Irina Shayk backstage at the Victoria’s Secret show: ‘I’ve never felt sexier or more confident’

All eyes in the fashion world were on Los Angeles this Sunday, October 18, as one of the most buzzed-about fashion shows of the season took place there. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 brought its own “angels” to California, with industry icons like Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Irina Shayk spreading their wings on the runway.

¡HOLA! caught up with some of the stars of the show backstage. Before stepping onto the catwalk for one of the most anticipated events on the fashion calendar, Irina Shayk shared why this night is so special: “We’re in the city of Los Angeles, the ‘angels’ have come to the City of Angels, so the atmosphere is definitely incredible, and this year we have a huge show,” she told Jovita Trujillo, HOLA! USA‘s Senior Writer.

© Getty Images for Victoria’s Secr

The Russian model was also especially excited to see the performance of the one and only Megan Thee Stallion: “I’m really excited to see Megan Thee Stallion,” she told us. Irina flew into Los Angeles not only ready to own the runway, but also eager to have fun and enjoy herself: “Catching up with my friends, enjoying the beautiful weather before heading back to New York, and I’m just happy to see you guys,” she said.

© Getty Images for Victoria’s Secr

“Having confidence is really hard these days”

As always, Irina took everyone’s breath away the second she stepped onto the runway. But for her, sensuality doesn’t come from a specific look or one particular beauty secret. It’s something much more personal: “Feeling confident in myself,” she revealed. And that, she stresses, is not easy right now: “I think having confidence is really hard these days,” she says.

© FilmMagic

© Getty Images for Victoria’s Secr

In fact, as Irina Shayk confessed to us, if there’s one true Victoria’s Secret, it’s this: “having confidence, feeling comfortable in your own skin, and just being yourself, no matter how old you are.” For her, there’s no doubt: “I’ve never felt sexier or more confident than I do right now.”

With that unstoppable attitude and her fierce energy on the runway, Irina once again proved why she’s one of Victoria’s Secret’s ultimate icons.