Irina Shayk insists that the key to appearing sexy is embracing an innate sense of "spiciness". The Russian model is no stranger to making jaws drops, having posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Intimissimi lingerie during her illustrious career. But when it comes to what makes someone stand out, Irina is certain that it all comes from exuding a specific sense of confidence.
"What is sexy?" she mused to W magazine. "It is not red lips, push-up bra, and high heels. It is some spiciness that you have inside. You can be sexy in conversation, you know? It is a charisma, it is part of your character - that what is really sexy to me."
Irina, who shares daughter with her actor beau Bradley Cooper, has been working for Intimissimi since 2007 when she was a fresh face cast in one of the brand's campaigns. A lot has changed over a decade as the brunette beauty not only has a lot more modelling stints to her name, including for the likes of Marc Jacobs and Moschino, but she's grown a great deal as a person.
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"I had just started modelling, 10 years ago, and I was very insecure about myself," she recalled of her beginnings in the fashion industry. "To be in front of the camera wearing lingerie, it's not easy no matter what size dress you wear. I was really insecure I didn't know what to do. By working with Intimissimi, I learned how to move in front of the camera, how to be comfortable in my own skin. I learned about my body, and I learned about myself."
And the Italian underwear label has since become a big part of her everyday attire, with the 31-year-old urging others to rock smalls as eveningwear and have "fun" with it.