I was born and raised in a small village, and I didn't even think I was especially pretty.
— Irina Shayk
Actually, I wanted to become a journalist, but no matter who I imagined myself to be in the future, somehow I was sure: I would leave my hometown. I felt it was my destiny.
My father was dark skinned because he was Tatar. Sometimes Tatars can look Brazilian.
I'm not a fan of soccer, for sure not.
It's very simple. You have to be faithful to your other half and not have secrets. That's my rule.
I've felt ugly and insecure.
After school, my sister and I helped our mom in the garden. We grew potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes - not for fun, but to eat.
I never thought of a career of as a model, and it was a total surprise for me when I won the contest and became Miss Chelyabinsk. Then I started modelling in Paris.
My ideal man is faithful, honest, and a gentleman who knows how to treat women.
Of course I prefer to be with someone, but with the right someone.
I think a woman feels ugly when she's got the wrong man at her side.
I get my light eyes from my mother.
I was noticed by a person from a local model agency, and he proposed that I participate in a beauty contest Miss Chelyabinsk.
I don't believe in men who make us feel unhappy, because they're boys, not men.
