Supermodel Irina Shayk, at 39, has candidly revealed the intense preparation behind her dazzling return to the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, admitting angels “have to suffer a little bit” for perfection. This comeback marks a significant moment, eight years after her iconic 2016 debut where she walked the runway while secretly pregnant with her daughter, Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper.
The runway of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has always been synonymous with glamour, but supermodel Irina Shayk is pulling back the curtain on the intense dedication required. At 39, Shayk offered a refreshingly candid perspective on what it takes to embody a “bombshell” for the much-anticipated 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, revealing a preparation philosophy that includes a touch of suffering.
The “Suffer a Little Bit” Philosophy: Irina Shayk’s Runway Truths
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Shayk hinted at the spectacle awaiting fans for the 2025 show, promising that “bombshells are gonna rock tonight.” Beyond the dazzling exterior, she delved into her personal regimen before stepping onto the world-renowned runway. Despite admitting to a lack of sleep, her routine was surprisingly free of extreme rituals.
“I didn’t sleep enough,” she confessed. “I did my eye mask. I did my infrared sauna. I’m obsessed with it. It’s so hot, but you have to suffer a little bit. You sweat it out. Pilates. Nothing else, no real prep,” she explained, ultimately emphasizing that true preparation comes from confidence and embracing one’s authentic self.
This admission sheds light on the dedication that even veteran models undertake, hinting at the physical demands behind the effortless beauty showcased on the runway. It’s a testament to the enduring pressure for perfection within the high-fashion world, balanced by Shayk’s grounded approach.
A Journey of an Icon: From Yemanzhelinsk to Global Superstardom
Born Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova on January 6, 1986, in Yemanzhelinsk, USSR, Shayk’s distinctive features—dark skin from her Tatar father and light eyes from her Russian mother—set her apart early in her career. Her journey into modeling was serendipitous; after studying music and marketing, she enrolled in a beauty school where she was discovered by a local modeling agency. This led to her winning “Miss Chelyabinsk 2004” and subsequently a modeling opportunity in Paris.
Shayk’s career quickly escalated. By 2007, she had graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and became the face of Italian clothing label Intimissimi. Her international appeal grew, landing her on the covers of global editions of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. A significant milestone came in 2011 when she became the first Russian model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her influence in the industry was further cemented when Models.com placed her on their prestigious “new supers” list in 2022.
Beyond the runway, Shayk ventured into acting, making her debut as Megara alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the 2014 film Hercules. Her personal life also garnered significant media attention through relationships with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and actor Bradley Cooper.
The Victoria’s Secret Chapter: Secret Pregnancy to Triumphant Comeback
Irina Shayk’s history with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is marked by two particularly memorable appearances. Her debut in 2016 was groundbreaking, though few knew it at the time: she walked the runway secretly pregnant with her daughter, Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper. This incredible feat of grace under pressure remained largely undetected, with even fellow models unaware of her condition. Lea was born on March 21, 2017, to Shayk and her then-partner, Bradley Cooper, as reported by People.
Eight years later, Shayk made her triumphant return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (initially noted as 2024, now confirmed for 2025 as per the latest news). This comeback was her first since welcoming her daughter, bringing a new depth of perspective and the undeniable confidence of motherhood to the catwalk. Reflecting on her return, she shared with Entertainment Tonight, “I mean, last time I walked [a] Victoria’s Secret Show, I was four and a half or five months pregnant, so here we go. I’m back,” adding a touching sentiment, “And my daughter probably will [be] watching it later.” Her journey highlights a powerful evolution, from secretly carrying life on the runway to proudly returning as a mother.
The Bombshells Are Back: A Look at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is set to feature an impressive lineup of both returning “Angels” and exciting new faces, promising a dazzling display of beauty and power. Irina Shayk joins a roster of iconic figures and fresh talent, ensuring the show remains a global spectacle. The diverse group of models reflects the brand’s evolving image, blending seasoned experience with new energy.
The list of models walking alongside Shayk includes:
- Returning Angels: Anok Yai, Alex Consani, Ashley Graham, Barbara Palvin, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes, Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, Paloma Elsesser, and Taylor Hill.
- Newcomers Making Their Debut: Precious Lee, Barbie Ferreira, Daiane Sodre, Iris Law, Quenlin Blackwell, Yumi Nuis, WNBA star Angel Reese, and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee.
Irina Shayk’s candid confession about runway preparation, combined with her remarkable journey from a secret pregnancy walk to a confident return as a mother, cements her legacy as a resilient and authentic figure in the modeling world. Her presence, alongside an exciting lineup of talent, promises that the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be a memorable event, celebrating not just beauty, but also strength and self-assurance.
