IRINA SHAYK

Irina Shayk: A Comprehensive Profile of the Russian Supermodel

Early Life and Background

Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova, professionally known as Irina Shayk, was born on January 6, 1986, in Yemanzhelinsk, a town in the Chelyabinsk Oblast of the former Soviet Union. Her father, Valery Shaykhlislamov, was a coal miner of Volga Tatar descent, and her mother, Olga, was a Russian kindergarten music teacher. Shayk began playing the piano at age six and enrolled in a music school at nine, where she studied for seven years, learning both piano and choir singing. Tragically, her father passed away from pneumonia complications when she was 14, prompting her mother to work multiple jobs to support the family. After high school, Shayk initially studied marketing but later shifted to a beauty school with her sister, where she was discovered by a local modeling agency and encouraged to participate in the "Miss Chelyabinsk 2004" beauty contest, which she won. ​

Modeling Career

Shayk's modeling career took off in 2007 when she replaced Ana Beatriz Barros as the face of Intimissimi and debuted in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She became the brand's official ambassador in 2010. Her portfolio expanded to include campaigns for Beach Bunny Swimwear, Guess, Victoria's Secret, Lacoste, Cesare Paciotti, and Morellato. In 2011, she made history as the first Russian model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. ​

Shayk has graced the covers of numerous international magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, and Cosmopolitan. She has also walked the runway for high-profile designers such as Givenchy, Versace, and Jean-Paul Gaultier. In 2016, she participated in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show while six months pregnant. By 2021, Models.com recognized her as one of the "New Supers," highlighting her status in the fashion industry. ​

Acting and Media Appearances

In addition to modeling, Shayk ventured into acting, making her debut as Megara in the 2014 film "Hercules" alongside Dwayne Johnson. She has appeared in music videos, including Kanye West's "Power" and Romeo Santos' "Yo También." Shayk has also hosted the Russian version of "Top Model" and participated in various television programs, showcasing her versatility beyond the runway. ​

Personal Life

Shayk was in a relationship with Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo from 2010 to 2015. She later dated American actor Bradley Cooper from 2015 to 2019, and they have a daughter, Lea de Seine, born in March 2017. Despite their separation, Shayk and Cooper maintain a strong co-parenting relationship, often spending time together with their daughter and emphasizing a hands-on parenting approach without the use of nannies. ​

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Shayk has used her platform to support various charitable causes. In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, she publicly opposed the war and announced donations to UNICEF and the Red Cross to aid humanitarian efforts. ​

Recent Endeavors

Shayk continues to be a prominent figure in the fashion industry, collaborating with brands like L'Oréal Paris, Versace, and Burberry. She remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of her professional projects and personal life, including rare photos with her daughter, while maintaining a level of privacy. ​

Through her enduring presence in fashion, ventures into acting, and commitment to philanthropy, Irina Shayk exemplifies the multifaceted nature of modern supermodels.