The Pirelli 2026 Calendar, "Elements," is Unveiled

The fifty-second edition of the Pirelli Calendar, aptly titled "Elements," was officially unveiled on November 14, 2025. The prestigious launch event took place at the Municipal House in Prague, Czech Republic. This year's calendar features the work of Norwegian photographer and director Sølve Sundsbø, who chose to capture eleven exceptional women symbolizing the forces of nature. Marking a significant departure from the traditional high-glamour aesthetic of past decades, the 2026 iteration focuses instead on profound symbolism and an exploration of the intrinsic link between human identity, emotions, and the natural world.

Sundsbø deliberately curated a cast of iconic figures, focusing on mature women who possess significant life experience and depth, respecting their ability to represent diverse feminine narratives. The impressive roster of participants includes Tilda Swinton, Isabella Rossellini, Louise Ranieri, Venus Williams, Irina Shayk, Gwendoline Christie, Adria Arjona, Eva Herzigova, FKA Twigs, Susie Cave, and Du Juan. A notable feature of this edition is the complete absence of male figures, which serves to underscore the calendar’s central theme: a celebration of mature female individuality and multifaceted diversity.

Known for his avant-garde visual language and innovative application of technology—including 3D scanning and meticulous manual retouching—Sundsbø’s creative output is a visual essay on the resilience of cultural archetypes. To achieve an aesthetic he describes as "magical realism," the photographer employed a hybrid methodology, seamlessly blending digital and analog shooting techniques. The extensive production spanned several locations, beginning in natural settings such as Holkham Beach in Norfolk and the countryside of Essex, before moving to studio sessions in both London and New York. During the studio shoots, colossal LED screens were utilized to project natural imagery—like sunsets, clouds, and fire—acting as dynamic backdrops for the models. Sundsbø clarified that his primary objective was to capture profound human experiences, such as curiosity and the quest for freedom, rather than merely offering a literal depiction of the elements. For instance, Eva Herzigova is portrayed as a mermaid, a powerful reinterpretation of an archetype that subtly references Botticelli's "Birth of Venus."

According to Sundsbø, Pirelli granted him complete creative autonomy for the project. He noted that the only stipulations provided by the company were the inclusion of female models and adherence to the overarching theme of nature. Reflecting contemporary sensibilities, Pirelli calendars have consciously shifted away from overt sexuality in recent years. Nevertheless, the fifty-second edition promises to deliver content that is not only aesthetically refined and artistically compelling but also deeply sensual, maintaining the high standard of visual impact the brand is known for.