Fashion

Close Connections: A Chat With Irina Shayk

We speak to Supermodel Irina Shayk in a personal conversation about her beginnings in the fashion industry, the secret to her success, and more.
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Irina Shayk is not unfamiliar to the fashion scene. The Russian supermodel has graced the runways of numerous fashion brands and is the face of numerous campaigns. Today, L'Officiel sits down with her for an intimate chat and her relationship with lingerie brand Intimissimi, the Italian lingerie brand whom Irina is now the new face of. 

 

Let’s go back to the very beginning: how did you get your start in fashion?

I come from a very small town, literally in the middle of nowhere in Russia, and never thought of becoming a model. I also started modeling quite late, at the age of 19.  Intimissimi was the first big brand to choose me for their campaign.

 

You have been working in fashion for several years. What is the secret to your longevity as a model, and with your brand partnership with Intimissi?

You have to follow your dreams, be honest and true to yourself. Today’s fashion is more about charisma and personality than a pretty face. I had a chance to meet great people who have helped me throughout my career and Intimissimi has  also become a real family for me. They believed in me from the start and have always supported me.

 

You recently visited the Intimissimi show in Verona, how did you like it?

It was a great pleasure to see how Intimissimi has developed. I liked the show’s cabaret theme: it was spectacular and reflected the brand’s image. It was a great celebration of femininity and beauty in the heart of Italy.

 

You are connected to several major Italian fashion brands and designers. What do you like about Italian culture?

I have a lot of Italian friends, both professionally and privately and I think that Italian culture has a lot in common with Russian culture. Italians have a big heart and are very open and honest. I appreciate that in people!

 

We saw you on several catwalks during the fashion weeks, from Milan to Paris to New York. What are your best memories?

The most memorable moment was the Burberry Evolution Show. Riccardo (Tisci, editor’s note) is a close friend and each of his collections is new and different. I am amazed at how versatile he is in expressing his creativity.

 

Considering all your professional commitments, what do you do for yourself and your personal health?

I take a sauna steam bath once a week. It helps get rid of stress and negative emotions.

 

What else would you have liked to do if you weren't a model?

I would probably choose to teach or become a journalist. But I couldn’t ask for a better job than the one I have now!

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