Invokes natural forces to craft his concept for the upcoming 2026 Pirelli Calendar, as envisioned by Sølve Sundsbø.
In the world of fashion photography, Sølve Sundsbø is known for his experimental and dreamlike imagery. Originally moving to London in the 1990s, he quickly established himself as one of the industry's most innovative voices. Now, Sundsbø is set to create the 2026 Pirelli Calendar, using a unique approach that blends technology with artistic vision.
The production of the 2026 Pirelli Calendar took place primarily in studios, with giant LED screens used to simulate natural elements like fire, wind, water, and light. This innovative approach allowed for artful reinterpretation, moving away from traditional outdoor shoots. Notable examples include underwater photographs taken in a large fish tank, featuring Eva Herzigová submerged in water.
Sundsbø's creative team for the project included stylist Jerry Stafford, make-up artist Val Garland, hair stylists Syd Hayes and Ali Pirzadeh in London, and Bob Recine and James Kaliardos in New York. Cinematographers Benoît Delhomme and Tristan Sheridan, set designer Robbie Doig, and casting director Piergiorgio Del Moro also contributed to the production.
The cast for the 2026 Pirelli Calendar consists of women who are not young models but are experienced and grown-up individuals whom Sundsbø deeply respects. The all-female line-up spans ages from their 30s to 70s and includes names like Isabella Rossellini, Irina Shayk, Susie Cave, Eva Herzigová, Gwendoline Christie, Du Juan, Luisa Ranieri, and more.
Sundsbø's fascination with light and form began while working in a ski shop. His ability to blend technical innovation with dreamlike imagery is celebrated in the industry, making him a fitting choice for the prestigious Pirelli Calendar.
First published in 1964, the Pirelli Calendar is a cultural artifact that has been graced by the work of notable photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Peter Lindbergh, and Ethan James Green. With the 2026 edition, Sundsbø continues this tradition, offering a visual narrative that explores deeper human states using the elements - earth, water, air, fire, and ether - as a framework.
The exact camera model and detailed equipment specs used in the shoot have not been publicly disclosed. However, the production was highly technical and creative, pushing boundaries with advanced lighting and visual technology typical of Sundsbø's work. The LED screens allowed the simulation of natural phenomena in a controlled environment, enabling a unique and artful interpretation of the elements.
As the release of the finalized images from the 2026 Pirelli Calendar approaches, anticipation grows. The innovative approach taken by Sundsbø and his team promises a visual feast that will captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of fashion photography.
- Sølve Sundsbø's 2026 Pirelli Calendar production utilized giant LED screens to simulate natural elements, departing from traditional outdoor shoots.
- Underwater photographs featuring Eva Herzigová were among the innovative examples in the 2026 Pirelli Calendar production.
- Members of Sundsbø's creative team for the 2026 Pirelli Calendar include Maake-up artist Val Garland, Cinematographer Tristan Sheridan, and Casting director Piergiorgio Del Moro.
- The 2026 Pirelli Calendar features an all-female line-up of women, aged from their 30s to 70s, including names such as Isabella Rossellini, Irina Shayk, Susie Cave, and Eva Herzigová.
- Sølve Sundsbø's work on the 2026 Pirelli Calendar combines technical innovation with dreamlike imagery, a skill that is celebrated in the world of photography and entertainment.
- The Pirelli Calendar, a cultural artifact first published in 1964, has been graced by the work of renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Peter Lindbergh, and Ethan James Green.
- With the 2026 edition, Sundsbø introduces a visual narrative that explores deeper human states using the elements - earth, water, air, fire, and ether - as a framework, a style characteristic of his portraiture and video work.
