Irina Shayk has cemented her status as a recognizable name within the sartorial zeitgeist. Born Irina Shaykhlislamova, Shayk effortlessly transitioned from a small-town beauty to a global fashion phenomenon. Having masterfully navigated the journey since her first major cover for Sports Illustrated in 2011, Shayk has become a mainstay in high fashion, showcasing an extraordinary career trajectory that many models only dream of. Elevated by the keen oversight of fashion icons like Riccardo Tisci and Donatella Versace, Shayk has transitioned into having a major presence on runways like Mugler, Schiaparelli, and Alaïa. “It takes a whole village to get you to the place you want to be,” she declares of her journey. Now, as she juggles motherhood and business with effortless grace (she is a Capricorn, after all), her versatility has made her a fixture in front of the camera for photographers like Steven Meisel, Mert & Marcus, and the late Peter Lindbergh. Fresh off an epic Met Gala red carpet appearance, Models.com spoke to the New Super at The Mercer about her historic start, the importance of finding her creative tribe, and what it takes to make an iconic picture.