Irina Shayk sheds the conventional and embraces the extraordinary in a provocative new bondage-themed photo shoot for V Magazine.
The model, 40, graces the cover of this month’s issue, donning an Alaïa perforated vinyl ruffled top and fluted skirt paired with lace-up C.Ford leather gloves and a white truffle nourishing treatment mask from d’Alba Global Co Ltd.
Legendary photographer Steven Klein captured the photos which intend to “explore the seductive tension between touch, texture and the power of exposure.”
“Steven and I didn’t just shoot images — we built a character and a world together,” Shayk raved over her cover shoot with Klein, 60. “A true collaboration! Developed through their shared art direction and concepting, the story captures a fearless, leather-clad femininity — bold, free, and fully in her ‘yes’ era.”
Perhaps one of the most iconic shots is an image featuring Shayk in nothing but a leather Jean Paul Gaultier cape. She posed naked and was styled with edgy black boots and daring accessories that command attention, including a dominatrix-inspired choker necklace.
In another portrait, Shayk channeled her inner biker babe by straddling a black Harley Davidson motorcycle, rocking a leather triangle bikini set with micro studs paired with a belted corset and the same choker necklace. She completed her look with thigh-high boots, a sleek hairstyle and dark glam that complimented her rich chocolate colored hair.
“Everything we did in this story came from hours of Steven and me talking about her — the character we built together. Who is she? What does she love? How does she move through the world?” Shayk pondered.
“She’s bold. She’s masculine in her own way. She lives in leather,” the model added. “She goes out … unapologetic, fully herself.”
Shayk elaborated on how the shoot was a liberating experience for her, especially after her milestone birthday on January 6. The Victoria’s Secret Angel is a proud mom to 8-year-old daughter Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper, whom she shares with her ex Bradley Cooper, born in March 2017.
“There are no lines anymore. No more boxes of [being just a] ‘model’ or ‘only this.’ If something brings me joy, if I feel love for it, and if I have a creative partner beside me who inspires me, then I want to explore it,” the Sports Illustrated bombshell said.
“For me, [this story] represents a kind of wild femininity. Creating this woman with Steven opened so many visual windows,” she added. “It felt like stepping into another world.”
She also posed for a booty-baring image alongside one of Klein’s black horses, showing off her backside while clad in an itty-bitty thong paired with a black apron and zip-up boots.
“The funny part is I can’t even ride a bike, and horses still intimidate me,” Shayk dished. “My daughter rides [horses] and always tries to convince me to join her. Yet, I’ve always dreamed of standing beside one of Steven’s horses, capturing that iconic image.”
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