Supermodel Irina Shayk has stunned the fashion world with her boldest editorial to date, gracing the cover of V Magazine’s spring preview issue in a series of provocative looks that include studded thongs, caged corsets, and jockstraps. Shot by legendary photographer Steven Klein, the shoot marks a defining moment in Shayk’s two-decade career, exploring themes of wild femininity and creative freedom.
In the cover image, Shayk wears a perforated vinyl top and skirt from Alaïa, paired with C.Ford leather gloves and a d’Alba white truffle sheet mask, setting the tone for the avant-garde spread. Throughout the editorial, she models an array of daring outfits, from a Zana Bayne studded leather bra and thong set while straddling a Harley Davidson motorcycle to a Jean Paul Gaultier leather cape worn with nothing but accessories. Other highlights include a molded latex corset by Vex, “landing strip” pants by Mowalola, and a Ferragamo dress in a bathtub scene, showcasing a mix of high fashion and edgy aesthetics.
Shayk collaborated closely with Klein on the shoot, serving as creative director to build a character that embodies “wild femininity.” In an interview with V Magazine, she explained, “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.” This character is bold, masculine in her own way, and lives in leather, reflecting Shayk’s personal evolution and the shoot’s thematic depth.
The editorial was captured at Klein’s home in Long Island, emphasizing an intimate and cinematic approach. Shayk shared that the inspiration came from discussions about a fictional woman obsessed with her father’s love for motorbikes and horses, elements prominently featured in the photos. “Creating this woman with Steven opened so many visual windows. It felt like stepping into another world,” she said, highlighting the collaborative and narrative-driven nature of the project.
At 40 years old, Shayk sees this shoot as a milestone, moving beyond her earlier Sports Illustrated image into more experimental fashion territory. She acknowledged the intimidation of scenes involving bikes and horses, joking, “The funny part is I can’t even ride a bike, and horses still intimidate me,” but embraced the challenge to create iconic imagery. This willingness to push boundaries aligns with her current “yes” era, where she prioritizes joy and creative partnership.
The shoot has generated significant buzz, with publications like Page Six and V Magazine highlighting its audacious style. Fashion critics note that it reinforces Shayk’s status as a versatile muse, capable of transforming from bombshell to high-fashion icon. The use of materials like leather, latex, and rubber, combined with Klein’s signature dark aesthetic, creates a powerful visual statement that challenges conventional beauty standards.
As the spring 2026 fashion season approaches, this editorial sets a tone for bold, unapologetic self-expression in the industry. Shayk’s work with Klein not only celebrates her career longevity but also signals a new chapter where she takes greater control over her image. Fans and fashion enthusiasts can expect this shoot to influence trends, emphasizing texture, exposure, and narrative in editorial photography.
