Irina Shayk Tells All
As one of the most recognizable models in the world, it’s hard for Irina Shayk to do anything without making headlines. Such was the case on the evening of June 13 when the 33-year-old Russian supermodel strolled out onto the catwalk—not once, but twice—at CR Runway’s inaugural show in celebration of LuisaViaRoma’s 90th anniversary. Outfitted first in a skin-skimming strapless black leather Ermanno Scervino dress, complete with a dramatic pair of bicep-grazing opera gloves and Mary Janes, her look was the complete embodiment of femme fatale.
Her next show-stopping appearance arrived as one-third of a power trio alongside Bella Hadid and Joan Smalls. Each was dressed in sharp skirt sets dug up from the archives of Thierry Mugler that featured impeccable tailoring, clean lines, and uncompromising structure for which the designer is known. And, of course, as was to be expected, Shayk’s very public presence (just a few days after her very public split with Bradley Cooper) made the news.
Here, Shayk reveals how she met Carine Roitfeld, why she loves the ‘90s, and how the CR Runway x LuisaViaRoma is different from any other show.
How did you meet Carine?
“[It] was at a CR Fashion Book party in New York City. We instantly hit it off. Following that, we did a really fun shoot in Miami for CR.”
What do you love about Carine?
“Carine is a trailblazer, a risk-taker, and she really celebrates women. She is also a family woman and a real friend. She has been there for me since the beginning and I cherish our bond.”
What was your reaction when you first heard about the show?
“When I first heard about the show, I instantly thought, ‘Anything for Carine.’ ”
How is this show different from anything else you’ve walked in?
“It’s different because it’s in Florence, one of the most magical cities in the world. It has so much culture and history. The setting makes all the difference.”
The show is ‘90s themed—what did you love about the ‘90s?
“I love the ‘90s—the world was in a happier place. I loved the supermodels from the ‘90s like Naomi [Campbell], Christy [Turlington], and Linda [Evangelista]. As a child, I respected all three and I aspired to be as good as them one day. I miss ‘90s fashion because it was not very accessible—not just anyone could be a model. The models from that era defined that time period, and I miss that.
What were your favorite brands from the ‘90s?
“My favorites were Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, and Helmut Lang.”
How do you think the role of the supermodel has changed?
“Our platforms have become so much bigger. Now we’re able to use our voices to change the areas in the world that need help the most.”
What’s one of your favorite memories from your career thus far?
“One of my favorite memories was the first time I worked with Steven Meisel. Carine put me in a campaign that he was shooting and she was styling. It was a moment I wished for since the beginning of my career and, after so many years, it happened.”
What’s next for you?
“I want to be healthy, happy, enjoy my life, and give back to the world.”
