“It feels like doing meditation”: that’s how Irina Shayk introduces herself, much more relaxed and friendly than one might imagine seeing her on the pages of glossy fashion magazines. A look that’s hard to ignore, with that pointy bra, the girl born on the border between Russia and Kazakhstan to a pianist mother and a miner father (who died when she was 14) is now a woman living in New York with her 10-year-old daughter, and one of the shortlisted protagonists for the Pirelli Calendar 2026. “It’s basically like winning an Oscar” someone asks her, and instead she talks about interiority, about undisguised beauty.
Cal, expected goal?
“Yes, that’s been a starting point for a long time, it’s an important recognition. When they asked me to participate, I felt it represented something much deeper, a warmth and depth that is often missing in the representation of women. I’m happy to be part of a generation that wants to show this dual dimension.”
How was the experience with photographer Sølve Sundsbø?
At first everything seems unpredictable, then the shots become almost a personal surprise. It was like stopping time in a mixture of powerful sensations: the relationship with the passage of time is complicated, from this work I learned something new.”
In this Calendar we talk a lot about internal and external beauty.
“Of course, it would be easy to take things for granted when you’re lucky enough to do my job and have the looks I do. But precisely because I know that time changes things, I can say that women today relate to different types of beauty. And The Cal reflects this reality well.”
Not all women have the same relationship with time and with their own external image.
“Yes, that’s true, but I believe that within each person there is beauty that must be enhanced at every age. Every phase of life has its splendor and authenticity.”
I will be 40 next year.
“It would be better if you didn’t remind me…” (laughs)
And on the contrary, precisely for this reason: what does it have to do with flowing life?
“This is a very important topic. You feel good about yourself when you accept that this is something that cannot be avoided, that must be faced without problems or fears. Every era has its value and beauty: it is important to dedicate time to yourself and learn to appreciate your uniqueness, without chasing too rigid external standards.”
What message did Lea get?
“My daughter is 10 years old: for me it was a transformative moment to become a mother. It changed me deeply, made me feel more comfortable with myself, more as a woman and fulfilled. This is why I quit social media, and I banned social media for now, also because she is too young.”
Virtual life is not reality.
“There they all look perfect and have a wonderful life, and then frustration sets in. The most important thing is to feel secure with yourself. It’s not about judging yourself for some small detail, but about growing, maturing, broadening your horizons, in your career and in your personal life. True beauty is this: being authentic and full of life.”
And what will happen next to Irina?
“I have a project that really excites me, but I can’t talk about it yet. I have a lot to do and I’m not worried about feeling tension, on the contrary. I believe that Cal represents a turning point, a heart thrown beyond the odds, especially in the themes of age and female beauty. It’s a message of change and respect for diversity.”
Speaking of messages, and remembering the birthplace: is there anything to say about what’s happening in the world?
“I don’t think this is the right time or place for me to discuss political topics.
I can only take this calendar as an example: it is a celebration of strength, diversity and origins. This is a project that brings together many strong and unique women, each with their own story. For me it is an honor to be a part of it and help represent a new, broader and more inclusive idea of beauty.”
