Known for its frigid temperatures and vats of vodka, Russia seems to be a breeding ground for supermodels. Having graced the covers and editorials of countless fashion publications as well as walking miles of runway for the world's top designers, Russian models like Natasha Poly, Natalia Vodianova, and Sasha Pivavorova (to name just a few) cement the country's reputation for having incredibly beautiful women. The nation's latest talent to keep an eye on hails from Yemanzhelinsk and she is steadily making her way to the top; Irina Shayk is the Russian on the Rise of the moment. Standing at a leggy 5'10", the sultry model has been gaining career momentum since 2008 when she was the spokes model for Intimissimi-at the time was being sold through Victoria's Secret- and made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie debut. Since then she has stormed the catwalk of Victoria's' Secret, appeared in Guess ads, sexed up the Armani Exchange campaigns, posed provocatively for Spanish GQ, and now she has nabbed the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit '11. She is now making an even bigger impression in the States with her recent appearance on E's Chelsea Lately and made the top 20 sexiest list on Models.com. What's next for the Russian beauty? I for one will be keeping my eyes on this potential supermodel.
Text Lauryn Stone
