Irina Sheik (born January 6, 1986 in Yemanzhelinsk, Russia), born Irina Shaykhlislamova and sometimes credited as Irina Shayk, is a fashion model who has appeared on the covers of such magazines as Annabelle (Germany, May 2005), Jalouse (Greece, February 2006) and Bolero (Switzerland, June 2005). Sheik appeared in the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as one of the 2007 Rookies and also makes an appearance in the 2008 edition.
Irina Sheik knows all about the benefits of traveling by train. After all, that’s where a fashion executive discovered her in 2004, during a lengthy three-day trip from Chelyabinsk to Moscow. That chance encounter convinced her to pursue a career in modeling and Irina was soon signed by Traffic, the same agency that represents supermodels such as Anne V, Daniella Sarahyba and Natasha Poly, among many others.
In 2008, Sheik starred in a photo story for the song single “Diamond Girl” produced by Ryan Leslie.
Ryan Leslie also produced a song dedicated to Irina, named ‘I-R-I-N-A’, a song he produced to ‘break the ice’ on the set of diamond girl, as he didn’t speak Russian.
Sheik is the face of the world wide promotional campaigns of brands such as Intimissimi , Guess, Lacoste, Martini etc. She has also appeared on the covers of magazines throughout Europe, including Annabelle in Germany, Jalouse in Greece and Bolero in Switzerland.