The Pirelli calendar has demonstrated its commitment to challenging the status quo, and its own image in the process, for the second year running after shunning traditional catwalk models for “women of achievement”. This year’s newly unveiled ‘Cal’ features a number of un-retouched actresses, the majority of whom are over the age of 40, in a move declared a “cry against the terror of perfection and youth”.

Launched in Paris on Tuesday, the calendar – which cannot be bought and is only sent out to a select clientele – features some of the best actresses in the world, a move that was chosen by Lindbergh on purpose.

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“My aim was to portray women in a different way,” he said. “And I did it by calling in actresses who have played an important role in my life, getting as close as possible to them to take my photos. As an artist, I feel I’m responsible for freeing women from the idea of eternal youth and perfection. The ideal of perfect beauty promoted by society is something that simply can’t be attainted.”

The calendar is better known for featuring the most in-demand and emerging models. The 2015 calendar presented a string of Victoria’s Secret models including Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid mostly topless or wearing PVC outfits.

However, last year renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz photographed the 2016 calendar and moved away from models, instead featuring “women of achievement” such as Serena Williams, Amy Schumer, Yoko Ono and Patti Smith.

This move was echoed by Lindbergh who featured many women over an age in which, traditionally, most modelling careers come to an end.

“In a time when women are represented in the media and everywhere else as ambassadors of perfection and youth, I thought it was important to remind everyone that there is a different beauty, more real and truthful and not manipulated by commercial or any other interests, a beauty which speaks about individuality, courage to be yourself and your own private sensibility,” Lindbergh said.