Photo: Mariano Vivanko
IRINA SHEYK IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW TO THE RUSSIAN EMIRATES MAGAZINE TOLD ABOUT HIS PRESENT LIFE, ROLES IN THE HERCULES FILM AND LOVE FOR THE BIRTH CITY OF EMANZHELINSK.
She loves to travel around Europe, act in swimsuits and actively engage in charitable activities. Professional model and now actress Irina Shayk shares New York secrets and impressions of working in the cinema.
Irina, the new shoot of the bebe brand, whose face you are, is impressive in its scope. How do you work with the brand?
Irina Shayk: I always liked the style of a bebe girl - she is self-confident and not afraid to be herself, and this is absolutely combined with my character. I was flattered when the bebe management asked me to become the face of the brand. We shot the last photo shoot at the old railway station, which gave the story a vintage romance. There were so many interesting angles and locations on the set! Old wagons, depots, rails, steam clouds, red and purple halftones. It reminded me of my homeland, because the prints that bebe created for the fall season are inspired by Russia.
How would you describe your style? Which wardrobe item has never failed you?
Irina Shayk: I think I have a feminine, a bit dramatic and risky style. The thing that has never let me down is a little black dress. But I like to choose something unusual - for example, the same dress, only with a bright detail, a massive zipper or transparent panels on the sides. It’s easy for me to choose from bebe collections, as they suit me in spirit. A stunning feature of bebe is that the prints, design and interesting details of their clothes are always relevant, and if the collection is sold, then you will no longer find similar elements. Much more important is how you combine things. This is the style.
You have over three million Instagram followers. How do you fuel your audience?
Irina Shayk: I share with readers only what interests me personally. I always try to post something positive and inspiring. Nowhere without humor.
Model business is not always easy. How do you manage to stay afloat?
Irina Shayk: Of course, this is a complex process, long, exhausting hours of filming and not always comfortable working conditions. But my family and colleagues support me. Many people in the fashion industry are not as cruel as they are thought of. They just do their job and try to create something beautiful. The feeling of unity and team spirit at work energize me, and the family continues to inspire me, despite the difficulties. When I was growing up, life for my mother and my sister and I was not always easy. But I became tempered and learned self-discipline.
Now you conquer Hollywood. What did you like most during the filming of Hercules, where you played the role of Megara?
Irina Shayk: Megara is my first, but very important role in the cinema. The director did everything to make me feel as comfortable as possible, and Dwayne Johnson, the famous mountain man who played Hercules, is simply an amazing person in life. The name Irina is Greek, so I felt that playing a character from the myths of Ancient Greece was my destiny. When there was an offer to star in the film, I was overjoyed.
Irina Shayk (full name: Irina Shaykhlislamova)
Born on January 6, 1986 in the city of Emanzhelinsk, Chelyabinsk region. In 2004, she won the Chelyabinsk beauty contest "Supermodel 2004", after which she was noticed by a talented scout Gia Dzhikidze, who at one time opened the world of fashion to Natalia Vodyanova. After a fast career in Paris, Irina moved to the USA. There she became the first Russian model in the world to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. For several seasons, Irina has been the face of the American bebe clothing brand. She owes her exotic appearance to Tatar origin by father and Russian by mother.
Do you have a favorite Soviet actress?
Irina Shayk: I do not cease to admire Lyudmila Savelyeva. She was a ballerina, and then, in the 1960s, she began acting in films. I think she deserves to be called Russian Audrey Hepburn.
For many women, you are a model of style. And who is your heroine?
Irina Shayk: Oh, of course Coco Chanel! She is a legend. Chanel always remained herself, doing her favorite thing and made a real revolution in the fashion and lifestyle of that time.
If you had only one day in New York, how would you spend it?
Irina Shayk: Having only one day left, I would have walked around my favorite West Village area. Then she would go shopping in Soho, watch a performance on Broadway, and finally dine at the famous Peter Luger or Mercer Kitchen restaurant.
How did you like it in Dubai? Would you ever move here?
Irina Shayk: I had a great time here. This is an extraordinary city that has a special appeal. I liked his optimistic and futuristic spirit, moreover, there is crazy shopping here. But living in Dubai is quite expensive.
Can you cook?
Irina Shayk: My favorite dish is dumplings. I would not call myself a cook.
Tell us about your charity work in Russia.
Irina Shayk: My sister and I are helping to reconstruct the hospital in Emanzhelinsk, the city where we grew up. I want to support those in need and give them hope for the future. My sister and I helped rebuild and equip the orphanage, at the moment we are trying to raise funds for the Help Fund fund, which takes care of sick children.
What would you like to do in the next 10 years?
Irina Shayk: Play a movie and develop a charitable foundation. Find more time to be with your family and run after your dream!
