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Irina Shayk opens up to PEOPLE about parenting her 8-year-old daughter Lea De Seine, who she shares with ex Bradley Cooper
While chatting about her debut in the 2026 Pirelli Calendar, the model reveals what conversations around beauty she's having with her little one
Shayk welcomed Lea with Cooper in 2017. The former couple have remained "friendly" in the name of being parents following their split
Irina Shaykknows more than anyone how beauty standards can influence us. That's why she's teaching her daughter,Lea De Seine, about confidence early on in life.
"I just feel like there are so many beauty standards out there that of course I try to protect my daughter from," she tells PEOPLE exclusively on raising her child, who she shares withBradley Cooper.
However, the 39-year-old supermodel though is "very happy" to be a part of an industry that is now celebrating inclusivity and others from all walks of life. "It's very important and I really hope that it's not a trend."
Another life lesson she hopes Lea follows: "Well, definitely to stand up for who you are."
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Shayk, who recently made herPirelli Calendar debutin its 52nd edition, also admitted to PEOPLE that she "was not born confident." However, she learned over time that loving yourself is a "learning process." She explained, "in this industry, there is so many things that now you can perfect and adjust, and I always say, you just have to love who you are." Motherhood is a part of her life that's empowered her even more. "I'm literally in the right time in my life. I'm a mother and I feel very comfortable in my own skin."
"Imperfections could be perfect. I mean, you can look at one of the most beautiful women in the world and maybe they don't have a perfect nose or lips or ears, but that's the beauty of them. So, I'm standing up for natural beauty, celebrating who you are."
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Shayk and Cooper, 50, began dating in 2015 and called it quits two years after Leah was born in 2017. Although, they've remained "friendly and get along" for their daughter.
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In aBritish Vogueinterview published in 2020, theHerculesactress admitted "it's hard to find a balancebetween being a single mom and being a working womanand provider," adding, "Trust me, there are days I wake up and I'm like, 'Oh my God, I don't know what to do, I'm falling apart.' "
"I always try not to stay away from my daughter for more than a week, but I also don't want to be this woman who's not truthful to herself, because I love my work and I was raised in a woman-run household. I want my daughter to know that momma has a job in her life because I want to raise a strong, powerful woman. Presents and food do not come out of the blue."
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