Exclusive: Aussie model Shanina Shaik rose to prominence in the now-defunct series Make Me a Supermodel back in 2008.
But it was her casting in the 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that really helped put her on the map, as she strutted her stuff down the catwalk – and on the world stage.
Now 35, Shaik has reflected on her very first fashion show for the lingerie giant, telling nine.com.au it “truly changed [her] life and career”.
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Shaik, who fronts the new Let’s Talk About Flex Bonds campaign alongside the likes of Aussie supermodel Elle Macpherson, 61, says the runway show was extra special as her mother flew over to New York to watch her.
“My first Victoria’s Secret show will always be my favorite memory,” she says.
“I flew my mum over from Australia to watch me walk, and having her there meant everything to me.
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“That first show truly changed my life and my career. I’ll never forget that feeling of stepping onto that runway for the very first time.”
Shaik also walked for Victoria’s Secret in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018.
The model, who has previously revealed her plan to launch a Korean-inspired skincare brand, says acting is on the cards too, despite all her success in modelling.
Over the years, she has modelled for major brands including Chanel, Tom Ford, and Seafolly.
“I’ve been so grateful for everything I’ve experienced in front of the camera, especially moments like walking for Victoria’s Secret, but I feel like there’s still so much I want to explore,” she says.
“Lately, I’m really drawn to being more behind the scenes. Stepping into the founder role for my own brand, being in the creative director seat, the storytelling, the product … that excites me in a different way.
“And who knows… maybe one day I’ll sit in a cinema and see myself on the big screen. I think evolving and dreaming bigger is part of the journey.”
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The model has appeared on the big screen before, including in the film The Mummy in 2017.
Now, Shaik, Macpherson and model Jennifer Atilémile are fronting a new campaign for Bonds to launch the Bases Flex range, with Shaik turning heads in a red set from the brand in one image.
“It was a pleasure to catch up with Elle,” she says of working with Macpherson.
“There’s something beautiful about this industry bringing you back into each other’s worlds after time has passed.
“Even those small in-between moments backstage feel meaningful.
“It reminded me how connected the Aussie community is, no matter where we are in the world.”
Speaking of Australia – Shaik is now a mother to son Zai, three, who she shares with Matthew Adesuyan, and says her tiny tot shows hints of an Aussie accent, despite the family being based overseas.
“He definitely has a little Aussie accent when he says certain words!” she says.
“It’s the funniest thing, hearing him switch between his American accent and an Aussie one.
“My son has actually travelled to Australia a few times already, thankfully.
“He absolutely loves visiting my mum and the rest of the family, it’s so special watching him build that connection to where I’m from.”
Shaik said motherhood is her greatest role yet, saying, “I absolutely love being a mother to my son.”
“Truly, the best thing about being a mum is simply being Zai’s mum. I feel so grateful every single day to have such a fun, loving, sweet little boy,” she added.
“Motherhood has given me a deeper sense of purpose and joy than I could have ever imagined.”
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