Pirelli’s 2020 calendar retells the story of Shakespeare’s Juliet

Italian photographer Paolo Roversi‘s retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” brings together a diverse cast, including LGBTQ performers and models of color, who subvert the traditional portrayal of the historic protagonist.

For this project, Roversi decided to focus on only half of the titular duo.

For him, the shoot is the culmination of a yearslong exploration of the themes of love and beauty. That search led him to Juliet, a woman who fought and ultimately died for her beliefs.

Roversi cast eight actors and models, chosen for their embodiment of the qualities he sees in Juliet: strength, femininity and tenderness.

“I was looking not just for beautiful girls,” said Roversi. “I was looking for girls that are their own character, (with their) own personality, independent… like Juliet.”

The international cast includes British actress Emma Watson, chosen for her efforts to campaign for gender equality, and Indya Moore, the first transgender model to walk for a major fashion house.