Irina Shayk

IMG Models · New York

Early Life / Background

Irina Shayk, born Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova on January 6, 1986, in the small industrial town of Yemanzhelinsk in Russia's Chelyabinsk Oblast, grew up in a modest environment that shaped her resilient spirit. Her father, Valery, was a coal miner of Tatar descent, while her mother, Olga, worked as a kindergarten music teacher and was ethnically Russian.

Career Development

Following her discovery, Irina relocated to Moscow in 2005 to join the modeling scene, signing with the prestigious IMG Models agency, known for representing top-tier talents like Gisele Bündchen and Kate Moss. IMG's global network provided her with immediate access to international opportunities, a critical step for Russian models finding the competitive industry.

Notable Work & Campaigns

Irina's breakthrough came in 2007 with her debut campaign for Guess, photographed by Steven Meisel, which catapulted her into the spotlight as the face of the brand's lingerie line. That same year, she became the ambassador for Italian intimates label Intimissimi, a role she held for several seasons, showcasing her commercial viability.

Industry Context

Irina Shayk's career unfolds within the active field of the global fashion industry, where IMG Models holds a commanding position as one of the "Big Four" agencies alongside Elite, Ford, and Wilhelmina. Founded in 1990, IMG has transformed talent management by integrating modeling with broader entertainment divisions, scouting diverse ethnicities to meet the demands of an increasingly inclusive market.

Current Status & Legacy

Today, Irina Shayk remains a prominent figure in fashion, continuing to work with IMG Models and based primarily in New York, though her roots in Yemanzhelinsk inform her grounded persona. She balances motherhood—having a daughter in 2017 with actor Bradley Cooper—with selective projects, including recent campaigns for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and appearances at Fashion Weeks.