Irina Shayk’s Personal Style Philosophy Is “Less Is More”
The supermodel loves Elizabeth Taylor, wearing men’s shoes, and the ’80s. Here, Irina Shayk shares her style notes.
To say that Irina Shayk has had a great past few months would be an understatement. Among her buzziest accomplishments: the 31-year-old Russian model recently walked her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show while rumored to be five months pregnant (with partner Bradley Cooper). 2017 is shaping up to be just as exciting career-wise, as Shayk was just named as the face of Bally for the Swiss brand’s Spring 2017 campaign. In the ads, Shayk goes back to the Eighties for a Pop Art-inspired look that pairs Bally’s latest collection with daringly bold makeup. Off camera, the model is known for chic, streamlined looks that show just the right amount of skin. Here, Shayk breaks down her signature style, from oversized sweaters to sheer Versace gowns.
Why were the Eighties a great time for fashion? To me, the 1980’s were a great time for fashion because it was a time of glamour. The original supermodels started to come up and became a phenomenon and created so many iconic images. I think a pulled-back slick pony a red lip and smoky eye were what I remember, trend-wise, and which is what was created in the campaign. Those Robert Palmer videos were so amazing. I also remember those Bally shoes everyone in hip-hop started wearing. I wanted a pair so bad.
Who is your Eighties style icon? There were so many that came out of the 1980’s, but I would have to say Madonna.
What decade had the best style and why? I don’t think there is a best or a worst decade for style. Fashion is all about self-expression. Something that was once a fashion faux pas is the trend of the season in the future.
Describe your personal style Simple chic. Less is more.
Bally Spring/Summer 2017
Where is your favorite place to shop? Whenever I’m in a new city I like to explore the local shops, so I can find any place to shop. But, I would have to say that Paris is still my favorite city for shopping.
Daily uniform? All black and comfortable shoes. Right now I love the iconic Bally men’s tennis shoes. I think it’s cool to mix menswear in to your daily look.
Who is your style icon and why? Elizabeth Taylor. Not only was she a fashion icon that exuded class, but she’s also an icon for me because of her groundbreaking charity work with amfAR and all of the awareness she raised for the AIDS crisis when everyone else turned their backs on an entire community. To me, that’s a true icon and trailblazer.
Irina Shayk From Every Angle: Revisit the Russian Model’s Best Moments in W Magazine
W Magazine, August 2015.
W Magazine, May 2016.
W Magazine, May 2016.
W Magazine, August 2016.
W Magazine, August 2016.
W Magazine, October 2016.
W Magazine, October 2016.
W Magazine, October 2016.
W Magazine, February 2017 Issue.
W Magazine, February 2017.
What are your beauty essentials? I’m a L’Oreal woman, of course, and using the Pure Clay mask twice a week is a great way to purify your skin after a stressful week or long flight. On a daily basis, I use the Ideal Moisture lotion twice a day and the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes mascara before heading out to a dinner.
What is the last thing you purchased? My luggage was lost on a trip, so I went in for a classic Black Chanel skirt top and a Bally ballet flat.
Irina Shayk Takes Paris in the Best Fashion of Spring 2017
Think pink. The soft, feminine hue has become a force majeure for spring.
Chanel cardigan, top, dress, cap, earring, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, and belt.
Do like Dior’s new creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and get your message across with a slogan tee.
Dior T-shirt, skirt, choker, necklace, ring, and sneakers.
Cut a striking figure with a clash of prints and patterns.
Alexander McQueen sweater, kilt, trousers, earrings, bracelets, pin (on kilt), and boots.
Smart dressers always have some tricks up their sleeves—and pant legs.
Céline jacket, jumpsuit, trousers, and bag. Beauty note: Strike an artful pose with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Blush Kit.
The new crop of floral prints is blooming with attitude.
Prada shirt, skirt, and bag.
Bathing beauties rejoice with the return of the sexy, retro silhouette.
From left: Miu Miu swimsuit, swim cap, and stole. Michael Kors Collection bralette, skirt, and belt. Beauty note: L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Clay Shampoo is a sun goddess’s best friend.
Take it from Pierpaolo Piccioli, who just debuted on his own at Valentino: There’s nothing subdued about spring’s minimalist looks.
From left: Valentino dress; Valentino Garavani earrings and bag. Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci jacket, trousers, and necklace.
Fashion has gotten bigger, bolder, louder—and, when it comes to trousers, wider.
Gucci jacket, pants, choker, hand cuff, bag, and platforms. Beauty note: For hair with flair, try Nexxus City Shield DD-Crème.
A perennial favorite, stripes break away from the straight and narrow.
From left: Fendi pullover, skirt, and pants (underneath). Proenza Schouler turtleneck, wrap skirt, and earrings. Beauty note: Love your complexion with Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation.
A voluminous sleeve adds just the right amount of drama.
Jacquemus blouse, pants, hat, and belt.
The classic raincoat is certainly big for spring.
Balenciaga trenchcoat, top, and boots.
See-through can be quite alluring, especially when paired with the new It accessory: Louis Vuitton’s Petite Malle phone case.
Louis Vuitton dress, bodysuit, boots, and iPhone case. Beauty note: Unveil beautiful skin with Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash.
Looks like we’re still stretching the limits of athletic wear.
Versace crop top, skirt, choker, bag, and sandals. Beauty note: Curls gone wild crave Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Shampoo.
No matter the silhouette, form follows fabulousness.
From left: Loewe corset top, skirt, earrings, and bag. Marni dress and earrings; Michael Kors Collection clutch.
Fishnets with fur; a plunging velvet top with a pair of jeans—dressing up, as Saint Laurent’s new creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, proves, is a matter of dressing down.
From left: Rodarte jacket, skirt, belt, and earring. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello top, jeans, and ear cuffs; Chanel bag. Beauty note: Stop traffic with Make Up for Ever Artist Acrylip in 400.
The blouse is back, as evidenced by this tuxedo shirt from Bouchra Jarrar’s debut collection for Lanvin.
Lanvin blouse, skirt, brooch, and bag.
The message is in the clothes—literally.
From left: Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh jacket, top, pants, earrings, and pouch belt. Hood by Air polo shirt and skirt.
Even denim—a wardrobe staple—gets a one-two punch with innovative treatments and clever cuts.
Marc Jacobs jacket, skirt, and socks.
Hair by Anthony Turner at Art Partner; makeup by Lynsey Alexander at Streeters; manicures by Anatole Rainey at B Agency. Models: Ellen Rosa at DNA Model Management; Stella Maxwell and Irina Shayk at the Lions; and Vittoria Ceretti at the Society Management.
Produced by Ragi Dholakia Productions; photography assistants: Lex Kembery, Matthew Healy, Simon MacKinlay; Fashion assistants: Ryann Foulke, Dena Giannini, Winnie Rielly, Rasaan Wyzard; hair assistant: Claire Grech
What is your favorite look that you’ve ever worn on the red carpet? In 2015, at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, Donatella Versace lent me a sheer Versace gown. It was a long black dress with sleeves where the left side was completely sheer so it was a little bit of a risk. I loved it. Sexy and chic all in one dress.
What is your most prized possession in your closet? I discovered that Bally has the most comfortable, softest leather pants, so I would have to say that right now. They are my go-to, paired with a sweater or chic coat and a comfortable shoe.
Watch Irina Shayk, Riccardo Tisci and more sing Prince’s Purple Rain
