Fashion

Irina Shayk shares her secret to feeling sexy

Just one month ago, the Italian lingerie label Intimissimi presented its latest collection in Verona during a fashion show worthy of a Parisian cabaret. An opportunity for Vogue to catch up with the model Irina Shayk who has been a face of the brand for more than 10 years. Take a look.
What is Irina Shayk's secret to feeling sexy
Courtesy of Intimissimi

For its annual show, Intimissimi invited an audience of guests to Verona to presents its "White Cabaret" on October 29. In a festive atmosphere that resembled Folies Bergères, the Italian brand presented lingerie pieces with an assumed femininity and signature elegance. As an ambassador for more than 10 years, Irina Shayk was present on the front row with the brand's other faces: Sarah Jessica Parker and Chiara Ferragni.

As bubbly as ever, Vogue met with Irina Shayk, the Russian model, to talk femininity, lingerie and sexiness.

Which values do you share with Intimissimi?

Irina Shayk: "I have worked with Intimissimi for more than 12 years and I what I love about Intimissimi underwear is that it is affordable for every woman. Classy, modern and chic at the same time and great quality as well. It is a family company which makes every item with love from Italy."

Irina Shayk at the Intimissimi show in Verona, September 2018

Daniele Venturelli

What is your favorite piece from the Fall/Winter 2019-2020 collection?

"Every piece of lingerie from Intimissimi is very special, but my favorite is definitely a triangle lace bra, and I also love silk bra of nude color, it is very chic and classy and very festive."

What is your secret for feeling sexy?

"It’s something that comes from inside out, and I think that every woman can be very sexy in her own way. And I can tell you a secret – if a woman wears comfortable and beautiful lingerie it helps a lot!"

Irina Shayk on the front row of the Intimissimi show in Verona, September 2019

Courtesy of Intimissimi

What is your definition of femininity?

"I think that a feminine woman is a woman with a big heart who cares for other people. A woman who believes in herself and is not afraid to follow her dreams."

What is your connection with lingerie? How do you feel about colorful lingerie?

"Lingerie is important for me. It is a first thing that you put on your body when you start to dress, you can sleep in lingerie, it is something very intimate and should feel like a second skin. I love colorful lingerie as it can add some sparkle into your morning, and it gives you a feeling of energy during the day."

What is your sleepwear outfit of choice?

"Something very comfortable, like boxer briefs from men’s collection and a T-shirt."

Irina Shayk

Courtesy of Intimissimi

Is there a fashion faux pas when it comes to lingerie?

"I think fashion in lingerie comes down to comfort. If you wear underwear which is not your size, for example, too small, it can ruin your day and your looks."

Do you prefer lingerie to be visible or hidden under clothes?

"I think it depends on what you are wearing and on your mood. Sometimes a piece of lingerie is visible on purpose and it can add a nice and sexy touch to the whole look."

Irina Shayk at the opening of an Intimissimi store in New York, October 2018

Daniele Venturelli

Do you prefer matching or separate, mix and match underwear?

"I love to experiment, and I think that you can definitely do it with lingerie. Probably for winter I’d choose a matching set of black, nude, red or dark blue lingerie. In summer I prefer mixing colors."

What underwear is ideal for a date night according to Irina Shayk?

"A perfect lingerie which is comfortable, and which makes you feel confident and sexy. Lingerie that feels like second skin. Intimissimi lingerie for sure."

Irina Shayk at the Intimissimi show in Verona, September 2019

Daniele Venturelli

Translated by Oliver Russell

Also on Vogue.fr:

Our 10 favorite beauty looks from Irina Shayk’s Instagram

Exclusive: Irina Shayk reveals her beauty secrets, from her perfume to her skincare routine