographs see the women posing for the camera while assuming their most authentic portrayal of the fictional character as though they were being asked to play a role.

The year 2020 will lead us out of one decade and into another and in honour of this watershed moment, the calendar explores the relationship between the past and the present - between a story from the 16th century and modern-day women.

The Pirelli Calendar was first launched in 1964, and 36 different photographers have created 46 calendars since, including Nick Knight who shot the 40th anniversary edition in 2004. Knight brought his futuristic eye and technologically innovative approach when he shot stars of the likes of Catherine Deneuve and Isabella Rossellini for the calendar. Partaking in the creation of the calendar is seen as a great honour for both photographers and their subjects.

As Roversi explains, while the calendar is a chance for him to narrow down his search for the ideal modern Juliet, his search is ceaseless because ultimately, Juliet is just a dream.