Even Irina Shayk isn’t quite sure why it took so long for her to land on the runway for Victoria’s Secret. “That’s a very good question, but I think you should ask them!” jokes the model while backstage at the Grand Palais set of this year’s VS Fashion Show. Most of the rookies joining team VS are newcomers to modeling, rounding out breakout years with a spot in the most coveted of events, but not Shayk. As a bona fide supermodel, Shayk has been present in the industry for a decade and is one of the most pH๏τographed women in the world. Though she stars in campaigns for Givenchy, lands covers of magazines, and makes headlines for her personal life, Shayk has never walked as an Angel until now. And even with all her experience, her excitement level is through the roof. “[The show] is like one big menu with Sєxiness, craziness, and beauty—it has it all,” says Shayk.

This year has been a whirlwind for Shayk. In addition to VS, she’s managed to grace the cover of several international editions of Vogue; work with pH๏τographers like Mario Sorrenti and Patrick Demarchelier; and continue to break ground with the kind of high-profile fashion month work that she was once told she’d never be able to attain. For Shayk, watching her career blossom has been thrilling, but what she’s most excited about is the way in which the business has become increasingly accepting.

“I think nowadays you can see different kinds of models, and I think I’m one of the girls who is embracing her curves,” says Shayk, who, like fellow bombshells Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid, has carved out a niche on the runway. “I feel more feminine, Sєxy, and just comfortable in my skin. I’m embracing my boobs, my ʙuтт, and maybe this is the reason they hired me now.”
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Becoming comfortable with who she is is something Shayk credits to her age. “Every year is beautiful and I try to appreciate each moment in my career, but 30 was definitely one of my best,” she says. The fact that the industry is finally waking up to the idea that beauty doesn’t have an age limit coincides with the rise of womanly models like her. “You can see designers and fashion people bringing in older girls to do their shows—I’m not even afraid to say older,” says Shayk. “[Modeling is] not just about age or skinny bodies anymore; it’s about the personality and beautiful souls. I travel around the world, and there are so many beautiful girls, but that’s not going to make you a supermodel. You have to have something more than just a pretty face.” Though it’s clear that Shayk has a lot more to offer than just beauty, she still can’t wait to show the audience what she and her Angel ilk have in store for VS. “It’s all very exciting,” she exclaims. “Beautiful girls, Sєxy costumes, amazing performers—a dream come true!”