Irina Shayk is a Russian model and actress, born January 6, 1986 in Yemanzhelinsk, best known as the first Russian model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (2011). This page collects some of our favourite shots from her Instagram and a short career timeline.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova |
| Born | January 6, 1986, Yemanzhelinsk, Russia |
| Known for | Intimissimi, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, L’Oréal Paris |
| Acting debut | Megara in Hercules (2014) |
Who is Irina Shayk?
Irina Shayk, born Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova, is a Russian fashion model and actress. She won the Miss Chelyabinsk 2004 beauty contest, which launched her career, and signed with IMG Models in May 2009. In 2022 Models.com placed her on its New Supers list.
She is also a charity worker. With her sister she helped rebuild the children’s ward of the hospital in her hometown of Yemanzhelinsk, and she has raised money for the Russian charity Pomogi, which provides care to sick children.
Irina Shayk on Instagram
Here are some of our favourite shots from her account, posted in 2015.
A photo posted by irinashayk (@irinashayk) on Aug 26, 2015 at 9:39am PDT
A photo posted by irinashayk (@irinashayk) on Oct 30, 2015 at 11:16am PDT
Her feed also includes videos from collaborations with different brands.
Irina Shayk career and brands
In 2007 she replaced Ana Beatriz Barros as the face of Intimissimi, and in the same year she debuted in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She became the official ambassador of Intimissimi in 2010. Other work includes Guess spring/summer 2009 and Beach Bunny in 2009.
Her campaigns include Cesare Paciotti, the Victoria’s Secret catalogue, Lacoste and Morellato. Magazine covers include Woman, Annabelle, Twelv, Paris Capital, Bolero and Jalouse.
In 2010 she modeled the Armani Exchange spring/summer campaign and starred in Kanye West’s “Power“, directed by the artist Marco Brambilla. We have the video here.
A video posted by irinashayk (@irinashayk) on Sep 23, 2015 at 6:24pm PDT
In 2011 she became the first Russian on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. In 2012 she covered Esquire UK, Glamour Russia, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Ukraine, and Marie Claire Ukraine, Spain and Russia, did an editorial for Vanity Fair Italy and covered The Sunday Times Style and S Moda Spain.
She appeared on 14 Cosmopolitan spring covers worldwide in 2012. In 2014 she carried the placard for the Russian team at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics, and in October 2015 she became a L’Oréal Paris International Spokesperson. In 2016 she walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
A photo posted by irinashayk (@irinashayk) on Jul 21, 2015 at 5:30pm PDT
Want more? Follow her on Instagram or like her Facebook profile. We also have a special video you can enjoy here.
FAQ
Who is Irina Shayk?
Irina Shayk is a Russian fashion model and actress, born January 6, 1986 in Yemanzhelinsk. She is known for Intimissimi, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and L’Oréal Paris.
Was Irina Shayk on the cover of Sports Illustrated?
Yes. She was the cover model of the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, the first Russian to appear on it. She debuted in the issue in 2007.
What was Irina Shayk’s acting debut?
She played Megara alongside Dwayne Johnson in the 2014 film Hercules.
What brands has Irina Shayk worked with?
They include Intimissimi, Guess, Beach Bunny, Armani Exchange, Lacoste, Morellato, Cesare Paciotti, Victoria’s Secret and L’Oréal Paris.
What is Irina Shayk’s real name?
Her birth name is Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova.
Last updated: October 2026.
