Du Juan

Actress and model

“On set, he has this quiet presence, you can always sense his deeply thoughtful approach to work”

Chinese model and actress Du Juan was thrilled to be reunited with her former collaborator Sølve Sundsbø for the 2026 Pirelli Calendar shoot. Like so many, she sees something special in the Norway-born, London-based photographer and filmmaker…

“His artistry is consistently extraordinary and I’ve always admired his work. It’s an absolute joy to reunite with him for this project”

It’s the second time Du has featured in The Cal - having previously appeared in the 2008 edition shot in her native Shanghai by Patrick Demarchelier. Like the other Calendar talents this year, Du was given an element to portray, in her case “sky”. When we caught up with her immediately after her shoot, she was happy with how her day had gone with Sundsbø and his team…

“Today’s shoot proceeded exceptionally well for me. The on-set atmosphere was both remarkably calm and intensely focused, with everyone collaborating seamlessly”

Du has many firsts to her name. She was on the cover of the very first Vogue China in 2005 and has become a frequent cover star. In the same year she became the first Chinese model to be featured on the cover of Vogue Paris. In addition, she has appeared in multiple movies and today is one of China’s most instantly recognisable faces.

Model, actress... now Du can add “Pirelli Calendar model twice over” to her still growing list of remarkable international achievements…

“I believe this particular production will remain memorable for me - a truly special filming experience”