AND born on January 6th, but she is anything but a “befana”. Today supermodel Irina Shayk turns 40 and symbolically opens a new chapter in his career by entering, for the first time, in the Pirelli Calendar. A debut that arrives at the right time: not as a late consecration, but as confirmation of a stylistic maturity built over time. Swinging, chat? Perhaps. But authentic.
Born in Russia, Irina debuted in the international fashion system in the mid-2000s and quickly established herself as one of the most recognizable models of her generation. In 2015 she becomes an imposing Victoria’s Secret angelwhile her private life, starting from her long relationship with Bradley Cooper, with whom she had a daughter, runs parallel to the spotlight. Today, however, it is above all his professional path that speaks: continuous, coherent, increasingly personal.
Low shoes, high choices
Known for stylistic choices that are far from predictable, Irina Shayk has made freedom in dressing a recognizable signature. At 1.78 metres, she has repeatedly subverted the red carpet dress code by giving up heelswithout ever giving up elegance. In September 2025, in the stands of the US Open, she wears men’s loafers with a tight green dress, transforming a sporting context into an exercise in nonchalance.
In May 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival, he surprised with a white suit by Mango paired with a pair of flip flopsa cool gesture in its simplicity (around the neck, a priceless Chopard necklace). Unforgettable, in this sense, his appearance at the 2023 Met Galain a white Yohji Yamamoto Spring 1998 archive dress and ballet flats: flat only in the styling, considering that we’re still talking about it.
May 2025, Cannes Film Festival. In a white Mango suit and flip flops (Photo by Jacopo Raule/GC Images).
Looks that last (even when they divide)
In his career as a trendsetter there is no shortage of images destined to remain, for better or for worse. Among the most successful glamorous tests on the red carpet, the one undoubtedly stands out Cannes Film Festival 2025Where Irina chooses an archive Yves Saint Laurent dress Hyper chic winter 1988/89, completed with Alaïa shoes and Chopard jewels: a lesson in style and awareness.
May 2025, Cannes Film Festival. In Yves Saint Laurent Winter 1988-89 archive dress, Alaïa shoes and Chopard jewels (Photo by Stefanie Rex/picture alliance via Getty Images).
ControversialInstead, his presence at Cannes 2023, with a leather cut-out set by Mowalola: a divisive look, centered on the exposed sculpted abdomen – but also on the choice to support an emerging designer. “The style error”, in this case, becomes part of an extremely personal story.
Street style: the real signature
Dominator of the catwalks, Irina Shayk has never really abandoned the catwalk. But it’s in the off-duty outfits that its influence appears more authentic. Here it emerges a declared passion for strong and unconventional outerweari, which become the center of the outfit: from the famous yellow bathrobe-effect coat by Olenich, which went viral in 2021, to the leather blazers, his fetish piece.
2022, New York. In a Burberry waxed jacket (Photo by Gotham/GC Images).
Already in 2022in New York, anticipates the times by bringing the waxed jacket back into fashion of Burberry, a fashion house with which she has also collaborated as a testimonial (the top model has always been a friend of Riccardo Tisci, the designer who contributed more than anyone to the success of the brand in the past). They also like it because it combines low cost and high-end pieces with safety: long time face of Intimissimi, she has often been spotted in low cost garments. Just think of the recent outing in a satin slip dress with lace edges from Mango’s Selection FW25/26 collection, combined with white boots by Maison Margiela.
The secret of his style to copy at 40
Age doesn’t matter. On the contrary, Now that he is 40, his look appears decidedly more centered. Perhaps this is precisely why she continues to be liked: because, despite her perfect physicality, Irina Shayk always chooses to subvert the rules by introducing a note of character.
November 2025, Gala for the launch of the 2026 Pirelli calendar. Lorraine Schwartz in a semi-transparent dress by Francesco Murano and emerald earrings (Photo Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Pirelli Calendar by Solve Sundsbo).
Just think of the latest style test: the launch gala of the 2026 Pirelli Calendarwhere the model wears an asymmetric long dress in black silk with jersey details and exposed culottes by the young designer Francesco Murano. Headband and emeralds on the earlobes (Lorraine Schwartz), the outfit is the story of her style today: unconventional, sexy but surprising.
It is no coincidence that in the publication Irina Shayk interprets the wind, a symbol of change. AND what is more changeable and free than one’s personality?